When does the tour operate?

Tours typically run November through March, when manatees aggregate in the spring-fed reaches of the Homosassa River.

Is equipment provided?

Yes—masks, snorkels, and wetsuits are provided; photography and an in-water guide are included at no extra charge, with a photo package available for purchase.

Although the trip title says "unheated," the operator notes the boat is fully enclosed and heated during the coldest months for guest comfort.

How many people are on a tour?

Maximum capacity is six people for semi-private tours, and a minimum of three paid participants are required to run a scheduled tour.

Can I touch or feed the manatees?

No—federal and state protections prohibit feeding or harassing manatees; guides will explain safe, non-invasive viewing practices.

Are private tours available?

Yes—private options are offered; call the operator directly to arrange a private departure and confirm availability.

Luxury Manatee Swim Tour on the Homosassa River: Semi-Private Winter Encounters

On the glass-bright ribbon of the Homosassa River, the Semi-Private or Private Unheated Manatee Swim Tour delivers four hours of close-up marine wildlife that feels personal rather than packaged. Departing from River Safaris - Homosassa at 10823 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Florida 34448, this small-boat experience focuses on slow, respectful encounters: a maximum six people, an in-water guide, and a photographer who documents your time in the water.

The trip runs seasonally, typically November through March, when warm groundwater draws Florida manatees into the river’s spring-fed reaches. The operator equips swimmers with masks, snorkels, and wetsuits; boats are fully enclosed and heated during the coldest months, and snacks, coffee, tea, hot cocoa and water are provided aboard. Tours require three paid participants to operate, and private options are available by request.

The setting itself is quietly distinctive. The Homosassa River is a tannin-stained estuary edged with palmettos and live oaks, with limestone and shell substrate under shallow channels that manatees favor for resting and feeding. You’ll float past seagrass beds where these gentle herbivores graze, and—if you’re lucky—spot dolphins slipping through the mouth of the river or river otters playing along the banks.

What makes this outing special is the mix of comfort and closeness: a heated, enclosed boat that feels more like a floating hide than a tour vessel, and a small group size that reduces disturbance and maximizes sightlines. Guides prioritize manatee-safe approaches and limit in-water time to protect animals’ space, so every minute you spend beside a slow-moving, whiskered face feels meaningful and rare.

Practical details matter: tours last roughly four hours; photography packages can be added at the end; check-in is at the Yulee Drive departure point. This is a low-key, high-quality wildlife adventure for travelers who want more than a quick look from a crowded pontoon. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers who value an intimate, guided swim with the state’s protected marine mammals while supporting operators who run small, controlled outings that prioritize animal welfare. Book early for prime winter windows—manatees concentrate in the cold months—and expect an experience that balances warmth, comfort, and close-up wildlife viewing in one of Florida’s most accessible spring-fed river corridors.

Before you go, pack a towel, change of clothes, and reef-safe sunscreen; although wetsuits are included, water and river breezes will cool you after the swim. Expect gentle water and shallow depths where guides anchor the swim so manatees can approach on their terms. Tours are designed to minimize disturbance: no feeding, no chasing, and photos are taken by the guide to avoid repeated in-water flashes. Call ahead to confirm dates and private options, and arrive early to complete any paperwork and orientation. Bring motion sickness medication.

About River Safaris

River Safaris is a tour operator in Homosassa, Florida, offering airboat rides, manatee swim tours, boat rentals, scallop hunts, and wildlife cruises. The fleet includes 20‑, 22‑, and 24‑foot pontoons and boats equipped with reliable engines, new seating, and optional Bluetooth speakers for on-water comfort and convenience. Airboat options include a 90 Minute Airboat Tour and a 60 Minute Airboat Tour that run through backwaters, estuaries, palm-lined canals, and mangrove islands where passengers can spot dolphins and historic shell mounds.

From November through March, River Safaris operates semi-private and private manatee swim tours aboard heated or unheated boats. Those 4-hour manatee adventures feature small-group formats, snacks, and drinks, providing personalized wildlife viewing and close-up encounters with gentle manatees in warm coastal waters. Scallop hunters can choose a 5-hour Gulf of Mexico trip with or without an in-water guide to search for bay scallops while watching for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.

The Manatee Magic and Wildlife Safari in Old Homosassa cruises through local waterways, passes Monkey Island, and focuses on spot-and-see wildlife experiences. Boat rental guests can use boats for scalloping, swimming, fishing, or general exploration of Citrus County waterways.

River Safaris employs experienced captains familiar with local waters and wildlife viewing etiquette. Reservations, detailed safety briefings, and clear seasonal schedules help guests plan trips. The company's offerings emphasize safe, guided access to Homosassa waterways and wildlife experiences for families and small groups. Online reservations and walk-up availability vary by season; advanced booking is recommended for popular dates.