Crystal River Manati-Schnorcheln und Everglades-Sumpfboot-Tour

My son and I loved the experiences on this trip but it could be more organized. The biggest frustration was the lack of information or itinerary, and the fact that many of the details are incorrect. Also, meals are provided but they are not great and food allergies are not well accommodated. That being said, my son and I would do it again in a heartbeat! First of all, hotel pickup is not provided. We walked twenty minutes to be picked up at Rosen Points Hotel. Our pickup time was 8:10, but we were picked up at 8:20 in a huge tour bus with a restroom and Wi-Fi . Unfortunately, we were then driven to Senior Frogs to get in a mini van. Breakfast was passed out (croissant, peach yogurt, Sunny D and a peanut butter granola bar) and we left at 8:40. As we were pulling out we learned that the wetsuits were mandatory and Cash Only. This was the first time I heard mandatory and cash only! We arrived in Crystal River at 10:30 after a restroom stop at 9:40. The boat ride and snorkeling was from 11:00-1:00. It was pretty incredible and we saw quite a few manatees. We changed and were able to purchase photographs and souvenirs. We left at 1:30 and lunch was eaten on the bus (Capri Sun, water, ham sandwich, BBQ chips, mandarin oranges and a bag of cookies). We arrived at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Springs Park at 2:00. We did not get to see any of it because we had to eat lunch at the park due to my son's peanut allergy. It looked pretty neat. At 3:00 we left for the airboat ride. That lasted from 4:00-4:45 and was very fun and beautiful! We arrived in Orlando at 6:00 but there were several different stops. We were dropped off across the street instead of Rosen Pointe by 6:30. My biggest suggestion would be to wear swim clothes under your clothes and take whatever you need to change afterwards. I would also bring extra food and cash. I had a large backpack that I left on the bus and a smaller bag for valuables that you can carry with you. I also wish I had brought a disposable waterproof camera for the manatees. My cell phone was perfect for everything else. Also, there was a lot of tipping involved. The dive shop and airbags ride allowed tipping on credit cards. The bus driver Nikky told everyone that he expected at least 15% of the tour price but it was hard to decide how much to tip everyone else since I had no idea of prices. With all this being said, my son and I loved the trip!

The guide was not familiar with the excursion and mentioned this a number of times, there is no where to practically change at the Dive centre and things felt a little amateurish. That said we had a really enjoyable day overall. Saw Wild Dolphins as well as lots of Manatees and a calf.

So, this is not...jump in the water and there are manatees...one must look for them, find them...and then proceed cautiously and carefully so as not to disturb them in their natural habitat...do not touch them says the guide...what to do if one little one is so curious about these 'new friends' it snuggles up and 'tastes' your diving mask...what graceful and totally amazing creatures. Thanks a million for allowing us to experience this part of the Everglades - it was an amazing experience. Together with the fun of the air-boat ride we had a wonderful day away form the rides and other experiences of Orlando.

It was a cool wet day, but once we were in our wetsuit and in the water this didn't spoil the day. At first the water was murky but the guides know exactly where to look and quickly found a manatee grazing along the bottom. They slowly rise about every 3 minutes to breathe and it was amazing to float beside these magnificent creatures. Shortly after the guide took us to the truly beautiful crystal springs where the water was warm and as clear as any swimming pool and another Manatee to swim with. Finished with a walk through a wildlife park to see more Manatees and local wildlife. Great experience.

We had a great time and saw a lot of Manatee- it was the end of winter/early spring- the Manatee had migrated from the West Coast to spend thee winter in the warmer Florida waters, so there were hundreds! The water is not cold so don your wetsuit and mask and jump in! The airboat ride was excellent and we saw many alligators. We also dropped into a zoo for rescued animals.

Very well run trip - and essential given the lack of customer around when we reached both venues. Nice swim with wild manatees and strict but admirable enforcement of keeping your distance! Airboat tour was OK but almost nothing to see - try Orlando Wetlands Park if you want to see alligators - and the usual showboating pilot. Wildlife caged area was pleasant and almost the only way to see many of these animals. Breakfast and lunch were more than adequate!

This was an amazing experience. It was the high point of my vacation. Kate and Austin were terrific. Kate captained our boat and Austin led us in the water. I would do it all again. Madelyn was the tour leader. She was funny and knowledgeable about each part of the tour. A great overall experience..