Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando

Lake Buena Vista, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (219 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    River cruise to look for the manatees
  • inclusion
    Picnic Lunch
  • inclusion
    Use of snorkel equipment, mask & snorkel
  • inclusion
    Admission into Homosassa State Park
  • inclusion
    Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • inclusion
    Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
  • inclusion
    Driver/guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities
  • exclusion
    Wetsuits must be hired
  • exclusion
    Breakfast
  • exclusion
    Airboat ride on fridays & saturdays - tour is priced lower

Meeting Point

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

Meeting point

6300 Hollywood Wy, Orlando, FL 32819 , United States

End point

End Point

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

Meeting point

6300 Hollywood Wy, Orlando, FL 32819 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Meeting Point

This is the pick-up location for all resorts in Walt Disney World. Please wait outside the entrance to the convention center. Departure time from this location is 06:35am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911

2

Meeting Point

Free parking at this location, please park and wait towards the back of the carpark, away from the restaurant entrance. Departure time from this location is 06:20am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour.

3
Meeting Point

Free Parking at this location. This stop will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line to confirm their pickup location & time. Departure time from this location is 06:10am. Please let Gray Line know you are boarding here - by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior.

4

Meeting Point

Please wait outside the hotel lobby. Departure time from this location is 06:05am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour.

5

Meeting Point

Free Parking at this location. This is the final stop and will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line. Departure time from this location is 06:45am. Please let Gray Line know you are boarding here -please call or Whats App 407-522-5911 the day prior.

6
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river.

7

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.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
8

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.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
9

Withlacoochee River

If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.

Duration 30 minutes
10

End Point

This is the pick-up location for all resorts in Walt Disney World. Please wait outside the entrance to the convention center. Departure time from this location is 06:35am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911

11

End Point

Free parking at this location, please park and wait towards the back of the carpark, away from the restaurant entrance. Departure time from this location is 06:20am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour.

12
End Point

Free Parking at this location. This stop will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line to confirm their pickup location & time. Departure time from this location is 06:10am. Please let Gray Line know you are boarding here - by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior.

13

End Point

Please wait outside the hotel lobby. Departure time from this location is 06:05am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour.

14

End Point

Free Parking at this location. This is the final stop and will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line. Departure time from this location is 06:45am. Please let Gray Line know you are boarding here -please call or Whats App 407-522-5911 the day prior.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Gray Line of Orlando

What our experts say

  • icon
    Pack snacks for the early trip.
  • icon
    Bring a waterproof camera for photos.
  • icon
    Consider renting a wetsuit for comfort.
  • icon
    Explore the cafe at Homosassa Park.
  • icon
    Check out the underwater viewing chamber.

More About this Experience

Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando

Come and explore the real beauty of Florida with the Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando. This unforgettable tour allows you to get up-close and personal with the gentle manatees while also discovering the stunning Crystal River and Homosassa State Wildlife Park.

What to expect?

During this 510-minute adventure, you can expect an immersive experience like no other. Begin your day with an early morning departure and bring some breakfast snacks for the journey. After a safety briefing and collecting your snorkeling gear, board the boat and head to Crystal River, where the wild manatees reside. Whether you choose to swim alongside these majestic creatures or enjoy a leisurely boat ride, you'll have the opportunity to spot and capture incredible photos of manatees in their natural habitat.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone looking to experience the wonders of Florida for the first time, the Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride is an ideal choice. Families, friends, and solo travelers can all enjoy this unique and educational journey.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Crystal River and witness the endangered manatees up-close in their natural habitat. This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants, guided by certified dive masters. Not only will you have an unforgettable encounter with the manatees, but you'll also explore Homosassa State Wildlife Park, which is famous for rehabilitating injured animals. Bears, panthers, alligators, and even a hippo await you as you wander through the park. Roundtrip transport from Orlando and a knowledgeable driver-guide are also included, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

Good to know

Before embarking on this adventure, it's important to note that wetsuit hire is available for $15 and required for swimmers. If snorkeling isn't your preference, you can still enjoy the boat ride and observe the fascinating wildlife. You'll have the option to purchase lunch from the park cafe or bring your own picnic to enjoy during your visit to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring a sense of adventure!

Reviews

Past guests have raved about their experiences on the Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride. Many have expressed their fascination with the manatees and the opportunity to swim alongside them. Others have praised the knowledgeable guides and the chance to explore Homosassa State Wildlife Park, discovering its diverse range of wildlife. Overall, customers have praised the tour for its educational value, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable encounters with nature.

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