After boarding the tour vehicle, head off towards Citrus County, and the famous Crystal River, the only place in the world where it is legal to swim and snorkel with wild manatees. After some information from a professional tour guide and a safety presentation at the dive shop, you will be fully prepared for your boat ride. The Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain will slowly cruise down the river looking for the wild manatees. You can choose to snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural surroundings on the boat tour. Manatees, also known sea cows, are gentle giants and when snorkeling in the river where they often swim. You cannot approach wild manatees; they are wild on the river but if we spot them manatees often will come near to humans. This is an experience you don't want to miss out on. Back on solid ground you will have chance to change at the dive shop before heading to a local cafe for you to purchase lunch.

Spend afternoon time at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park - one of Florida’s best kept secrets. At this 210-acre park, take a chance to view many of Florida’s endangered animals such as the state panther, and black bears. This park toys to rescue and rehabilitate as many animals as it can, whilst providing a safe having for those whose injuries often make it impossible for them to return to the wild. Arriving back into the Orlando area around 4pm, this tour really is a true Florida adventure.

I can't fault this experience. We were contacted in good time from the tour company who provided pick up location. Felt very safe with our driver who was very knowledgeable. On arrival at the boat company, we were taken out by a driver and guide. They explained about this being off-season but 30 resident manatees. Guide was very clear about not getting too close, disturbing them etc. Afterwards we were taken to a local wildlife park and had plenty of time for lunch & free time. Highly recommend.

Swim with manatees was amazing. Equipment and guides all excellent. The second part, the homosassa park was ok. Could have had less time and got back earlier.

The information says collection from Disney areas but doesn't actually specify that you will only be collected from Swan resort which you have to make your own way to for a pick up of 6.35am. So be prepared to pay for an uber. Our driver was 20 minutes late which meant we could have used the Disney transport instead of paying extra for an uber. We got dropped off at the same place but getting to all stars from Swan is really difficult. The manatee section 100/10 amazing. State Park terrible.

Brilliant trip. Transport was comfortable and the driver was helpful and attentive. The swimming with manatees was an incredible experience and the staff there were knowledgeable and caring, their priority was the safety of the animals which is what we would want. The Homosassa wildlife park rounded the trip off nicely.

The driver of the bus that took us down to the dive centre was just amazing ( think his name was Ishmael?). We learnt more about Orlando and it’s surroundings in those few hours than we had in the whole 2 weeks holiday. The experience of swimming with manatees was well organised and better than expected. It would have been better to have been picked up from our hotel in the morning rather than having to travel to a different one but Ishmael was kind enough to drop us off at our hotel on return

Why you’ll love this…

Escape from the crowds and spend your day relaxing at the river
Take a boat trip over the Crystal River
Have fun swimming and snorkeling with manatees
Explore Hamosassa State Park as known for its rescue and rehabilitation of Florida Wildlife

Important to know

A maximum number of participants in each booking is 10
All swimmers must hire a wetsuit from the dive shop, the wetsuit costs 15 USD. The amount needs to be paid directly at the shop, both cash and credit cards are accepted
A tour will stop at lunchtime at a local restaurant for you to purchase lunch
Please wear a swimsuit under clothes in the morning as it will make things easier upon arrival at the dive shop
Bring towels and a change of clothes for after the dive time
Please contact the tour operator 48-24 hours ahead of your booked date to arrange a pickup time and location

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What’s included

Roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee or Disney areas
Equipment provided: mask, snorkel and fins
Boat ride on Crystal River
Admission to Homosassa State Park
Licensed, professional & friendly guide-driver
Comfortable & air conditioned transportation

What’s not included

Food and beverages
Optional gratuities
Wetsuit

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Gray Line Orlando Tours, Grand National Drive, Orlando, FL, USA

Meeting point:

The pick-up service is only available throughout the tourism corridors of Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, and Kissimmee including the Disney and Universal areas. Please contact the tour operator in 48-24 hours ahead of your booked date to arrange a pickup time and location. It is recommended to arrive your meeting location at least 5 to 10 minutes prior to the departure time and wait outside the meeting point as the Guides will not go into lobbies or stores to look for guests.

Provider

GRAY LINE OF ORLANDO

What people say about this experience

4.7/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 8 reviews

Review categories

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5

All ratings (8)

5 stars (6)

75%

4 stars (1)

13%

3 stars (1)

13%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

M
Michelle
Travelled with family
31 August 2025
5
United States of America
I can't fault this experience. We were contacted in good time from the tour company who provided pick up location. Felt very safe with our driver who was very knowledgeable. On arrival at the boat company, we were taken out by a driver and guide. They explained about this being off-season but 30 resident manatees. Guide was very clear about not getting too close, disturbing them etc. Afterwards we were taken to a local wildlife park and had plenty of time for lunch & free time. Highly recommend.
T
TUI Musement Traveler
20 October 2023
5
United States of America
B
Becca
Travelled with family
6 November 2022
4.2
United Kingdom
Swim with manatees was amazing. Equipment and guides all excellent. The second part, the homosassa park was ok. Could have had less time and got back earlier.
K
Kayleigh B
Travelled with family
29 October 2022
3.4
United Kingdom
The information says collection from Disney areas but doesn't actually specify that you will only be collected from Swan resort which you have to make your own way to for a pick up of 6.35am. So be prepared to pay for an uber. Our driver was 20 minutes late which meant we could have used the Disney transport instead of paying extra for an uber. We got dropped off at the same place but getting to all stars from Swan is really difficult. The manatee section 100/10 amazing. State Park terrible.
S
Sue
Travelled with family
3 September 2022
5
United Kingdom
Brilliant trip. Transport was comfortable and the driver was helpful and attentive. The swimming with manatees was an incredible experience and the staff there were knowledgeable and caring, their priority was the safety of the animals which is what we would want. The Homosassa wildlife park rounded the trip off nicely.
D
David
Travelled with family
25 August 2022
5
United Kingdom
The driver of the bus that took us down to the dive centre was just amazing ( think his name was Ishmael?). We learnt more about Orlando and it’s surroundings in those few hours than we had in the whole 2 weeks holiday. The experience of swimming with manatees was well organised and better than expected. It would have been better to have been picked up from our hotel in the morning rather than having to travel to a different one but Ishmael was kind enough to drop us off at our hotel on return