Manatee Tours

You won't have a better time anywhere in Florida!

Swim with Manatees
April - October on the Crystal River

And

November - March on the Homosassa River

underwater manatee photo

Manatee viewing trips approx. 1 hour @ $23.00 per person

SWIM WITH THE MANATEES -

  • Summer - On the Crystal River at 9am. $45 per person with 3 person minimum and 12 person maximum. Wetsuit and gear included.
    Book the Summer Swim with Mantees and get 25% off the airboat ride of your choice! Non swimmers $25. Have your own gear? $35 Maximum of 12 people.
  • Winter - A two hour trip to the Blue Waters to swim with these docile animals. $40 per person - 2 person minimum Wetsuit, mask & snorkel INCLUDED. If you have your own gear, the fee is only $29. Just want to go on the tour, but not swim, the fee is only $23. Free hot drinks.
  • Rental boats available on the Homosass River if you would like to do it yourself. See rentals page.

Manatees come to our 72 degree freshwater springs area in the winter because the Gulf of Mexico water temps drop well below that. In the beginning and end of the season they will come and go as weather cools and warms. So it is a good idea to check with us about the situation. We will tell you the truth as we know it but keep in mind that sometimes the changes are rapid. Because the Gulf of Mexico is so shallow it heats up and cools down quickly.

Wetsuits are recommended but not necessary. You know your comfort level in cold water. A mask and snorkle is a must but we no longer provide swim fins for those going to see manatees because the way to interact with them in to really just hang out on the surface and observe. Fins cause us humans to stir up the sediment in the water making in cloudy and not wearing them will help encourage you to stay still and quiet. We do have underwater socks! Manatees are seen year round in our river system and in the Gulf of Mexico but only in the cold winter months do they stay in the springs area where it is easy to swim with them.

Keep your eyes open for a snout, a flipper or tail or something that looks like your dinner table coming to the water's surface-that's a manatee! Rules for swimming with manatees. Always keep in mind that the manatees we take you to swim with are wild animals. Our philosophy is to passively observe and request that you maintain a space between you of 8 to 10 feet. They will come to you for interaction and at that time you may reach out and touch them. Never separate a mother and calf, do not hang onto the animal and of course, riding them is a No. And please do not attempt to feed them anything.

Notice: The United States Coast Guard requires that we inform you of the following: Adult and Child life vest locations vary on each boat. Note the location upon boarding and the information about wearing the vests. Fire extinguishers are in at least two locations on each boat. You are riding at your own risk. If you have a medical condition that we should be aware of or questions on the use and placement of life vests and fire extinguishers direct your questions to your Captain. All Captains are U.S.C.G. trained and licensed. The Homosassa River and it's tributaries are shallow water areas. If you should happen to fall overboard, please stand up.


Please contact us about planning your next adventure on the Homosassa River in Old Homosassa Florida!