Swim with the Manatees - Touch Down in the TEE-ZONE - Homosassa

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• In-Water Guide & Photographer
• USCG Master Captain
• Full Length Wetsuit
• Mask & Snorkel
• Bottled Water

DURATION

• 3 Hour Tour

MEET-UP

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour time
• Location: River Safaris - 10823 W Yulee Drive Homosassa, FL 34446 click HERE for a map

WHAT TO EXPECT 

• Meet and greet the most experienced crew in town
• Maximum of 6 people on the boat
• Learn about USFWS Manatee Manners and get fitted for a wetsuit at our full-service tour center
• Board pontoon boat with full isinglass enclosure to keep you warm
• Cruise up the Homosassa River to the headsprings while learning about manatees and the Homosassa River
• Swim with Manatee while your Guide captures your experience with a top-of-the-line HD action camera
• Return to River Safaris to shop for souvenirs and photo packages

IMPORTANT POLICIES

• Minimum of 3 people to operate, if the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different tour time

• Minimum Age to Participate in this our is 3 Years old, please book all 6 seats to make this tour private and bring children under 3 along. Be sure to book ALL children a seat. 

EXPECTATIONS & TOUR CONDITIONS 

• Colder Weather = More manatees

• Warmer Weather = Less manatees 

We prioritize both the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of the manatees. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations when engaging in encounters with wild manatees since we cannot control their behavior or migration patterns. Typically, colder weather attracts a greater number of manatees, while warmer weather results in fewer sightings and more time spent searching for these gentle giants. Each trip is distinct, offering a unique experience for every individual. For detailed information on current conditions, we encourage you to visit our conditions page or contact us directly for more details. Our Homosassa tours are offered Nov-March, and if conditions are not ideal, you will be offered the option to move to Crystal River. 

Additional Information

Enjoy the unique privilege that is exclusively ours here in Citrus County Florida by swimming with the manatees in the Homosassa Springs! Homosassa (Seminole Indian for ‘place where peppers grow’) is home to a large population of endangered manatee during the winter season and the lack of commercial operators in this area means less crowds and a more natural environment. The laid-back vibe in Homosassa makes this tour uniquely different than Crystal River and the undiscovered Gem that is known as the  ‘Blue Waters’ by locals can be yours to discover!  Having the chance to encounter these curious, gentle giants in their natural habitat is an adventure that your family will never forget!

For our ‘Manatee Maniacs’ that visit Crystal River regularly for this extraordinary encounter, Homosassa offers a personal touch, smaller crowds, our awesome waterfront location and notoriously playful manatee! We can never guarantee a playful encounter, but when the animals outnumber the humans…. the odds are on your side! Our seats in Homosassa Springs are limited and sought after……the season is short, so book early to save your spot!

Embark on your journey with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain and a guide that will serve as your in-water chaperon, educator and photographer. Your tour will run three hours from start to finish and everything you will need is included for one price. You will begin at our full-service tour facility in Old Homosassa, a quaint fishing village, where you will be educated about the animals and receive tips for your snorkel tour to make the most of your day. You will be taught the ins and outs of ‘passive interaction’ as this ensures that the animals enjoy the experience as much as we do! You will then be suited up and your boat is waiting for you at our river-front location, no transport to the dock necessary! Our covered and enclosed pontoon is nicely equipped to take you and your guests in comfort, to find these gentle giants. This rich estuary and tangle of canals will amaze…. birds, fish and wildlife abound! Submerge yourself in the manatee’s world! Finish your adventure by viewing your Guide’s photos back at our facility and be sure to visit our one-of-a-kind gift shop! Jump on one of our Air Boats after lunch to access areas our pontoons cannot go or check out the local artisans just next door for locally made unique gifts! Our well-informed staff will direct to other local attractions, restaurants and answer all of your questions before you are on your way. Join us another day for the manatee experience in Crystal River and receive 10% off if you book both tours at one time.

This encounter with our endangered manatee is done on a covered pontoon and is perfect for all levels of snorkel experience. Don’t miss the boat!

What to bring

Wear your bathing suit...that way you are ready for a quick change into the wetsuit. Bring a towel, most people will bring these along on the boat. Keep season and air temps in mind. If it is cooler, it is a great idea to bring a sweatshirt, jacket or even a full set of loose fitting clothing to slip on after you get out of the water. If you have young children, this is especially important, be prepared with warm clothes....always better safe than sorry! The water here is always 72 degrees, and for some that is quite chilly! Feel free to bring a bag onboard the boat to keep your personal items, but we HIGHLY recommend not bringing anything of value on board the boat. During warmer weather most people will wear their wetsuits back to the shop and change into their clothes when they return from the trip. Bring what you feel you need, but no worries we will take care of the details!

Tour Info

It is very important to have realistic expectations when it comes to a wild animal encounter! Every trip is different and the experience is unique for each individual. In the cooler weather the animals migrate to this area and congregate here for the protection of the warm water springs; when the weather warms (even during winter months) they can move about going wherever they want! These are wild animals and we can not control their migration. Manatee spend their lives searching for food, mates, sleeping and playing....it is hard to predict what state they will be in when we encounter them. The early mornings tend to be the best time to find the animals and best chance of seeing them near the springs where the water tends to be more clear. Remember it is very simple, cold weather = many manatee; warmer weather=lower manatee counts and more time looking for these endangered animals. Even seeing a few manatee is a phenomenal adventure!

Where do we meet?

