Manatee Tours

Homosassa Mantee Tours are best during the winter months once the temperature has dropped.  From November through April you have a very good chance of not only seeing manatee in their native habitat, but it’s also legal for you to swim and passively interact with them in the water. These gentle sea cows (as manatees are sometimes called) usually relish this interaction with humans and will often swim up to people in the water to play with them.   As a species recently taken off the endangered species list there are several common-sense rules to follow while enjoying the manatees. Driving a boat to the Homosassa Springs, provides a high likelihood of encountering and swimming with manatees. Since the manatees move from place to place based on water temperature and food supply there is no guarantee that you will consistently find them at the same location every hour of the day.

Homosassa Springs Marina is only 1 mile from the Springs and a boat will get you there in under 15 minutes. If you see manatee along the journey, the Captain should stop the boat and allow those who want to snorkel with the manatee to get in the water and passively interact with them. Passive interaction means you can not harass, molest or in any way disturb the manatee from doing what they want to do.  If oyur swimmers have floating “noodles” it will  make it easy for you to float in place while enjoying your manatee encounter. You’ll also want a mask and snorkel and usually a wet suit to keep you warm in the winter waters.

With as easy as it is to get to the Springs, your manatee tour is easy.  If you don't have your own boat, you can Rent a Boat or hire a tour from companies such as River Safaris.