easy
3–6 hours
Basic swimming ability recommended; must be comfortable in water and able to wear a wetsuit.
Get ready to meet Florida’s gentle giants with Swim With Manatees in Homosassa. From private boat tours to extended swim adventures, discover what makes this destination a top pick for wildlife encounters.
Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Homosassa is a magnet for anyone drawn to its clear, spring-fed waters and the gentle giants they harbor. Swim With Manatees offers a suite of immersive tours centered on intimate encounters with West Indian manatees in both Homosassa Springs and nearby Crystal River, places where these endangered creatures come to congregate in winter and spring. The company’s range of options—from shared boat tours like the popular "Manatee Galore" to private, extended excursions such as the "Manatee Mania Extravaganza"—aims to balance adventure with conservation and education. Visitors get an up-close look at manatees in their natural habitats, often accompanied by informative commentary from captains and guides skilled at reading the waterways and animal behavior.
The experience is both serene and exhilarating: slipping into the cool, clear springs alongside slow-moving manatees, watching their curious snouts break the surface or feeling the gentle brush of their whiskered faces. Safety and respect for wildlife take center stage, with thorough briefings on behaviors to avoid and wet suits provided to keep you warm while swimming. Beyond manatees, the tours often highlight the exquisite ecosystems of the Crystal and Homosassa Rivers—where freshwater springs blend with coastal estuaries, and you might glimpse dolphins or diverse birdlife.
Swim With Manatees stands out in the Florida outdoor scene by focusing exclusively on sustainable, responsible wildlife tours that support the local environment and economy. The company’s passion and expertise, evident through rave reviews from families and first-timers, make these tours a must for anyone seeking authentic, hands-on wildlife encounters. For those drawn to Florida’s unique springs and marine life, this is an unforgettable way to engage deeply with one of the state’s most beloved symbols.
Manatees gather in large numbers during cooler months, so plan trips between November and March for the best chances of close swims.
Protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems by choosing sunscreens free of harmful chemicals when out on the water or swimming.
Guides provide vital instructions to ensure safe, respectful interactions with manatees—following their advice protects both you and the wildlife.
Capture underwater moments with these iconic creatures, but keep movements slow to avoid disturbing them.
Homosassa Springs has long been known for its natural springs and manatee populations, with efforts to protect the manatees dating back to the early 20th century.
Tours focus on minimal impact wildlife viewing, supporting local efforts to monitor and protect manatee populations and their freshwater habitats.
Provided on tours to ensure warmth in cooler spring waters and winter air temperatures.
winter|spring|fall specific
Necessary for underwater viewing of manatees without disturbing their environment.
all specific
Protects your skin and aquatic ecosystems when spending time on the water.
spring|summer|fall specific
Capture memories safely without interrupting the natural behavior of manatees.
all specific