Family-run · Old Homosassa
The family behind Monkey Island Adventures
We are a small, family-run boat tour and golf cart operator at the marina of Monkey Island Riverside Resort in Old Homosassa, Florida.
Who we are
Small enough to know your name
Monkey Island Adventures is your one stop to find and explore so much available to do on the Homosassa River.
We run manatee swims, scalloping charters, eco river cruises and golf cart rentals from one dock at 5297 South Cherokee Way, on the river that gives Old Homosassa its character. Our captains are on the water most days of the week. Guests come back asking for Captain Jesse and Captain “Kangaroo” by name — and they remember who took them out.
Because we are a small operation, the person who answers your questions is usually the person who takes you out. If you have a bigger party for a manatee swim, want a custom river cruise, or need a cart for the week, ask us directly and we will tell you honestly what we can do.
The landmark
History of Monkey Island
The story of Monkey Island starts in the 1960s with G.A. “Furgy” Furgason. Also known as “Mr. Homosassa,” Furgy was the Vice President for the Norris Cattle Company and a prominent figure in the community. He was responsible for developing much of the surrounding area, including the current location of Monkey Island Riverside Resort and the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
At that time, Monkey Island was just a pile of rocks hidden by the high tides — boats would often hit the submerged rocks. Furgy had one of his dredge operators pile dirt on the rocks to make them more noticeable. The pile turned into an unsightly island in the middle of the river. Furgy made the best of it and added trees and a lighthouse.
Meanwhile, the wildlife park was having trouble with several monkeys escaping their cages and wreaking havoc around the park. They stole purses, broke into cars and even bit a few folks.
Furgy had the idea to put these delinquents on his newly acquired island, essentially turning the old rock pile into a Monkey Alcatraz. Additions, including a stilt home, were built to accommodate the original five primates: three spider monkeys and two squirrel monkeys.
Over the years, monkeys have come and gone. Today three spider monkeys live on Monkey Island — Ralph and Emily among them. Even though ownership of the resort has changed hands, the resort employees still care for the monkeys, feeding them a special diet of fruit, vegetables and monkey chow twice a day. They still entertain anyone passing on the river as they frolic on their unique little island.
On the water
How we run a trip
We keep groups small, we go at the pace the wildlife sets, and we do not chase anything. On a manatee swim that means floating quietly until a manatee decides to come close. On a scallop charter it means working the grass flats until your cooler is full, then showing you how to shuck what you caught.
We meet every guest at the marina 10 minutes before departure, and we cancel and refund if the weather makes the water unsafe.
- Small groups on every public tour
- Wetsuits, snorkels and fins included where they apply
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure
Our neighbours
Monkey Island Riverside Resort
Our tours and cart rentals start at the resort marina. If you are staying on the property, the boat is a short walk from your room.
Airboat Homosassa
Looking for an airboat ride? Our neighbours at Airboat Homosassa run them, and we are happy to point you their way.
Come see the island for yourself
Every boat tour passes Monkey Island. Pick a trip and we will point out the lighthouse, the stilt house and, if you are lucky, the monkeys.