Cruise from the river to the Gulf to look for wild dolphins
2 hours
Up to 6 people
Ride a river boat from Homosassa out toward the Gulf of Mexico and watch for wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Your tour follows Dolphin Smart viewing guidelines and may also pass local wildlife and landmarks.
This tour follows Dolphin Smart guidelines: stay 50 yards from dolphins, do not feed or touch them, and do not swim with them.
With Trip Protection: cancel/reschedule up to 72 hours prior for a full refund minus trip protection cost and associated fees. Without Trip Protection: cancellations up to 72 hours before receive a 50% refund (or choose a gift card). Same-day cancellations forfeit payment. No-shows not eligible.
Product ID: 9FY35R
Arrive 15–20 minutes before your reservation time to check in, get a safety briefing, and make sure any gear fits properly.
Yes. The captain may change your boarding location up to 24 hours before your trip. If that happens, you will be notified by email.
Bring a camera and a small cooler with snacks (and drinks in winter). In summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. In winter, bring a hoodie, warm hat, socks, binoculars, and sunglasses.
5297 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34446
Guides like Captain Cephas, Captain Yves, and Charissa are a big reason this experience earns such glowing reviews. Knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about manatees, they put real effort into finding the animals and making sure everyone in the group gets quality time in the water. Families with young kids, travelers with physical limitations, and even guests visiting late in the season have all walked away with memorable encounters. The manatees themselves do most of the heavy lifting, of course. Reviewers describe close-up, face-to-face moments with these curious, gentle creatures, sometimes lasting close to an hour. Underwater photos taken by the crew are a standout bonus, giving guests something to take home beyond just the memory. One thing worth noting is that sightings are more reliable in winter when manatees congregate in the warm spring waters. Late spring and summer visits can still be rewarding, but manage your expectations accordingly. Overall, this tour consistently delivers a genuine, well-run wildlife experience that feels far from touristy.
It was such a wonderful experience. Even though it was the off-season in August, our guide went above and beyond, and we were able to swim with a manatee for a very long time. We were also the only ones on the boat, so we had a private tour, which was incredible. Our guide was incredibly kind! I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Nadine
August 12, 2026
It was such a wonderful experience. Even though it was the off-season in August, our guide went above and beyond, and we were able to swim with a manatee for a very long time. We were also the only ones on the boat, so we had a private tour, which was incredible. Our guide was incredibly kind! I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Nadine
August 12, 2026
Cruise the Old Homosassa River with wildlife and backcountry history
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Float in blue-water springs and watch manatees up close
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