Crystal River & Homosassa: Manatee Swim, Wildlife Park & Airboat

Summary

Swim with wild manatees, meet rescued animals and glide on an airboat in Florida’s springs

You’ll float beside wild manatees in Crystal River, wander among rescued animals at Homosassa Park, and if you choose, race across riverbanks on an airboat ride—all with easy pickup from Orlando. Expect laughter with local guides, close-up wildlife moments, and small surprises along the way that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I nearly missed the bus from Orlando because I couldn’t find my other sock (classic me). But we made it—half-awake, clutching coffee and a bag of granola bars—onto the shuttle heading for Crystal River. Our guide, Mike, had this way of making everyone relax right away. He joked about “Florida time” when we hit a bit of traffic outside the city, and honestly, that set the tone for the day. By the time we reached the river, the sky was that soft gray-blue you only get before sunrise in Florida—humid but not sticky yet.

The boat ride into Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was quieter than I expected. Everyone sort of hushed up as we drifted through the water, watching steam rise off the surface. When Mike spotted our first manatee (“That’s Mabel—she’s a regular,” he grinned), I almost forgot to put on my fins. The water was colder than I thought—it kind of wakes you up fast—but floating there next to this huge gentle creature was…well, I still think about that moment when everything went silent except for my own breathing through the snorkel. Mabel just hovered there, munching on something green I couldn’t name.

After drying off (my hair looked like a mop but nobody cared), we headed to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. The ranger feeding session was actually pretty funny—one of the manatees splashed him right in the chest and he just kept talking about their rescue stories like nothing happened. There were panthers lounging in the shade and even a hippo (not sure how he ended up here but apparently he’s famous). Lunch was picnic-style under some giant old trees; my sandwich got stolen by an ambitious squirrel but at least there was strong sweet tea at the café.

If you book the full package, there’s an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River after all that walking around—loud and fast and kind of wild compared to how peaceful swimming with manatees feels. My ears were ringing after but it was worth it for those flashes of white birds taking off from the reeds. We rolled back into Orlando sunburned and tired but happy—I’d do it again just for that first quiet moment in Crystal River.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manatee swim and wildlife park visit

• Depart early from Orlando
• Receive snorkel gear and safety briefing
• Boat tour in Crystal River refuge
• Swim with wild manatees
• Visit Homosassa State Wildlife Park
• Watch manatee feeding session
• Explore park animals and underwater viewing
• Optional airboat ride on Withlacoochee River

Top questions

Can I swim with manatees on this tour?

Yes, you can swim or snorkel with wild manatees in Crystal River under guide supervision.

Is hotel pickup included from Orlando?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Orlando.

Are wetsuits provided for swimming?

Masks, snorkels & fins are included; wetsuit rental is required for swimmers at $15 extra.

What animals will I see at Homosassa State Park?

You’ll see rescued manatees, bears, panthers, alligators, and even a hippo at Homosassa Park.

How long is the airboat ride?

The optional airboat ride on Withlacoochee River lasts about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

A picnic lunch is included if you book the fully inclusive option; otherwise there’s a café onsite or bring your own food.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and strollers are allowed.

Do I need to be able to swim well?

No advanced swimming skills are needed; flotation devices are available and guides assist throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transport from Orlando meeting points, guided boat cruise into Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge with use of snorkel gear (mask & fins), required wetsuit rental for swimmers at a small fee, entry to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where you can join feeding sessions or explore at your pace—with lunch provided if you choose that option—and if booked on select days or as part of your package, a 30-minute airboat ride along Withlacoochee River before returning home tired but content.