The Marvelous Manatee · Our most popular tour
3 Hours · 6 Guests Per Boat Max · Semi-Private Boat
From our private docks in Homosassa Springs, we head up the spring-fed Homosassa River to the springs, where the water runs clear and warm and manatees gather on cool days. Float quietly alongside wild manatees while learning about these gentle giants from an experienced captain. We've been sharing unforgettable manatee adventures since 2000!
From$81per person + tax and fees
Not sure which time? They're all good. Semi-Private means you'll share the boat with a few other guests, never more than 6 total. Compare the 3 Hour Private Boat, where you book all 6 seats.
From the logbook
You check in, get fitted for a wetsuit, and watch a short Manatee Manners briefing filmed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Then it's out onto the water with your captain and up to five other guests.
Your captain picks the best spot for that day's conditions. The engine goes quiet. You slide in with a mask, a snorkel and a noodle, and float. No fins, no chasing. A curious manatee drifts up, looks you over, and decides whether to stay. Often they do.
You'll typically spend 60 to 90 minutes in the water. Then you climb out to a towel and a cup of hot cocoa (on cold days) or ice water (on warm ones), and head back with your captain answering every question on the way.
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.
"In our 3 hour trip we spent a hour and a half with manatees!"
★★★★★ Google review
Your tour departs from our private docks at 5297 S Cherokee Way in Homosassa, a few miles south of Crystal River and next door to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Your captain chooses the best manatee water each day, and you'll get exact meeting details in your confirmation.
Wetsuit (toddler through 5X), mask, snorkel and flotation noodle
Manatee Manners briefing, filmed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
A USCG-licensed captain and manatee educator, permitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hot cocoa and coffee in cooler months, ice water in warmer months
About 3 hours from check-in to return
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
Event Photography
Hire your own paparazzi for three hours.
$114.99 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. Coming back on a return voucher? You get 15% off photography for that trip. Policy →
"having a professional take care of the pictures allowed us to fully enjoy the experience"
Many manatee boats carry 10 to 20 guests. We only allow 6 guests on our 10 passenger boats. That means more room on the boat, in the water and more time with the manatees, and a captain who can actually answer your questions. It costs a few bucks more per seat than the big boats. That's the trade, and our guests tell us it's worth it.
“Semi-Private (Max 6 Guests)” Enjoy a more personal manatee snorkeling adventure with a maximum of just 6 guests per boat! Our small-group experience offers a relaxed atmosphere, personalized attention, and unforgettable encounters with Florida's gentle giants.
Have a larger group? We can accommodate your group with multiple boats and keep you together for the swim.
"Our boat only had 5 of us, we were told that they don't take more than 6 at a time."
★★★★★ Google review
Five or six in your group? Compare the 3 Hour PRIVATE Swim with Manatees Tour. It's often close in price, and the whole boat is yours. See the private tour →
Ages
2 and up recommended. Kids love it, and we carry toddler wetsuits.
Swimming
Not required. You float on the surface 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 don't own a calendar or a smartphone, and they roam all day. 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.
Minimum
2 guests to start a boat. Solo travelers may join others.
Bring
A swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, a change of clothes and, in the cooler months, a warm layer for the ride back.
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
