Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Manatee Swim & Wildlife Park Value Package
Swim and snorkel with manatees in Crystal River and enjoy a visit to Homosassa State Park. Includes transportation, park admission, snorkel gear, and boat cruise. Lunch and airboat ride not included.
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Manatee Swim & Wildlife Park Full Florida Adventure Tour: Airboat + Lunch
Enjoy a full-day adventure with a narrated manatee cruise, snorkelling, admission to Homosassa State Park, a thrilling airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River, and a picnic lunch included.
From
Highlights
Discover the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes and wildlife on this immersive Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park tour from Orlando. Begin the day with a journey to Crystal River, one of the few places in the U.S. where it’s legal to swim with wild manatees. After a safety briefing, snorkel gear and wetsuits (required, rental available) are provided for those who choose to enter the water and observe these gentle giants up close. Non-swimmers can remain on board and enjoy the scenic cruise and wildlife viewing from the boat.
In the afternoon, continue the adventure at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, home to a variety of rescued native animals including black bears, Florida panthers, alligators, and manatees in a natural habitat setting. For an upgraded experience, choose the Florida Adventure Tour, which includes a thrilling airboat ride along the Withlacoochee River to spot even more wildlife, plus a picnic lunch. With round-trip transportation from select Orlando locations included, this tour offers a full day of unforgettable encounters with Florida’s unique wildlife.
- Swim with Wild Manatees: Snorkel in the clear waters of Crystal River, one of the few places in Florida where you can legally swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
- Scenic River Cruise Option: Prefer to stay dry? Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Crystal River while observing manatees and Florida’s lush surroundings from the deck.
- Explore Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: Spend the afternoon at this rescue-focused park, home to native Florida species including alligators, black bears, panthers, and more.
- Upgrade to the Full Florida Adventure Tour: Add even more excitement with an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River to spot alligators and other wildlife, plus a picnic lunch included.
Itinerary
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Pickup from Orlando
Transportation IncludedMeet your guide and group at select pickup locations across the Orlando area. Bring breakfast snacks to enjoy during the morning journey to Crystal River.Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (Morning)
1 hours 30 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedBoard a narrated boat cruise into the refuge. Watch for wild manatees in their natural habitat. Swim or snorkel under supervision with masks, snorkels, and fins provided. (Wetsuit rental $15 required for swimmers.)Crystal River (Midday)
4 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedSnorkel or observe manatees from the boat. Learn about the endangered West Indian manatees from your certified dive master. Enjoy the river’s crystal-clear waters and take photos of these gentle giants.Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Afternoon)
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedExplore the wildlife park. See the manatees through an underwater viewing chamber and visit other animals including panthers, bears, alligators, and a hippo. Dine at the on-site cafe or enjoy a picnic (lunch not included unless Florida Adventure Tour is selected).Picnic Lunch (Midday)
30 minsFull-day Florida Adventure Tour OnlyEnjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch included in the Florida Adventure Tour package. Relax at the park’s picnic tables surrounded by Florida’s lush natural beauty before continuing your exploration.Withlacoochee River Airboat Ride (Optional)
30 minsFull-day Florida Adventure Tour OnlyIf you’ve selected the airboat package, enjoy a thrilling 30-minute ride on the Withlacoochee River. Watch for alligators, eagles, and native wildlife along the way.Return to Orlando – TIME (Late Afternoon)
Admission Ticket FreeThe tour concludes with drop-off at your original pickup point.- TransportRound-trip transportation from select Orlando pickup locations via air-conditioned coach or minibus.Important NotesWetsuit rental ($15) required for swimmersBring swimwear and towelsLunch not included unless Florida Adventure Tour upgrade is selectedTour runs rain or shineWildlife sightings not guaranteed
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Pickup is available from select Orlando locations.
- Departure begins as early as 6:00 AM.
- Guests must contact Gray Line (+1-407-522-5911) the day prior to confirm pickup location and time.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
- Pickup: 06:00 AM (Pacifica ballroom lobby, rear of resort)
- Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort
- Pickup: 06:05 AM (Outside hotel lobby)
- The Orlando Eye (Icon Park)
- Pickup: 06:10 AM (Rear entrance by ticket office, free parking)
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
- Pickup: 06:20 AM (Wait at rear of carpark, free parking)
- Walt Disney World Swan
- Pickup: 06:35 AM (Outside entrance to the convention center)
- Charley’s Steak House Kissimmee
- Pickup: 06:45 AM (Wait outside restaurant, free parking)
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Wetsuit rental required for swimmers ($15 onsite)
- Tour operates rain or shine
- A narrated manatee cruise and snorkel gear are provided
- Airboat ride and lunch only included with the full upgrade option
- Please bring snacks or breakfast for the early morning journey
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Most travelers can participate
- Maximum of 13 travelers per group
- Child (3–11): Child rate
- Infant (0–2): Free, must sit on lap
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Waterproof camera (optional)
- Cash or card for wetsuit rental and food purchases
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
Your booking will be confirmed instantly.
- Cancel at least 2 days in advance for full refund
- No refund if cancelled within 48 hours of departure
- Present mobile or printed voucher upon pickup
- Confirm pickup location with Gray Line the day before the tour
Location
Provider
Gray Line of Orlando
Frequently asked questions
GBP 125.56
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In my personal humble opinion, this would be my highlight of our time in Florida! :-) we'd travelled from Orlando to Crystal River, the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees. Floating/snorkeling alongside these gentle giants (often called sea cows or even “floaty potatoes”) was surreal. Our tour also included a stop at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where we saw more manatees, along with native Florida birds and wildlife, making it a rich ecological experience. We capped off the day with an exhilarating airboat ride, skimming across the marshes and spotting alligators in their natural habitat. The excursion was well-organized by Gray Line Orlando, and our guide Ms Carmen was knowledgeable and friendly, and the whole experience balanced serenity with adventure. Highly recommended for nature lovers, divers, and anyone who wants a glimpse of Florida’s wild side. ⭐ 5.0/5 for me, checked off my bucket list for the encounter with manatees.