Swim with wild manatees in Florida’s crystal-clear spring waters. Calm, safe, and serene, this relaxing wildlife holiday includes close encounters with these gentle creatures, plus drift snorkels, birdwatching, and more.
Snorkelling with manatees in Florida’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in North America. These gentle, affectionate ‘sea cows’ often approach swimmers with surprising curiosity, making for intimate, moving experiences in calm, shallow water. No special skills are needed—just a love of nature.
Crystal River is considered the best place in the world to encounter manatees. Thanks to its crystal-clear water and high manatee population, it's the location of choice for many of the world’s best manatee photography. Sightings often number from 10 to 50 animals in a single snorkel, sometimes including mothers and newborn calves.
To make the most of our time with the manatees, we start early and return to the hotel by midday, leaving afternoons free for further exploration. Drift-snorkel down the Rainbow River past freshwater turtles, cormorants, and the prehistoric-looking alligator gar; visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, and enjoy peaceful birdwatching cruises around King’s Bay.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Depart the UK and travel to Orlando
On arrival, transfer to Crystal River. This evening, join a welcome meal with your tour leaders and fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Plantation Resort on Crystal River, 7-nights
-
Days 2-7
:
Morning Encounters with Manatees & Afternoon Wildlife Explorations
Each morning begins with a truly unforgettable wildlife experience: snorkelling alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat. We’ll set out directly from the bottom of our hotel grounds, boarding our private boat. Each morning includes two back-to-back 3-hour boat excursions. Wearing wetsuits and snorkels, we quietly slip into the spring-fed waters to observe the manatees up close. Watch them graze, surface for air, or drift by—gentle, curious, and truly captivating.
We return to the hotel to enjoy lunch and a chance to relax. Our afternoons offer a variety of nature-focused excursions. Two afternoons are dedicated to a snorkelling adventure on Rainbow River, where we can observe freshwater turtles and diving cormorants. Another afternoon takes us to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, home to rescued native species including manatee, black bear, and panther.
Bird enthusiasts will enjoy our afternoon outing focused on the diverse birdlife of the region, from roseate spoonbills to bald eagles. Finally, two afternoons are free for you to relax and explore at your own pace.
-
Day 8:
Morning bird watching and transfer to Orlando airport
This morning, we enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel, followed by a delightful bird watching cruise on nearby King's Bay. Possible sightings include osprey, bald eagle, and pelican.
This afternoon, we transfer to the airport in Orlando.
-
Day 9:
Arrive back in the UK
