Manatee Tours

Fun For All Ages

Start your day with an exciting trip to
swim with a wild Manatee.
You won't have a better time anywhere in Florida!


Swim with Manatees

NOVEMBER thru MARCH - HOMOSASSA RIVER is a shallow water area made up of one main spring and many hidden ones that supply the river. This is the peak manatee viewing and swimming time of the year! The colder the weather is the more manatees you will see.

Our enclosed pontoon boats with plenty of hot drinks and a heater will keep you cozy. This trip lasts two (2) hours. You will put on your wetsuits and leave from our waterfront location at 10823 Yulee Drive. We provide wetsuits, mask & snorkel and neoprene socks. We usually do not use swim fins in the Homosassa River.

Fins cause us humans to stir up that shallow water which makes it cloudy and not having fins on encourages you to stay still and quiet. Departure times are 9am, 11, 1pm and 3pm.

Price is $40 per person with a two (2) person minimum. Once the minimum is met, persons riding along and not swimming pay only $23, and children ages 4, 5 & 6 are 1/2 price. Kids age 3 and under are always FREE. FREE hot drinks provided on the boat.

SWIM WITH THE MANATEES

  • Start your day with an exciting trip to swim with a wild Manatee then enjoy the wind in your hair and wildlife sightings on an airboat ride.
  • You don't actually SWIM with MANATEES - you float on the surface where you can observe them. Some swimming may be required to get yourself in position to relax and let the manatees come to you.
  • BOAT RENTALS on the Homosassa River only - we'll give you instructions so you can do it yourself!
  • EQUIPMENT RENTALS - Wetsuit $15 - Mask or Snorkel only $8 - Socks $5 . Rent a wetsuit and socks are free!
  • Wetsuits for sale $75 - Sizes XXL & XXXL are $85 - Kids shorty $55
  • Discounts on all our tours and rides for 8 or more people. group tour page
  • Lodging available - Find out more.

We specialize in "last minute" reservations so don't hesitate to call us!

APRIL thru OCTOBER - CRYSTAL RIVER
boasts multiple springs with lots of areas to look for the manatees that stay here year round. Water depths will vary from just a few feet to quite deep and where you swim depends on where the manatees are found. We provide, mask & snorkel and fins. (the water is 72 degrees year round) Wetsuits provided upon request at no extra charge. Many people do not wish to wear the suits during this time of the year. Departure time is by appointment. We prefer to go no later than 9am. The trip will last 2-3 hours on a fully insured pontoon boat with a Coast Guard Licensed Captain.

You bring what you want to eat, drink and wear. Departure times are by appointment. Price is $45 per person with a four (4) person minimum. Once the minimum number of people is met persons who want to ride along for viewing and not swimming only pay $25 and children ages 4, 5 & 6 are 1/2 price. Kids age 3 and under are always FREE.

River Safaris has over 18 years of experience with these gentle creatures.

Manatees come to our 72 degree freshwater springs area in the winter because the Gulf of Mexico water temps drop well below that. In the beginning and end of the season they will come and go as weather cools and warms. Peak season is from November thru March.

Wetsuits are recommended but not necessary. You know your comfort level in cold water. A mask and snorkel is a must. We do have underwater socks and flotation helpers! Manatees are seen year round in our river system and in the Gulf of Mexico but only in the cold winter months do they stay in the springs area where it is easy to swim with them.

Keep your eyes open for a snout, a flipper or tail or something that looks like your dinner table coming to the water's surface-that's a manatee! Rules for swimming with manatees. Always keep in mind that the manatees we take you to swim with are wild animals. Our philosophy is to passively observe and request that you maintain a space between you of 8 to 10 feet. They will come to you for interaction and at that time you may reach out and touch them. Never separate a mother and calf, do not hang onto the animal and of course, riding them is a No. And please do not attempt to feed them anything.

underwater manatee photoNotice: The United States Coast Guard requires that we inform you of the following: Adult and Child life vest locations vary on each boat. Note the location upon boarding and the information about wearing the vests. Fire extinguishers are in at least two locations on each boat. You are riding at your own risk. If you have a medical condition that we should be aware of or questions on the use and placement of life vests and fire extinguishers direct your questions to your Captain. All Captains are U.S.C.G. trained and licensed. The Homosassa River and it's tributaries are shallow water areas. If you should happen to fall overboard, please stand up.


Please contact us about planning your next adventure on the Homosassa River in Old Homosassa Florida!