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Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride

star-4.5215 Reviews
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Kissimmee, United States
Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride
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Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride
Swim with Manatees at Crystal River plus Everglades Airboat Adventure
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Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $138.99

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon12 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Spend a day in one of central Florida’s natural manatee habitats on this guided cruise and Everglades airboat adventure. Begin with a boat ride on the Crystal River. Then, swim and snorkel in an area known for manatee sightings, and before an exciting airboat tour on the Withlacoochee River. Visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, one of the best places in the state to watch manatees, as well as other animals, such as bears, panthers, and alligators. Breakfast and a picnic lunch, plus an Orlando-area hotel pickup and drop-off are all included.
  • Wildlife adventure to the Crystal River and Withlacoochee River from Orlando
  • Take a narrated boat cruise along the Crystal River, and spend time hanging out in a natural manatee habitat
  • Enjoy a thrilling Everglades airboat tour on the Withlacoochee River
  • Visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to watch a manatee-feeding session and see bears, panthers, and alligators
  • Breakfast, a picnic lunch, and Orlando-area hotel transfers included
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From $138.99

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Professional guide
Bagged Breakfast and Lunch
30-minute Airboat tour
Boat cruise with snorkeling
Premium Scuba Pro Masks
Convenient pick up locations throughout Orlando
Local taxes
Gratuities
Hospital grade sanitized wetsuits are mandatory and payable at $15.00 directly to dive shop

Departure Point

7769 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Departure Point

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Departure Point

8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Departure Point

6125 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Departure Point

7600 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Departure Point

8747 International Dr #103, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Departure Time

7:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
The day of sightseeing begins with breakfast in Orlando. Meet the guide and the rest of the tour group on a pickup from select locations. Then, head to Crystal River, the gem of Florida's beautiful coast and home to one of the world's largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees.

Out on the water with the provided equipment, take an optional swim or snorkel. Spend time hanging out in the manatee’s natural habitat alongside certified dive masters. Learn more about this harmless mammal and why it’s under threat due to a loss of habitat.

After the cruise, enjoy a picnic-style lunch overlooking the manatee sanctuary at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

The adventure continues in the afternoon with an airboat tour along the Withlacoochee River. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, and a variety of other wildlife. Finally, visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, one of the best places in the state to view manatees. Witness an entertaining and educational feeding session with a park ranger, then look for bears, panthers, alligators, or even a hippo while exploring the rest of the park.

The tour ends with a return trip to Orlando and hotel drop-off.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Crystal River
Your day starts in Orlando with breakfast. Then, it's off to join a team of manatee experts for a narrated boat cruise on the picturesque Crystal River, home to one of the world's largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees. Learn how this large, harmless aquatic mammal is under threat due to loss of habitat. With your provided mask and snorkel, you are encouraged to go for a swim in an area known for manatee sightings while under the guidance of certified dive masters.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
To end your day, visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, famous throughout Florida for its efforts in rehabilitating injured animals. You'll see more manatees during an informative and entertaining feeding session with a park ranger. You may also spot bears, panthers, alligators and even a hippo as you explore the rest of the park. Afterward, you'll be taken back to Orlando. Please note: Manatee season is from October to March. Sightings are very common, however as the animals are wild, no guarantee can be made.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Wild Bill's Airboat Tours
After your cruise, enjoy a picnic-style lunch overlooking this beautiful sanctuary. Your adventure continues in the afternoon with a 30-minute airboat tour on the Homosassa River. During your airboat ride, keep your eyes peeled for manatees and dolphins, as well as a host of other wildlife.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Minimum age is 3 years
  • Items recommended to bring: towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Post COVID-19 Safety Updates - We politely request that you refrain from taking this tour should you start displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you are at a high risk of contracting the disease. All driver/guides will be required to wear masks. Face masks are recommended but not mandatory, so please bring your own if you wish to wear one. The size of the vehicle used will be adjusted based on the number of passengers to allow for social distancing and all safety guide lines regarding vehicle sanitation will be followed.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
  • OPERATED BY City Sightseeing Orlando
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
See all safety measures taken by Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride ?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride .

