about this ticket
The Real Florida Mantatee Adventure
You’ve come all the way to Florida, so it makes sense to actually see as much of it as possible, and no other tour provides such a wide-ranging, in-depth experience as our carefully crafted Real Florida Adventure.
This action-packed day starts with a full overview of what’s in store as we head out to the beautiful Crystal River area on the Gulf coast, 80 miles north-west of Orlando. This is the Manatee Capital of the World, and the only place in America where it is legal to swim with manatees.
It is also home to stunning natural springs and lots of wildlife, and you’ll get to meet an essential part of it as we gear up for the signature Manatee Snorkel under the supervision of a Coast Guard Certified Captain *. You will learn all about the unique West Indian manatee – and then get to see some of them, up close and personal in the crystal-clear waters!
Then we head off to 210-acre Homosassa Springs State Park, a genuine hidden gem of Florida nature, where there is plentiful local wildlife to see and hear about, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, bobcats and alligators, as well as a profusion of birdlife, notably whooping cranes and flamingos. Also here is the unique sight of Nature’s Fish Bowl, an underwater observatory built over the mouth of the main spring where a huge number of fish hang out, while the Park has its own manatee rehabilitation program to provide another exciting glimpse of these rare sea mammals. Lunch is included, here, too.
Finally, the day will conclude with an exciting airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River, another natural haven where you can see more wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoy the thrill of skimming the water at up to 45mph in these exhilarating, flat-bottomed craft.
* NB: any person wishing to do the manatee swim must hire a wetsuit prior to boat departure. Snorkel equipment is provided free.
Whats Included
- Boat tour of Kings Bay and Crystal River
- Complimentary Mask and Snorkel
- Packed Lunch
- Admission into Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- A wild airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River
- Roundtrip Transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas
- Professional, Certified and Licensed Tour Guide
Not Included
- Mandatory $10 wetsuit rental fee for any swimmers
- Gratuities
- Drinks
Pick-up Locations and Times
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Pick-up Location
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Time
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Margaritaville Resort Orlando - Main Lobby, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida 34747
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7.45am
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Golden Corral LBV - Lake Beuna Vista, 8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821
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8.00am
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Orlando Starflyer at Icon Park Orlando - 8265 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
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8.30am
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Departs: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, year round - subject to booking confirmation.
Start times: Pick-ups commence from 7.45am
Duration: Day trip
Please note that times are subject to change.
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Your booking voucher
- Camera
- Swimwear
- Towels
SWIMMING REQUIREMENTS: Any person wishing to do the manatee swim must hire a wet-suit prior to boat departure. Snorkel equipment is provided free. This is also a wild setting, so we can’t guarantee exactly when and where the manatees will be.
YOUR BOOKING - important note.
Please be aware that places are very limited - your requested tour date will need to be confirmed by the supplier before your booking is confirmed, this should take no longer than 72 hours - we will contact you in the event that your chosen date is not available.