You’ve come all the way to Florida, so it makes sense to actually see as much of it as possible, and no other tour provides such a wide-ranging, in-depth experience as our carefully crafted private manatee tour in Crystal River.
This is the private version of our Manatee Snorkeling Tour in Crystal River. It includes PRIVATE transportation to and from the listed activities. No other visitors will be traveling in the same tour vehicle as you and your party. Door-to-door service is included with pickup directly from your hotel. But while the transportation is private, the activities may be shared with other groups.
This private manatee tour starts with an inclusive breakfast and a full overview of what’s in store as we head out to the beautiful Crystal River area on the Gulf Coast, 80 miles northwest of Orlando. This is the Manatee Capital of the World, and the only place in America where it is legal to swim with manatees.
Crystal River is also home to stunning natural springs and lots of wildlife. You’ll get to meet an essential part of it as we gear up for the signature manatee snorkel under the supervision of a Coast Guard Certified Captain *. You will learn all about the unique West Indian manatee and then get to see some of them, up close and personal in the crystal-clear waters!
Then we head off to 210-acre Homosassa Springs State Park, a genuine hidden gem of Florida nature, where there is plentiful local wildlife to see and hear about, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, bobcats, and alligators. There is also a profusion of birdlife, notably whooping cranes and flamingos.
Also here is the unique sight of Nature’s Fish Bowl, an underwater observatory built over the mouth of the main spring where a huge number of fish hang out. The park has its own manatee rehabilitation program which provides another exciting glimpse of these rare sea mammals. Lunch is included, here, too.
Finally, this day-long private manatee tour will conclude with an exciting airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River — another natural haven. Here you can see more Florida wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoy the thrill of skimming the water at up to 45mph in these exhilarating, flat-bottomed craft.
Keep scrolling to learn more about this private manatee tour in Crystal River. And as you plan your big trip to Florida, browse our range of Day Trips from Orlando and our Private Tours of Florida.
NB: any person wishing to do our manatee snorkeling in Florida must hire a wetsuit prior to boat departure. Snorkel equipment is provided free.
Approx. 7:30am
*Pickup directly from your hotel