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Also, meals are provided but they are not great and food allergies are not well accommodated." See review
  • "Not the best choice for 2 growing boys and a person with diabetes." See review
  • "If you enjoy the water and connecting with nature, this family friendly trip is for you." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
215 Reviews
5 stars
135
4 stars
54
3 stars
14
2 stars
9
1 star
3

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 215 reviews
star-5
Brilliant Trip!
Hannah_M
, Dec 2021
We had a MAGICAL trip to swim with the manatees, our trip was later in the day than I had done before (it’s my recommendation to go early morning as you see more manatees that time of day). We swam with two, the company used by this tour provider are smaller and not like some of the larger companies out on Crystal River so you don’t suddenly crowd the manatee. Helen on the tour bus was knowledgable and so friendly, we thoroughly enjoyed her occasional tid bits shared on the microphone and she made sure to check in with us often. The airboat ride was also great fun, the drivers are very skilled so did tricks on the water and also stopped to highlight the cypress trees and gators. Overall the day was fantastic value for money and it’s much cheaper than renting a car and having to do all the driving yourself, especially coming from overseas!
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2021
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are really happy you had a good time!
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star-5
Manatees were right...
Tammy_W
, Oct 2021
Manatees were right nearby the start of the tour. Spent a lot of time in the water with them. The wildlife park provided great up close pics of birds and animals. Loved all of the birds on the airboat tour and saw 2 gators.
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Thank you so much for your feedback! We would agree this is a great day out from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and truly shows what Florida has to offer in one day! Thank you again and we look forward to having you back in the near future!
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star-4
Fun adventure despite the weather
Dawn_W
, Jul 2021
The weather did not cooperate with us unfortunately. However, with that being said I did seem as though our captain did not want to be working that day. He had a few words with a couple other boats and a diver. Only saw one manatee but learned that July is off season to see them. The captain brought us back in early due to weather which I can appreciate his concern for our well being. The place could use some overhead protection in the changing rooms as we were trying to get dressed in the rain with our dry clothes. I would highly advise bringing a small cooler with drinks and snacks. There is plenty of room on the bus to store your items. I would also advise an extra set of dry clothes just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We had to spend the entire rest of the day in wet clothes due to having to get dressed in the rain with no overhead protection. Airboat tour was exciting even though the rain was stinging our faces. May want to bring along a poncho. All in all would do the tour again when we are back in the area.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Thank you so much for your feedback! Yes we understand the weather can put a damper on the day on occasion. In Florida in the summer we never can get it absolutely spot on. Although the summer months are off season we do run this tour year round and have great success with the Manatee Swim. We do offer information prior to the tour in regards to what to bring and to definitely bring a change of clothes, but will ensure that all communication channels are working properly. Thank you so much for your feedback as this is very important to us and our future guests! We hope to have you back soon.
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star-5
For nature and animal lovers
Tom_D
, Jul 2021
An overall great experience that the family will be talking about for years! If you enjoy the water and connecting with nature, this family friendly trip is for you.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are so happy you and the family enjoyed this tour! We agree it is a great day out for all!
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star-5
Michelle (NewJersey)
Michelle_O
, Jul 2021
I had an amazing time swimming with the Manatees, visiting the wild life preserver and the air boat. Our driver and tour guide were filbert friendly.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Thank you so much for your feedback. We couldn't agree more that this is an amazing tour and is very relaxing. We are very happy you had a good time and hope to see you back in Orlando soon!
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star-4
Fun experience
Andrea_H
, Jul 2021
Captain and two assistants did well with a big group. I know it was off season and they tried hard to find us a manatee. Air boat ride was my son's favorite! Aaron our captain found us a momma gator and nest and splashed the front row 😀. More food provided than expected in breakfast. Long bus ride though but Brad did great entertaining us. Definately recommend!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
This is my favorite tour and I am proud to work with a great bunch of people. Thanks for your business Andrea. We are glad you had a good day.
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star-4
Great
Sarah
, Jul 2021
The day was very well planned and staff was super friendly until we got to the manatee boat portion of it. Sean was amazing! I wish I could say the same for the guy driving the boat. He was rude and irritable. He lacks customer service skills and bragged about how people don’t tip him. Might need to work on his people skills as he can harm your image and ratings. Other than that it was a great trip and day ! Well worth it :). Thank you so much!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Sarah, thanks for commenting. These kind of thing are what we need to know. While its never good to hear, without your comments we may have not known. Excellent customer service is what we strive for and one bad attitude can take a really great tour down. We will definitely speak with the dive shop. Thanks again
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star-5
Great time!
Kevin_M
, Jul 2021
All staff was friendly and knowledgeable! Really great and packed day, you definitely get your money’s worth!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
This is such a great tour! It is a long day but totally worth it. Glad you had a great time!
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star-5
Amazing experience
Marie_B
, Jul 2021
Snorkeling with the manatees was amazing. Alyce the manatee guide was so informative and kind on the tour. Definitely a one of a kind experience.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Hi Marie! So glad to hear you had a great experience. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
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star-3
Fun Family Time
Debra_M
, Jun 2021
Loved the tour and wouldn’t change anything. I would however recommend that you have diabetic choices or ask if there are specific needs to the food choices.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Thank you Debra for the feed back. This is something we will defiantly pass on to management to look into. We are happy to hear you did love the tour!
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