Trip Highlights
Experience Crystal River, one of the best places to swim with manatees in Florida, and encounter large groups of these gentle giants in their warm, spring-fed waters.
Enjoy a naturalist-led hike through a historic, private, family-owned tree farm with 1,100 acres of sustainably managed wildlife habitat
About This Trip
This educational, family-friendly 4-day trip invites you to swim with manatees in Florida and discover the fascinating ecology of these gentle giants. Spend two mornings snorkeling in clear water alongside the Crystal River manatee herd, a group that represents roughly 25% of the entire U.S. manatee population.
Beyond your in-water encounters, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Espedeco Tree Farm, a historic, family-owned property spanning more than 1,100 acres of sustainably managed habitat that supports abundant native wildlife from alligators and bobcats to endangered gopher tortoises, deer, and a variety of birds and butterflies. Along the way, our expert guide will share conservation challenges and the importance of protecting Florida’s endangered habitats.
Conservation Impact
Oceanic Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation since 1969 and a pioneer in eco-tourism. We craft expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. Trip fees from this expedition support local nonprofits working to protect manatees and their critical habitats. In past years, beneficiaries have included Save a Manatee and Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Additionally, Oceanic Society’s earnings from this trip are reinvested into global marine research and conservation efforts, ensuring your travel has a lasting positive impact.
Dates & Prices
Jan 16-19, 2026
Book This TripWhat's Included
Full expedition services, including all scheduled activities, naturalist-led snorkeling with manatees, a guided nature tour at Espedeco Tree Farm, and one group dinner. Trip fees also support Florida nonprofit organizations dedicated to conserving manatees and their habitats.
What's Not Included
Accommodations (participants arrange their own lodging; recommended: Plantation Inn in Crystal River), all other meals, and all required ground transportation.
Itinerary
For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Crystal River, Florida, the heart of manatee country. The closest major airports are Tampa (TPA) and Orlando (MCO), each just over an hour’s drive. Settle in and prepare for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the boat harbor and board a dedicated manatee-viewing vessel where we will swim alongside and observe manatees in their habitat, guided by an expert naturalist. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature tour through the 1,100-acre Espedeco Tree Farm, a sustainably managed property that protects endangered Florida habitats and wildlife.
Return to the boat harbor in the morning for your second morning of manatee encounters — a chance to deepen your understanding of their behavior and conservation needs. The afternoon is free to relax, and in the evening, gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant to share stories from the trip.
Accommodations
Participants will arrange their own accommodations at nearby hotels and are responsible for their own transportation (rental car). We recommend that guests stay at the charming Plantation Inn in Crystal River.
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
