easy
6 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; swimming ability recommended but not necessary
Join a private snorkeling tour in Homosassa and Crystal River to swim with tranquil manatees in their natural habitat. Guided by experts, enjoy all gear and a scenic dockside lunch in a truly unique Florida adventure.
Ages 2+ (Recommended) • Up to 6 People • 6 Hours • includes Lunch
Embark on an unforgettable 6-hour private manatee tour on the stunning Homosassa or Crystal River. Enjoy exclusive snorkeling with manatees, guided by a knowledgeable captain. With all gear provided and a delicious lunch included, this unique experience allows you to connect with nature and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
6 hours
Experience Snorkeling With the Manatees. for a truly exclusive private swim with manatees excursion on the beautiful Homosassa River and or Crystal River accompanied only with your family/party. Our Exclusive Private Manatee Madness tour, best of all private tours.
We offer this very special and unique opportunity to snorkel with manatees in a private setting, including; snorkeling gear, wetsuits, drinks, snacks, towels, sunscreen, hot chocolate/coffee/tea, and lunch with your captain all in the price of your booking. Lets us do the work and planning for your vacation.
Our private Swim With Manatees tour begins at 8:00 AM. Each private manatee tour lasts about 6 hours, however, as your enjoyment is important to us, your time on the water may be extended to try to ensure everyone has a good encounter, especially the manatees! This tour is truly private, as you will not be sharing the boat with others, this is for your party only.
If you are staying at a nearby hotel/motel, you may need to check out prior to the tour, as our tours are on the manatees schedule, and not necessarily ours. You can expect to return to the dock around 2:30-3:00 pm.
Upon arrival, and after signing the necessary paperwork, each guest will change into the rental wetsuits, each guest is allowed to bring of their own. After ensuring all the wet suits fit properly, we will play a short DVD, (filmed in cooperation with the United States fish & Wildlife Service) which demonstrates how you must behave while on a manatee tour, interacting with them in their natural habitat.
Next, all guests and their US Coast Guard Certified Captain/Tour Guide will proceed to the dock area and board our comfortable pontoon boat to embark on your manatee tour.
While touring the wonderful "Homosassa River" or the "Crystal River Refuge" in search of manatees, your Captain will teach you about manatee and their habitat, answer any questions you may have. You may also expect to see Bald Eagles, dolphins, otters, wild pigs, raccoons and a large array of local and snow birds. Once the captain has found some friendly manatees, the anchor will be dropped and everyone will quietly enter the water to interact properly with the manatees. You can take pictures, swim/snorkel with the manatees, and even, if the manatees allow, touch these amazing creatures. After your day of Manatee excursions the captain will take you and your family to lunch by boat to the " River Side Resort", or 'Crackers" where you can sit down and enjoy your lunch. Get it to go and enjoy eating your meal on the boat, it's all up to you and your family. Share your memories and thoughts of your Manatee encounter over a freshly, cooked meal or "Hush Puppies".
Apply waterproof sunscreen and bring a hat to stay comfortable during the water and lunch break.
Follow instructions from your captain and guide to ensure respectful interactions with the manatees.
Capture underwater moments but keep a safe distance from the animals to avoid disturbance.
Getting on the water at the start of the day improves your chances of seeing more manatees.
Homosassa has been a designated wildlife refuge since the 1980s, focusing on conservation of native species.
Swim With Manatees emphasizes eco-friendly practices and supports local efforts to preserve manatee populations and their habitats.
A comfortable swimsuit is essential for easy movement in the water.
summer specific
Provides thermal insulation and sun protection during cooler months.
spring|fall|winter specific
Protect skin from sun exposure with waterproof sunscreen or protective clothing.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Allows capturing underwater moments without risking damage to your devices.