Snorkeling With Manatees — Attraction in Homosassa Springs

I would like to provide a fair review. Our experience here was good, but could have been much better.

Upon arrival, our guide seemed a bit behind or disorganized. There was a lot of shuffling around and equipment loading after the 10 a.m. arrival time. We didn’t actually get moving until after 1030. We arrived at 0930 thinking the tour started at 10. Making it clear what time to arrive and what time the boat will actually leave would be very helpful for customers. We were pleased with the small group size and friendliness of Captain Kim.

Once on the boat - in giving initial safety instructions, giving local context, and in instructions before entering the water Captain Kim seemed a bit confused and regularly forgot what she was saying, and almost seemed like she was still learning and not totally sure of what she was telling us, even though she said she’d been doing this a long time. Some of the instructions were wacky, like having to take my towel out of my bag before going in the water. By the end of our snorkeling my towel was already soaked because we had gotten on and off the boat a few times. I had to ride all the way back to the dock cold with a wet towel. Also, she asked if we had seen various other things in the water after we were done snorkeling and would have been great to know to look for those other creatures while in the water. Captain Kim did make us hot chocolate with marshmallows once we were done snorkeling, and that was a really nice touch. It’s also true that the hot chocolate just tastes better after being in the water!

We did see some manatees. We saw a mating pod very soon after starting the tour, which was awesome. Unfortunately a couple people on our tour did not follow instructions and yelled in the water, kicked up the dirt, and drove them away. There were also several other boats out and almost a hogging of manatees to ensure each group got a chance to see them up close, understandably. We spotted some more the next couple of tries, and it was especially cool to watch a mom and her baby up close. They swam right up to our faces! There were no big herds though like in the pictures you might see. Those were in the roped areas by the preserve, I believe.

All in all I am glad we did it and had a good adventure.

Things to note:

-Bring more than one towel -Bring a backpack -This company has no underwater cameras to take your pic and no camera bags. Bring your own. -It became crowded further into our tour, really crowded. Go early! -Bring water if needed. Not long enough for snacks. Not a long ride out and most time is spent looking for manatees or snorkeling. -There are dressing rooms in the shed, watch out for big spiders on ceiling. One came...

Life Changing Manatee Experience – Highly Recommend!

If you're looking for an incredible, personal, and well-organized manatee tour, this is the one! From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect.

Booking was a breeze—Kim was beyond helpful, answering all my questions, providing clear directions, and even following up with detailed emails to make sure I had everything I needed. Her kindness and professionalism made me feel completely at ease before the trip even began.

Once on the boat, Captain Sephis was phenomenal. His knowledge of the area, the wildlife, and the manatees themselves made the experience even more enriching. He knew exactly where to take us for the best encounters and answered every question with enthusiasm and expertise.

And then there was Janice, the amazing photographer, who went above and beyond to capture every magical moment. She guided us to the manatees with such care, ensuring we had respectful and up-close encounters while taking absolutely stunning photos. Thanks to her, we have breathtaking memories to cherish forever!

One of the things that made this tour stand out is that it's NOT that massive tour cramming 40+ people into the water. It was a more intimate experience, which meant clearer water, fewer disturbances, and a much more personal connection with these gentle giants. Unlike the overcrowded tourist-packed spots, this river and experience felt peaceful, exclusive, and truly special.

If you want a top-tier manatee tour with amazing staff, incredible service, and unforgettable encounters—this is the one. Don’t hesitate—book it now! Best SURE to tell them Cyndi in the...

We did the Swim with the Manatee group with Capt. Kim making the reservation and Capt. Brian our guide. Great experience from phone reservation, communication, instructions to wet suit donning, boat ride out, Q &A, watching for mantaee, snorkeling with the manatee, encouragement from Capt. Brian to concern for warmth and serving us some hot cocoa on the way vack to shore. He was very concerned with the care of the manatee and instructed us on dos and don't and reminded us when needed. There was a manatee acting sickly that he called in and reported that made my kids happy. We did the 4 hour tour. Got to touch, scatch backs and even had a couple face to face encounters. So let's of fish, a sting ray, crab and had fun. Water was 70 degrees. Air temp 60 degrees. It was cold on the way back . One big suggestion bring a heavy robe AND blanket so you can get out if your wetsuit and easily wrap up in the robe and blanket. There are changing rooms to get into street clothes once you get back to the dock. PS - the only bathroom is across the parking lot so go BEFORE you get into your wet suits. Lol. And you cannot use them in your bathing suits. Gonna...