We meet at our  Tour facility in Homosassa, click HERE for a map. You will be checked in, and offered complimentary coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Upon tour time, you will learn about the animals, the eco-system and watch a short video of rules required by the US Fish and Wildlife. This is a wildlife refuge and it is very important that we fully inform you as to what the rules are and how to behave if you hope to view a manatee up close! We will fit you for a wetsuit, and walk you to the dock, where your Captain is waiting for you! After your tour, use the restrooms, check out the gift shop and view the photos from your adventure!

Are the boats covered? What about bathrooms?

Our manatee boats are all fully covered with clear vinyl enclosures that can be rolled up or down depending on weather conditions. There are no bathrooms on board.

How many people do you take on your boats?

Our boats are designed to hold anywhere up to 6 swimmers and/or observers. Keep in mind that we control the amount of people on our boats, but we can not control the amount of people on the water. We go on a manatee search and all the tour companies go where animals are found......so after 9 am, especially on weekends, Holidays or during manatee season, the waterways can get crowded with people. At 7am you get out while the refuge is at its quietest and the manatee are still in their most relaxed state. We know it’s early....but it tends to be the best experience for our customers so we don’t mind the wake-up call!

Do you provide us with an in-water tour guide?

Our US Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain will accompanied by your in water Chaperone, tour guide and photographer! We take pride in having the best Captains and guides in the business and they go above and beyond to ensure that your group has a safe, pleasant and educational experience. Our in-water chaperones are all Certified Eco-Tour guides through the Manatee Ecotourism Association in conjunction with USFW.....they do not only know how to swim, but they are stewards for these animals and this eco-system, doing their best to stay abreast of all the latest in scientific research. Your Guide will also take photos, from the boat, underwater and all around. These photos are available at the shop after your tour....that way you do not have to worry about your own camera and it’s a great way to take these memories home with you!

Absolutely! Manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act and it is quite a privilege that we get to have this sort of encounter! Both the State and Federal Government oversee the protection of these animals and the guidelines get stricter every year. These laws are in place to help protect the animals and they will be enforced here in the Wildlife Refuge, people can be ticketed, fined and removed from the water if behavior is deemed inappropriate or illegal. When you arrive at the shop prior to your tour we will cover all the dos and don’ts so you are fully informed before you hit the water!

How long is the boat ride to the manatee?

We go where we can find animals. In the winter time, that may be a short 30 minute ride to the spring. But when we have warm weather, we may have to look for much longer. In the cold weather we have many in the area and it typically does not take long to find them, but when it gets warm patience is a requirement!

How many manatee will we See?
Please remember that manatees are an endangered species and seeing even one of these majestic beasts is a great privilege. Our tours are conducted in their natural habitat and they are free to come and go as they please. No two days are ever the same, and no two tour times are the same either. Weather, tidal influences and time of the year affect the conditions daily and it can never be predicted just how many manatees you will see. During the colder months we have a large concentration, but if there is a considerable warm spell they will become difficult to find. Because this unique eco-system is a prime manatee habitat, we have a small resident population even in the summer. We never guarantee that you will find or encounter manatee and how many you see is tough for us to predict as well.

Can I ride the boat and not swim? What if I do not know how to swim?
We always welcome observers and you can often see the manatee from the boat. They sometimes come very close and give you an awesome view! We are only allowed so many passengers on the boats, so an observer does have to pay for that seat. Bring your cameras and binoculars and enjoy the surroundings of the refuge! If you are not a strong swimmer then you must use your own judgment. Are you comfortable in the water with a floatation device? Do you get anxious and upset in the water? We must remain calm and still near the animals, so ‘swimming’ is not as important as being able to relax and float!

Are there age limits?

Children must be at least 3 to go on the group tours, but younger babies are allowed on a private tour. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and very young children must understand enough to be calm and quiet in order to not scare the animals away. Children should be comfortable in the water and parents should stay close at all times for safety. We have wetsuits in all sizes and provide snorkel vests and flotation noodles if kids need a bit of assistance staying at the surface without swimming. All children must have their own seat.

Our tour price includes everything you need to swim with the manatee! There are no hidden fees or ‘up charges’ for wetsuits, snorkel gear, parking or other unexpected expenses. Photos of you tour are optional when you return to River Safaris and you can even view these photos before you decide to purchase them. Our tour price is an AWESOME DEAL for what you receive in return.....most of our customers agree on this! We do combination discounts, meaning that if you book a morning manatee tour and an afternoon airboat we will offer you a discount. Custom packages are available for large groups, just call or email for details. If you are a Veteran, we offer thanks for your service by extending a 10% discount for your tour, just ask BEFORE BOOKING for any of these programs.

What about weather conditions?

Rarely do we ever have to cancel because of weather conditions...a little rain doesn’t stop us! Because we are on the coast, storms will often move through quite quickly and even if we delay it will not take away from your tour time. Our boats are covered to protect you and your belongings from the elements if you wish to stay dry. If we need to cancel because of inclement weather you will be offered a refund, reschedule or gift certificate.

What is your cancellation policy?

Reservations canceled five calendar days prior to your Tour, Charter or Rental arrival date will receive a full refund less the booking fee of 4%.  Any Tour, Charter, or Rental canceled by River Safaris or River Ventures due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control shall receive a 100% refund.

Reservations canceled less than the time period or conditions outlined above will be offered a chance to reschedule (based on availability) or receive a voucher for the Tour, Charter, or Rental for the full amount paid.