Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Come and enjoy the real Florida! Get up-close with the gentle manatee and see the beauty of Crystal River as you explore the Homosassa State Wildlife Park.
The tour heads up to Crystal River where you can snorkel or swim in the rivers where wild manatees live. It's an early morning departure, so bring breakfast snacks to eat during the journey.
Following a safety briefing and collecting your mask, snorkel & fins (wetsuit hire is $15 and required for swimmers) you board the boat. When manatees are spotted you can get into the river for great photos. If you prefer, you can opt to simply enjoy the boat ride while enjoying nature.
In the afternoon explore Homosassa State Park. The park is home to many species of rescued native wildlife.
If you purchase the Florida Adventure Tour fully inclusive option, you will also ride a Wild Airboat Ride on a river to spot the alligators and nature and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Options
Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat
Includes Airboat Ride
Includes Lunch
What's included in Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river. You will be on the boat at least 90 mins.
Homosassa River
We will visit the State Park at Homosassa. You will walk around the State Park and see the animals and view the manatees in the underwater viewing chamber at this hospital facility for injured manatees. There is also a cafe at the park so you could purchase lunch here if you wish, or if you prefer to pack yourself a picnic they do have picnic tables you can use inside the park.
Crystal River
Upon arrival at the picturesque Crystal River, you will enjoy a fabulous narrated boat tour. You will be provided masks, snorkels & fins, and encouraged to swim alongside these friendly creatures under the guidance of certified dive masters. The manatees are endangered and have come to the Florida springs year-round to find shelter and food. In the winter months the manatee population can reach several hundred and during summer, the average count is 80. They are "gentle giants" and have no teeth. After your cruise, you head to Homosassa State Wildlife Park, famous throughout Florida for the rehabilitation of injured animals. It is here you’ll have the chance to see the current manatee residents at the park during an informative and entertaining feeding session with one of the park rangers. You’ll also see bears, panthers, alligators and even a hippo as you explore the rest of the park. Roundtrip transport from the Orlando area and a knowledgeable driver-guide is also included.
Inclusions
- Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
- Admission into Homosassa State Park
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Driver/guide
- Picnic Lunch
- River cruise to look for the manatees
- Use of snorkel equipment, mask, snorkel and fins.
- Gratuities
- Bring your breakfast with you to enjoy on the transport vehicle if you wish.
- Airboat Ride on Saturdays - tour is priced lower
- Wetsuits must be hired
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- For Universal Resort Guests. Pick-up area is the PACIFICA ballroom lobby located at the rear of the resort on Pacifica Way. Departure time from this location is 06:00am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue. Tour Guide-Driver will provide everything needed. • Bring swimwear and towels if you intend to swim/snorkel. • If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. Pickups are between 6am-6.45am. You MUST contact Gray Line Orlando and let them know which pick up you prefer, they will confirm your pick up time. $15 pp wetsuite rental fee to be paid at the dive shop.