Scallop Adventure
Four hours snorkeling the Gulf grass flats for bay scallops, with snorkels, fins and a captain who knows the beds.
$450per group of 4 · 4 hours
Details
Old Homosassa · Florida
Swim with manatees, scallop the Gulf, and cruise the Homosassa River.
Family-run boat tours and golf cart rentals on the Homosassa River in Old Homosassa, Florida.
Where we are
Four ways to get on the water in Old Homosassa
We run small-boat tours and golf cart rentals from 5297 South Cherokee Way, where the Homosassa River meets the marina at Monkey Island Riverside Resort. Pick the trip that fits your group — a scallop charter in the Gulf, a manatee swim in the spring-fed river, an hour-long eco cruise, or a cart to explore town.
Manatee Swimming Adventure
Three hours in the clear springs of the Homosassa River with a wetsuit, mask and snorkel included.
$79per person · 3 hours
Details
Springs Eco Tour
A one-hour guided cruise past the springs, Monkey Island and the river's resident wildlife.
$35per person · 1 hour
Details
Golf Cart Rentals
Electric 4- and 6-seat carts for the day or the week — the easy way to reach the restaurants and springs.
$100per 24 hours
Details
The island behind the name
The island with the lighthouse — and the monkeys
The story of Monkey Island starts in the 1960s with G.A. “Furgy” Furgason, known around town as “Mr. Homosassa.” A pile of rocks in the river became an island; the island got trees, a lighthouse and a stilt home. When the nearby wildlife park had trouble with monkeys escaping their cages, Furgy gave them a new address: Monkey Alcatraz.
Three spider monkeys live there today. The resort staff feed them fruit, vegetables and monkey chow twice a day, and they still put on a show for anyone passing on the river.
Find your trip
Tell us how much time you have
Every group arrives with a different day in front of them. These are the four trips we get asked about most.
Three hours
You want to swim with manatees
Our most requested trip. Wetsuit, mask and snorkel are included, and the captain keeps the group small.
See manatee swimsFour hours, summer
You want to bring home dinner
A private scallop charter into the Gulf grass flats, with gear on board and a captain who shucks alongside you.
See scalloping toursOne hour
You are short on time
The one-hour eco cruise covers the springs, Monkey Island and the river's wildlife without eating your afternoon.
See eco river cruisesBy the day
You would rather stay on land
An electric cart gets four or six of you to the seafood shacks, the springs and the water tower loop.
See golf cart rentals
72°F
Spring water, year-round
Why book with us
Run by people who are on the river every day
We are a small, family-run operation at the Monkey Island Riverside Resort marina. That means the person who answers your questions is the person who takes you out.
Local captains
Our captains know where the manatees settle, where the scallops are thick and which stretch of the river is quietest on a Saturday.
Small groups, not cattle boats
Scallop charters are private for up to four guests. Public tours run with a three-seat minimum, so the boat is never packed.
Straight answers before you pay
Gear, timing, weather and what to bring are spelled out on every trip page — and you can cancel up to 72 hours ahead.
Guest reviews
What people say after a day on the boat
“Capt. Kangaroo was a great sport and capt. We had a very relaxing ride with lots of laughs.”
“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.”
“Awesome 45 minute ride! A must do. A lil bit pricey but well worth it!”
Before you come
Plan your Old Homosassa day
Where to eat, what to see, and how the river fits into a full day in Citrus County.
Questions before you book
Cancellations, weather, same-day seats, what to bring and how the 72-hour policy works.
Find the marina
Address, map, hours and the phone number for custom charters and larger groups.
Your river day starts at the marina
Reserve a manatee swim, a scallop charter, an eco cruise or a golf cart. We meet at the Monkey Island Riverside Resort marina in Old Homosassa — 10 minutes before departure.