Manatee Mania · Momma loves this tour
4 Hours · Your Group Only · Up to 6 Per Boat, Groups Up to 24
Book the whole boat and spend up to two hours in the water with wild manatees when conditions allow. The main difference from the 3-hour private tour is one more hour: a little more laid back, for a few bucks more.
$585per boat, up to 6 · groups up to 24
Not sure which time? They're both good. Manatees keep their own schedule.
From the logbook
Manatees keep their own schedule. Sometimes the best moment comes in the first ten minutes. Sometimes it comes after forty minutes of quiet floating, when a calf finally decides you're interesting. The extra hour gives you time to wait for it.
We aim to keep you in the water for up to two hours whenever conditions allow. The rest is yours: the springs, the monkeys, dolphins, or simply more questions for your captain.
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.
"We spent two hours in the water with dozens of manatees."
★★★★★ 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, and no one else comes aboard. Float, watch, and let the manatees set the pace. When you're ready, climb out to hot cocoa or ice water and see what else the river has to show you.
Your tour departs from our private docks at 5297 S Cherokee Way in Homosassa, a few miles south of Crystal River. Four hours gives your captain time 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, for 4 hours
Up to 2 hours in the water with manatees, conditions allowing
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.
Event Photography
Hire your own paparazzi for four hours.
$175 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. More time on the river means more of the moments worth keeping.
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 →
Ages
2 and up recommended.
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.
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.
Snacks
Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Want lunch included? See the 6 Hour PRIVATE Manatee Tour with Dockside Lunch.
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
