Anyone done a Swim with Manatees in Orlando?

clairenutter · 21 Aug 17, 12:56 PM

Hey,

My friend is really very keen to swim wth a manatee and can see a trip via Florida tix that looks quite good and includes transfers to and from the river you go to. This is perfect because we are not hiring a car.

Has anyone done this experience? Was it worth it? Can you recommend a company?

Thanks

Claire

**hermione25** · 21 Aug 17, 01:21 PM

We booked through Attraction tickets direct twice now. Picked up by coach from a nearby hotel, buffet breakfast on the way. Stop to look around Homassassa state park - loads of rescued manatees as well as lots of other animals. Had our picnic lunch, which was also provided at the park. At Crystal river the only extra was hiring wetsuits, which in hindsight we probably didn't need in August, though did in April. In August we found a few manatees but the water was a bit murky to see them. In April they were everywhere- water was crystal clear and they swam right by us - it was amazing! One of the highlights of our many trips to Florida.

clairenutter · 21 Aug 17, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by hermione25

We booked through Attraction tickets direct twice now. Picked up by coach from a nearby hotel, buffet breakfast on the way. Stop to look around Homassassa state park - loads of rescued manatees as well as lots of other animals. Had our picnic lunch, which was also provided at the park. At Crystal river the only extra was hiring wetsuits, which in hindsight we probably didn't need in August, though did in April. In August we found a few manatees but the water was a bit murky to see them. In April they were everywhere- water was crystal clear and they swam right by us - it was amazing! One of the highlights of our many trips to Florida.

Thank you so much. Really good to hear. If we do it it will be the start of November so I guessing wetsuits are a must. I am hoping for your April experience. Lol. I have to confess I will not be doing it. Not really something I am interested in but its something my best pal has always wanted to do. Want to surprise them with this.

pritch · 21 Aug 17, 07:44 PM

Been to Crystal river in in November lots of manatees and babies about, not sure how many are about in the summer in the wild.
riverventures/daily-manatee-tours.html

Redman · 21 Aug 17, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by clairenutter

Hey,

My friend is really very keen to swim wth a manatee and can see a trip via Florida tix that looks quite good and includes transfers to and from the river you go to. This is perfect because we are not hiring a car.

Has anyone done this experience? Was it worth it? Can you recommend a company?

Thanks

Claire

Orlandoattractions do a manatee swim, cheapest I've found, bus pick up, lunch etc, it's about 12 hours total, ask for Tony

carolineonecat · 22 Aug 17, 11:25 PM

We did crystal river a few years back in July - it was a really nice trip but also see them often in the gulf

clairenutter · 23 Aug 17, 12:08 PM

Thank you all very much!

21 Aug 17, 01:21 PM	#2
	21 Aug 17, 01:21 PM hermione25 VIP Dibber ✓Premium Member
hermione25 VIP Dibber Join Date: Jan 10	We booked through Attraction tickets direct twice now. Picked up by coach from a nearby hotel, buffet breakfast on the way. Stop to look around Homassassa state park - loads of rescued manatees as well as lots of other animals. Had our picnic lunch, which was also provided at the park. At Crystal river the only extra was hiring wetsuits, which in hindsight we probably didn't need in August, though did in April. In August we found a few manatees but the water was a bit murky to see them. In April they were everywhere- water was crystal clear and they swam right by us - it was amazing! One of the highlights of our many trips to Florida. __________________ Amanda x