The Magnificent Manatee · Families are in love with this one
3 Hours · Your Group Only · Up to 6 Per Boat, Groups Up to 24
The whole boat and the captain, just for your people.
$450per boat, up to 6 · groups up to 24
This price is for the whole boat, whether you bring one guest or six.
From the logbook
A private tour means the boat and the captain are yours for three hours, and no one else comes aboard. You set the pace. Want more time with a mother and calf? Stay. Want to stop for the monkeys on the way back? Ask.
It's the tour our guests choose for anniversaries, birthdays and once-in-a-lifetime family trips, and the one first-timers pick when they want a little more attention in the water.
There's more to discover than manatees! Along the way, you may spot eagles, ospreys, blue herons, waterfowl, river otters, and even an occasional dolphin. On our Homosassa tours, keep an eye out for the residents of Monkey Island. Did we say monkeys? Yes, monkeys! Every trip offers something different, so keep your camera ready.
"it was so special to be with a momma and her baby with just us."
★★★★★ Google review
Check in, get fitted for wetsuits, and watch the Manatee Manners briefing together. Your captain takes your group to the best manatee water of the day, cuts the engine, and gets you in. Float, watch, and let the manatees come to you. Climb out to hot cocoa or ice water, and ride back with your own personal manatee expert.
Your tour departs from our private docks at 5297 S Cherokee Way in Homosassa, a few miles south of Crystal River. With a private charter, your captain has even more freedom to find the quietest manatee water of the day. You'll get exact meeting details in your confirmation.
The whole boat for up to 6 guests
A USCG-licensed captain and manatee educator, just for your group, permitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wetsuits (toddler through 5X), masks, snorkels and noodles
Manatee Manners briefing, filmed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hot cocoa and coffee in cooler months, ice water in warmer months
The No Sighting Promise: a return voucher if no manatees are sighted
No parking fees. You park free at our private docks
More than six? We can take up to 24 guests on four boats that travel to the same area, so you swim together. Call us to book a larger group.
Snacks: you're welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Lunch is included on the 6 Hour PRIVATE Manatee Tour with Dockside Lunch.
Event Photography
Hire your own paparazzi for three hours.
$124.99 per booking
Our event photographer covers the whole trip, not just the manatees: wriggling into wetsuits, the hot chocolate, the laughs on the ride back. We don't sell manatee photos. We sell event photography, so even on a slow manatee day your trip still gets documented. On a private boat, every photo is of your people.
Covers up to six guests on one boat; extra boats need an additional, discounted package. Not refundable and not covered by Trip Protection. Coming back on a return voucher? You get 15% off photography for that trip. Policy →
This price is for the whole boat, whether you bring one guest or six. If you're a group of five or six, do the math against shared seats. It's often close, and you get the whole boat. If you're two, it's the difference between sharing your manatee with strangers and having the river to yourselves.
Ages
2 and up recommended. If you're bringing an infant, private is the easy choice.
Swimming
Not required. You float with a noodle. The swim is easy, you'll never be rushed, and staying on the boat is always fine.
Tour times
Every departure is a good one. Manatees roam all day, so pick the time that fits your day.
Water
Wild river and spring water. The springs stay about 72 degrees year-round.
Cooler months
Cold? Nah, not really! The water is 72 degrees all year. This is Florida. Bring a hoodie for the ride back, and the hot cocoa and the Sundrops of Florida will handle the rest.
Dogs
Welcome on private charters.
Group of 7 to 24?
We run up to four boats, six guests each, to the same manatee area, so your whole group swims together. Call 352-257-8687 to book.
The No Sighting Promise
Our captains find manatees on 90% of trips, all year. If yours is one of the few, you get a return voucher that never expires. It's free with trip protection, or $15 per person without.
Book your manatee tour
Every tour is a small boat with six guests or fewer. Choose a tour to see dates and times.
Private
$450 per boat, up to 6
Groups up to 24 on 4 boats
Departs 7, 10 and 1
Private, more water time
$585 per boat, up to 6
Groups up to 24 on 4 boats
Departs 8 AM and 1 PM
Private, lunch included
$999 per boat, up to 6
Groups up to 24 on 4 boats
Departs 8 AM
Not sure which one? Compare the tours
More than six in your group? Call 352-257-8687
