Manatee Madness · Grandma and Grandpa love this tour
6 Hours · Private, Up to 6 Per Boat · Groups Up to 24 · Dockside Lunch Included
A private day on the water for up to six guests: time in the water with wild manatees, lunch at the dock with your captain and crew, and the rest of the day exploring the springs and wildlife of Old Florida. Everything is included, so you just show up.
$1,029.99per boat + tax and fees, up to 6 · groups up to 24
Dietary needs? Tell us when you book.
From the logbook
First: the manatees. Suit up, learn Manatee Manners, and head out. Your captain takes you to the best manatee water of the day, and you float for as long as the encounter lasts.
Midday: lunch at the dock, on us. Warm up, dry off, and sit down with your captain and crew at a riverside restaurant for a fresh-cooked meal. Save room for the hush puppies. Prefer to stay on the water? Take it to go and eat on the boat.
Afternoon: the river. Springs, mangrove islands, the monkeys of Monkey Island, dolphins, otters, eagles, and more time with manatees if they're in the mood. It's your boat, so it's your call.
You can expect to be back at the dock around 2:30 to 3 PM.
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.
Your tour departs from our private docks at 5297 S Cherokee Way in Homosassa, a few miles south of Crystal River. Six hours gives your captain the freedom to take you to the best manatee water of the day and show you springs and wildlife most visitors never see. You'll get exact meeting details in your confirmation.
The whole boat for up to 6 guests, for 6 hours, and no one else comes aboard
A USCG-licensed captain and manatee educator, all day, permitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wetsuits (toddler through 5X), masks, snorkels, noodles, towels and sunscreen
Drinks and snacks, plus hot cocoa, coffee and tea
Dockside lunch with your captain and crew
Manatee Manners briefing, filmed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The No-Sighting Promise: This rarely happens because of our large year-round manatee population. However, if no manatees are sighted during your tour, you'll receive a return voucher!
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 the whole day.
$199.99 per booking
We always welcome you to capture your own memories! But why spend your adventure behind a camera when you can relax and enjoy every moment? Our Event Photographer captures your entire experience, from wriggling into wetsuits and swimming with manatees to hot chocolate, laughter, and the boat ride home! It's more than manatee photos. It's your adventure, your memories, and your story! Even on quieter manatee days, your experience is beautifully documented.
📸 Photos and videos delivered the same day! Put the phone down, live the moment, and let us capture the magic! 💙
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 →
Anniversaries, milestone birthdays, family reunions, a grandparent's gift to the grandkids, and anyone who has come a long way and wants the whole river, not just a slice of it.
"Crossed the swim with manatees off my bucket list."
★★★★★ Google review
Ages
2 and up recommended.
Swimming
Not required. 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.
Hotel checkout
You may need to check out before the tour. We run on the manatees' schedule, and we'll keep you out as long as the day is good.
Dietary needs
Tell us when you book.
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.
Less waiting, more manatees
Board at our private docks in Homosassa Springs and you're typically underway within 10 to 15 minutes. Your captain gives the safety and manatee briefing on the boat on the way out, so more of your trip goes to the manatees: usually an hour or more in the water when the manatees and conditions cooperate.
10 to 15 min
typical time from boarding to underway
1 hour +
usual time in the water, conditions allowing
6 max
guests on every boat
Free
parking at our docks
LIVE WITH THE MANATEE FOR A FEW HOURS
" The Florida Manatee is the most endearing animal in the state of Florida "The Florida Manatee Tour" is the best kept secret of Wildlife Tours. We'll take you to the best location based on the previous day's Manatee Adventures. We recommend our tours because there are fewer people and boats, which means less stressed manatees. Book your Magical Manatee tour online or give Capt Kim a call 352-257-8687.
Book your manatee tour
Every tour is a small boat with six guests or fewer. Choose a tour to see dates and times.
Most popular
From $81 per person + tax and fees
Departs 8, 10, 12 and 2
Private
$450 per boat + tax and fees, up to 6
Groups up to 24 on 4 boats
Departs 7, 10 and 1
Private, more water time
$585 per boat + tax and fees, up to 6
Groups up to 24 on 4 boats
Departs 8 AM and 1 PM
Private, lunch included
$1,029.99 per boat + tax and fees, 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
