Have you ever wanted to swim with manatees? In Homosassa Springs you can! Along with a variety of other outdoor excursions, Homosassa Springs offers a lot for those who want to get outside and go on outdoor adventures.
Homosassa Springs is a beautiful area and isn’t too far from Orlando or Tampa. If you don’t want to stay in Homosassa Springs or surrounding areas, you should definitely take a day trip to this town on the gulf!
We’re excited to share our travel guide and everything you need to know before visiting Homosassa Springs, so, let’s dive in!
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About Homosassa Springs
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Homosassa Springs is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The springs are the headwaters of the Homosassa River. It has an average population of 13,500 people.
The town is known for the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park which has a beautiful landscape and is most popular for it being a safe haven for wild and rescued rehabilitated manatees along with other wildlife.
Things to Do
Kayak
One fun thing to do when visiting Homosassa Springs is go kayaking. There are a number of rental companies in the area that you can use to rent a kayak on Homosassa River, or go 15 minutes north and kayak on Crystal River.
Unfortunately, you cannot kayak or swim in the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, but there are plenty of options in the surrounding areas!
Click here to check out kayaking excursions!
Boat Tour
There are a handful of boat tours in the Homosassa Springs area. On the boat tour, you can expect to explore the surrounding area, see wildlife, and learn something new!
The guides will take you to view manatees and sometimes other wildlife, as well as educate you on the ecosystems in Homosassa. They’re a fun way to spend the day and see something new!
Click here to see boating tour excursions!
Visit The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a rehabilitation center for manatees and a refuge for wild manatees to stay at. You can visit the park year round and see the manatees and other wildlife, like wolfs, black bears, alligators, cranes, etc. The park has a Wildlife Walk which is a paved trail that allows visitors to have an elevated view into the natural habitats on the wildlife living in the state park.
The manatees and salt water fish can be seen in the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory. Visitors can get up close and personal with these gentle giants, there is also a television with a live feed of the underwater perspective where you can also watch the manatees. The live feed is also streemed online which you can see by clicking here!
When visiting the park you can also go birding on the Pepper Creek Trail, Geocaching, Hiking on paved trails, and picnicking in covered picnic pavilions. If you’re planning to spend the day at the state park, you can also grab lunch and the Wildside Café.
Click here to check out the state park website!
Snorkel With Manatees
Have you ever wanted to snorkel with a manatee? In Homosassa Springs it’s a popular excursion that will definitely be one to remember. You’ll be given a wetsuit, instructions on how to interact with the manatees, and taken out on a boat to snorkel with manatees in the wild. This experience is fun for the whole family and would be a fun way to make some good memories!
Click here for more info on this excursion!
Fishing
If you are looking to do some fishing, we recommend going on a fishing excursion! You’ll get to go on a boat ride and take in the beautiful scenery, as well as borrow fishing gear and be taken to the best fishing spots by your professional guide.
A fishing excursion is a fun way to spend the afternoon when you’re in Homossasa Springs and you are looking for a lot of fun and adventure!
Click here to check out fishing excursions!
River Safari
Another fun outdoor adventure you can go on when visiting Homosassa Springs is going on a river safari tour. The company provides a variety of tours and boat types. Including an airboat for your river safari tour.
There are also a few different types of tours you can take, such as a one hour tour that takes you through canals and mangroves that lets you explore the surrounding area.
You can also go on the Gulf Ride which takes you through backwaters, estuaries, and areas dolphins hang out for some possible dolphin sightings. You can also choose to go on a sunset airboat tour that will take you through canals and around mangrove covered islands.
How to Get To Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs is about a 1 hour and a half drive from Orlando, Florida. It’s also about a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from Tampa, Florida. You could fly into one of these two airports and use a rental care to get over to Homosassa Springs.
You can also take a bus from the Tampa Airport all the way to Homosassa Springs. If you are starting out to the North of Homosassa then you will want to take I-275 West, and if you are south of Homosassa Springs you will want to take I-95 North.
Where to Stay
There isn’t a huge number of hotels that you can stay at in Homosassa Springs, but there are definitely options in surrounding cities like Crystal River or Homosassa that are usually under 10 miles from Homosassa Springs. Here are our top picks for hotels:
Hampton Inn Crystal River
Best Western Crystal River Resort
Click here to check out more hotels!
Camp
You can also camp at the Homosassa Springs State Park. Click here for more info!
Best Time to Visit
The weather and landscape are beautiful year-round, however, if you are wanting to see the manatees, you will want to visit from January to March.
Wrapping Up
Homosassa Springs is a beautiful area of Florida to visit, especially if you are looking for a trip with outdoor adventure.
This area of Florida is known for its manatee population and there are a number of excursions you can go on that will let you get up close and personal with Florida wildlife. Including snorkeling with wild manatees.
Homosassa Springs is a great place to bring your friends and family for a great trip exploring the outdoors. It’s not too far from Tampa or Orlando and would be a great day trip as well! Happy travels!
FAQs
How much does it cost to get into Homosassa Springs?
It costs $13 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 to enter the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
What is Homosassa Springs known for?
Homosassa Springs is known for its manatee population and manatee excursions.
Are there alligators in Homosassa Springs FL?
Yes, there are alligators in Homosassa Springs FL, however, they typically stay in the more swampy and less populated areas.