Escape the crowds and embark on a serene day on the Crystal River with us! Journey from Orlando to this spring-fed oasis, renowned as the Manatee Capital of the World. After an educational overview and receiving snorkel equipment, we'll take you on a boat ride along the crystal clear river, abundant with nature. Get up close with the gentle giants as you snorkel with the manatees. Later in the afternoon, we'll visit Homosassa State Park, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Florida Wildlife. It's a day of unforgettable encounters and nature's wonders!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Boat ride on the Crystal River and through Kings Bay
  
• Swim and snorkel with manatees
• Visit the Homosassa State Park to see rescued Florida Wild Life

INCLUDES:

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

EXCLUDES:

• Mandatory $15 wetsuit rental for any swimmers to be paid on tour day
  
• Additional Food and beverages
• Optional gratuities

DESCRIPTION:

After boarding the tour vehicle we will 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 our 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 in the Crystal River. 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, they sometimes come to greet you or even roll over to be tickled. 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 we head to lunch.

The afternoon allows us to spend time at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa State WildLifePark - one of Florida’s best kept secrets. At this 210-acre park, you will have the chance to view many of Florida’s endangered animals such as the state panther, and black bears. Known as the 'Natures Fish Bowl', they have an underwater viewing chamber looking towards the springs; which is where the parks manatees like to hang out - they are house there during their rehabilitation before being let back into the wild. 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 round 4pm, this tour really is a true Florida adventure, and something unique to this area.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Please wear 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.
• Mandatory $15 wetsuit rental for swimmers to be paid on tour day, they are cleaned and sanitized between use.
• This activity may not be available on some holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

ITINERARY:

Departs Orlando at approx. 07:00

Arrival at Crystal River at approx. 09:00 

Depart Homosassa State Park area at approx. 15:30

 

THINGS GUESTS NEED TO KNOW OR BRING:

PERSONAL ITEMS: Camera, film, sunscreen, swimwear, beach towel, money for hire of wetsuits or videos of their swim experience.

DRESS CODE: Casual & cool 

All timings are approximate and subject to change. Food and drinks are included only when noted in the inclusions. No other food or drink is included within the tour product and guests are advised to take money to purchase them as necessary. Gratuities are not included for the tour guides or drivers. Many guests often ask us what a normal gratuity is, and we regularly state $2 per person for the tour driver and $2 for the guide. Gratuities are not mandatory but are encouraged upon receipt of good service.

Wheelchair Bound Guests

If you require a wheelchair, please be sure to tell us. There are 2 forms of wheelchairs: collapsible manual chairs, and non-foldable electric wheelchairs.  It is very important to know what type of chair you will be travelling with. There are multiple vehicles with wheelchair lifts and these can normally accommodate wheelchair bound clients; however, the vehicles need special reservations. Be sure to confirm this with us at time of booking, as we need to ensure the vehicle is available when you would like to take the tour.