More adventures
The manatees are the main event. We're not going to pretend otherwise. But you drove all the way to the Nature Coast, the river doesn't close at lunchtime, and most guests leave the dock with half a day still in their pocket.
Here's how locals spend the other half.
60 minutes · from $59 per person · 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
This is not the Everglades tourist ride. It's a fast run out through the saw grass of Citrus County with a captain who knows every bend of the backwater. You'll get a seat, a window view with no upgrade charge (some of you will get that joke), a few stories about the Old Homosassa River, and a decent shot at wild hogs. Not the movie.
Booked separately from your manatee tour, so keep both confirmations handy. Departs from the same landing. 2-guest minimum to start a boat.
1.5 hours · from $40 per person · 6 guests per boat
The slow way down the Old Homosassa River. Mangrove islands, salt marsh, and the monkeys of Monkey Island, plus whatever wildlife decides to show up: dolphins, manatees, otters, turtles, and more wading birds than you can name. A good pick for anyone in your group who'd rather stay dry, and a good way to see the river in the late afternoon.
2 hours · 4 PM daily · from $55 per person · 6 guests per boat
Head down the Homosassa River and out to the Gulf to look for wild bottlenose dolphins. Your captain follows Dolphin SMART viewing rules, so the dolphins set the distance. Along the way: bald eagles, ospreys, and the old shell mounds of the river. Our captains find dolphins on about 8 of every 10 trips.
If you book…
Pair it with…
Why
An 8 or 10 AM manatee tour
A 1 or 3 PM airboat ride
Time for lunch at the dock in between
Any morning manatee tour
The 4 PM Dolphin Quest
Manatees in the springs, dolphins in the Gulf, one day
Manatee Madness (6-hour private)
Nothing. You'll be tired
Lunch is already included
Captain's tip
Book the manatee tour first, then build the rest of the day around it.
The manatees don't check their calendar, so we keep our tour times flexible, and it's easier to fit an airboat around us than the other way around.
Captain Parker
Every one of these runs from the same stretch of river, on small boats, with captains who live here. Start with the manatees and let the rest of the day fill itself in.
Check Availability: Manatee ToursBook 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
