
Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 286 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup worth booking?
Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup is a 8.5-hour experience in Orlando, United States, from $169 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 286 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (286)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Come and enjoy the real Florida! Get up-close with the gentle manatee and see the beauty of Crystal River as you explore the Homosassa State Wildlife Park. The tour heads up to Crystal River where you can snorkel or swim in the rivers where wild manatees live. It's an early morning departure, so bring breakfast snacks to eat during the journey. Following a safety briefing and collecting your mask, snorkel & fins (wetsuit hire is $15 and required for swimmers) you board the boat. When manatees are spotted you can get into the river for great photos. If you prefer, you can opt to simply enjoy the boat ride while enjoying nature. In the afternoon explore Homosassa State Park. The park is home to many species of rescued native wildlife. If you purchase the Florida Adventure Tour fully inclusive option, you will also ride a Wild Airboat Ride on a river to spot the alligators and nature and enjoy a picnic lunch.
What you get
About this experience
Come and enjoy the real Florida! Get up-close with the gentle manatee and see the beauty of Crystal River as you explore the Homosassa State Wildlife Park. The tour heads up to Crystal River where you can snorkel or swim in the rivers where wild manatees live. It's an early morning departure, so bring breakfast snacks to eat during the journey. Following a safety briefing and collecting your mask, snorkel & fins (wetsuit hire is $15 and required for swimmers) you board the boat. When manatees are spotted you can get into the river for great photos. If you prefer, you can opt to simply enjoy the boat ride while enjoying nature. In the afternoon explore Homosassa State Park. The park is home to many species of rescued native wildlife. If you purchase the Florida Adventure Tour fully inclusive option, you will also ride a Wild Airboat Ride on a river to spot the alligators and nature and enjoy a picnic lunch.
What's included
Included
- Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
- Admission into Homosassa State Park
- Driver/guide
- Use of snorkel equipment, mask & snorkel
- Picnic Lunch
- River cruise to look for the manatees
- Pickup and drop-off from designated hotels
Not included
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
- Airboat Ride on Fridays & Saturdays - tour is priced lower
- Wetsuits must be hired
What you'll see and do
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river.
Crystal River
Upon arrival at the picturesque Crystal River, you will enjoy a fabulous narrated boat tour. You will be provided masks, snorkels & fins, and encouraged to swim alongside these friendly creatures under the guidance of certified dive masters. The manatees are endangered and have come to the Florida springs year-round to find shelter and food. In the winter months the manatee population can reach several hundred and during summer, the average count is 80. They are "gentle giants" and have no teeth. After your cruise, you head to Homosassa State Wildlife Park, famous throughout Florida for the rehabilitation of injured animals. It is here you’ll have the chance to see the current manatee residents at the park during an informative and entertaining feeding session with one of the park rangers. You’ll also see bears, panthers, alligators and even a hippo as you explore the rest of the park. Roundtrip transport from the Orlando area and a knowledgeable driver-guide is also included.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
We will visit the State Park at Homosassa. You will walk around the State Park and see the animals and view the manatees in the underwater viewing chamber at this hospital facility for injured manatees. There is also a cafe at the park so you could purchase lunch here if you wish, or if you prefer to pack yourself a picnic they do have picnic tables you can use inside the park.
120 minutes here · Admission included
If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Manatee Swim & Homosassa Park
Swim, Snorkel and Boat Ride: Transportation from the Orlando area, 90-Min Boat Ride on Crystal River, Snorkel Equipment, Admission to Homosassa State Park Pickup included
Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat
Includes Airboat Ride Includes Lunch Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line of Orlando
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 285 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
285 verified traveler reviews for Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10 out of 10 tour experience
The tour was very enjoyable! Pickup was easy and on time. Our tour guide Adam was a blast! Made the ride go by quick, was very informative, had great rapport with the workers at the locations, and made the experience a 10 out of 10. Swimming with the manatees was very fun! The workers made it easy and even had snacks for when we got out of the water! We had a lot of rain the day we went, but we're still able to do everything. The value for the tour felt very fair for everything we did!
via Tripadvisor
Manatees Tour is awesome!
Gary was a great host for the Manatees Tour. It’s a long van trip out to Crystal River, Gary was a great conversationalist for the trip. It was an awesome day! Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Tour! That’s it in a nutshell!
My partner and I LOVED this tour to swim with the manatees, visit the wildlife park and Wild Bill’s Air Boat Ride. The lunch provided was exceptional and generous. Our guide, Adam, was incredibly entertaining and accommodating, providing a unique and personable experience we will never forget. I would highly recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely brilliant day!!
Having been on a tour with Mauricio previously I was expecting a great day and wasn't disappointed. His energy and care for his clients is exceptional. Every experience we had was enjoyable and everybody we came in contact with was so passionate about what they were doing. Learning to snorkel and observing a Manatee so close, in his natural habitat was something I’ll never forget. Don’t hesitate in doing this trip if you want to see the natural side of Florida and be amongst nature. Brilliant!
via Tripadvisor
10/10
Me and my husband really enjoyed the experience it was more than anything we could imagine, Gary our tour guide is super friendly and kind and made us feel completely comfortable. Gary really made the experience, the manatees swim was great also a bucket list ticket off. Thank you so much for this experience and please thank Gary for being great!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $169 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 100
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line of Orlando, who run 24 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Gray Line of Orlando runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Orlando.
How much does Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup cost?
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Prices start at $169 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Orlando usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup take?
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Plan for about 8.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Orlando is not rushed.
Is Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 286 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Orlando, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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Around 100 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Orlando can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Orlando and add a light layer if any part of the 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Orlando within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Orlando?
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Orlando is a park town with a wetland wrapped around it. Multi-day theme park tickets and skip-ahead passes dominate, but the highest-satisfaction days are often the ones nobody plans: airboat runs on the St. Johns, manatee swims at Crystal River, and Kennedy Space Center on a launch day. We rank on wait-time value and how honestly an operator describes what is included. On Outty we rank every Orlando experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game Orlando: Epic 60-Minute Adventures on I-Drive, Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee, 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
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January to April, before the humidity and the afternoon thunderstorms settle in. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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Included: Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours; Admission into Homosassa State Park; Driver/guide; Use of snorkel equipment, mask & snorkel; and Picnic Lunch. Not included: Gratuities; Breakfast; Airboat Ride on Fridays & Saturdays - tour is priced lower; and Wetsuits must be hired. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 307 listed pickup locations in and around Orlando. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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Across 286 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Manatee Swim & Homosassa Park, Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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