easy
3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Join Blue Heaven River Tours for an exclusive 3-hour Manatee PLUS+ Boat Tour in Homosassa, Florida. Perfect for groups of 13 to 18 guests, this adventure offers intimate wildlife viewing and educational insights in a stunning aquatic setting.
This special tour is for larger parties of 13 to 18 guests. Enjoy a private tour for everyone!
Manatee Plus+ Packages take manatee magic to the next level:
Our unforgettable classic 3-hour swim with the manatee tour on your own private boat with your own private expert captain
Same day tickets to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park (located 2 miles en route to the boats) where you can see rescued manatees, Lu the hippo, and other special animals
A special manatee keepsake for kids 12 and under
Most tours are limited to 6 guests due to Coast Guard Requirements. (This is true for all tour companies who adhere to 6-pack captain licenses). This tour hosts 13 to 18 guests by using three boats traveling together!
We use three boats to accommodate larger groups. The boats travel to the springs together and the boats tie up together.
Once in the springs, everyone can enjoy either boat and everyone appreciates the onboard restroom of the 30-foot pontoon. The group can swim with the manatees together and be together as long as the boats are not moving.
After swimming with the manatees, the guests choose a boat for the short ride back to the docks. Everyone can even trade boats to get to experience different boats.
Per Coast Guard rules, children, seniors, and non-swimmers all count as guests toward the boat total.
Getting to the boat launch early increases your chances of seeing active manatees and enjoying a relaxed experience.
Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during the sunny boat ride.
Use the boat’s railings for steady shots of wildlife and scenery along the river.
Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises to keep the environment undisturbed.
Homosassa has a rich history as a fishing and boating community dating back to the 1800s, with many local stories preserved in the area.
Blue Heaven River Tours actively supports local efforts to protect Florida’s waterways and manatee populations through responsible tour practices.
Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable ride.
summer specific
Capture memorable wildlife encounters and scenic views along the river.
Be prepared for brief showers or cooler breezes during transitional seasons.
spring|fall specific
Enhance wildlife viewing with portable binoculars, especially for distant birds or marine life.