Tour boat cruising a cypress-lined Florida river

Guided cruise · One hour

Homosassa River eco tours

A one-hour guided cruise past the springs, Monkey Island and the river's resident wildlife. $35 per person, three-seat minimum.

Duration1 hour
Price$35 per person
DepartsOld Homosassa marina
Group3-seat minimum

The cruise

The easiest hour on the Homosassa River

Our eco river tour takes you along Citrus County's Homosassa River, one of Florida's clearest spring-fed waterways, with a guide who points out what you are seeing as you go. It is the trip we recommend when you are short on time, travelling with grandparents, or want to see the river before deciding what to do next.

You will cruise past Monkey Island — the river's most photographed landmark — and into the spring-fed stretches where manatees, birds and fish live. No swimming, no gear, no rush.

What makes this cruise different

  1. Nature's splendor, up close

    Glide through clear water surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife habitat, with native flora and fauna along the way.

  2. Sustainable exploration

    We travel at a low-impact pace and keep a distance from wildlife, so the river stays as you found it.

  3. Educational insight

    Your guide shares the stories behind the river — the springs, the wildlife, and why Homosassa looks the way it does.

  4. Wildlife at every turn

    From manatees in the springs to dolphins near the river mouth, there is always something to look for.

A swimmer floating above a manatee in a clear Florida spring
Homosassa springsClear water, year-round

Where the cruise goes

We leave the marina at Monkey Island Riverside Resort and follow the river through Old Homosassa, past Monkey Island and the spring-fed channels that give the river its colour. Your captain adjusts the route to the day's wildlife and conditions.

How the hour goes

  1. Meet at the marina

    Arrive 10 minutes early at 5297 South Cherokee Way and step aboard.

  2. Cruise the river

    Your captain narrates as you pass the springs, Monkey Island and the old waterfront.

  3. Watch the wildlife

    We slow down where manatees, birds or dolphins are working, and give you time to look.

  4. Back to the dock

    One hour, door to door — with the rest of your day still ahead of you.

On the river

What one hour on the water looks like

Included

What is included

  • A one-hour guided cruise
  • Your captain and live commentary
  • Seating for every guest

Bring with you

What to pack

  • A hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • A camera — Monkey Island is worth a photo
“We took a boat cruise with Captain Jesse, this was a wonderful and relaxing trip. The boat was clean, the company was great… It was my sister's birthday and this was the best part of our weekend.”
Laura Sheets-ParkerBoat cruise · May 2023
“Awesome 45 minute ride! A must do. A lil bit pricey but well worth it!”
MikeyRiver cruise · April 2023
“Capt. Kangaroo was a great sport and capt. We had a very relaxing ride with lots of laughs.”
Kevin SifordScalloping tour · October 2023

Good to know

Eco tour questions, answered

How long is the eco river cruise?

The Springs Eco Tour runs about one hour, departing from the marina at Monkey Island Riverside Resort in Old Homosassa.

What will we see on the Homosassa River?

The cruise passes Monkey Island and its resident spider monkeys, the spring-fed waterways of the Homosassa River, and the wildlife that lives along it — manatees, birds and, near the river mouth, dolphins.

Is there a minimum number of guests?

Yes. Public eco tours run with a three-seat minimum. If you are booking for a smaller party, contact us and we will tell you what is available.

Can I book a same-day eco tour?

Same-day seats are not guaranteed. Online booking closes 12 hours before departure, so call or email if you want to go today.

Is the boat suitable for children and older guests?

Yes. The eco cruise is a seated, slow cruise with no swimming involved, which makes it the easiest trip for families with small children and grandparents in the same group.

See the river in an hour

Monkey Island, the springs and the wildlife — without giving up your afternoon.

Talk to us
From$35 / person