Things to do in Florida, United States: The Best Eco Tours

May 30, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Restaurants in Florida

1. Bird's Underwater

Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,260 reviews

Bird's Underwater

Bird's Underwater Dive Center offer manatee snorkel tours, waterfront location, Swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, small group 6 person only tours with meals included, Manatee surface tours, Manatee educational tours, Manatee Awareness Program, Manatee Dives, Manatee Photography underwater, Manatee Photography above the water, Kayak rental, Kayaking with the endangered manatees in Crystal River, Florida, Enclosed Pontoon boats, snacks, Paddle boarding with the manatees, Group manatee tours, School Field Trip Manatee Tours, Handicap access to view or swim with the manatees, Waterfront Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Fl. Manatee swims from Vacation Rental Houses in Homosassa, Kayaks included with nightly vacation rental houses, Kayaking in Homosassa, Fl. Dolphin sightings, early morning manatee tours, Late afternoon Manatee Tours. Scallop Tours, Scallop gear Sales, Scallop education. Scuba diving sales, Scuba Diving Instruction, Snorkel Equipment sales, Cavern Diving, Cavern Diving Instruction, Cave diving instruction, Nitrox instruction, Tri-Mix instruction, re-breather diving instruction. Members of Manatee Eco Tourism Association, Better Business Bureau, and Citrus County Tourism Division. Owned by Bill (Bird) and Diana Oestreich since 1993. Bill "Bird" and Diane Oestreich moved to Crystal River in 1989 and began teaching scuba diving and offering manatee snorkel tours. At that time there were only 3 hotels, one independent shop, and about 100 manatees that came to Citrus County in the winter months. Since then, Manatees have increased to over 1000 manatees in Citrus County alone in the winter, and there is an average population of about 35 manatees that remain in Kings Bay in the summer months. The Manatee Awareness Program was set up by Bird and Diana Oestreich in 1990 with the dive agency NAUI, then PADI, and now SDI offers the same program. They offer quality and personalized manatee tours with experienced and insured boat captains, all of which are at Divemaster level or higher. Manatee Tours average about 3 hours, but they do not have a set time in which they "pull" the customers out of the water in order to run another tour. All tours include drinks and snacks. Private tours include a full meal. Bird's Underwater Dive Center is located on the Kings Bay of Crystal River. You do not have to drive to a separate location to be on the water. Bird's Underwater is located on the dock behind the Dockside Trading Company. We are next to Charlies Fish House restaurant, and walking distance from Crackers restaurant. The Dockside Deli is located in the same parking lot. Main Street or Citrus Avenue is 2 blocks to the south, the Crystal River Mall is 1/4 mile north.

2. Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,643 reviews

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours is a professional Manatee Eco-tour guide service that has been guiding snorkelers into the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge since 1995. We offer daily trips to swim and snorkel with the manatees in the beautiful Crystal River. Kayak and Paddle board rentals and guided tours are also available. All gear is included in tour pricing, and all tours are limited to small groups with only 6-12 guests maximum per boat. This is a great adventure that is suitable for the whole family. Children 3 years old and up are welcome as long as they are comfortable in the water and are able to float quietly. Our tours are all-inclusive, no hidden fees, or additional charges for snorkeling gear, parking, etc. It's all included!. Picture packages are available on every tour. Thanks for looking!

3. Fin Expeditions

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,381 reviews

Fin Expeditions

Like kayaking with an old friend. Fin Expeditions goal is to give you a magical experience with little effort from you, other than the paddling of course ;-). Kayak the Thousand Islands searching for Manatee, Dolphin, and many species of birds while in the heart of the tropical Mangroves. Our tours are all located right in the heart of Cocoa Beach so you won't have to travel far. Our Bioluminescence kayak tours are a bucket list activity for all. Safety is always at the front of our minds with well-trained staff. Relax while you are with our crew. Every purchase helps locals in need and lagoon conservation efforts. World-class nature tour. Approx, 2 hrs. Reservations are required.

4. Gulf Coast Expeditions

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 705 reviews

Gulf Coast Expeditions

Gulf Coast Expeditions provides customers with personalized manatee snorkel tours, scallop charters, and sightseeing tours. We keep our group sizes small and take no more than six people out at a time. Our tours meet daily at our marina location which is conveniently located for a quick boat ride to swim with the manatees and the scallop grounds.

5. A Family Fun Boat Tour Company

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 711 reviews

A Family Fun Boat Tour Company

We provide high quality PRIVATE, Snorkeling, Sightseeing, Sandbar, Sunset Cruises and Eco Tours. Our custom crowd free custom boating trips are packed with so much fun you may just want to join us again before you leave! Up to 6 passengers per boat. Snorkel gear included.

6. Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,428 reviews

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures

A UNIQUE AIRBOAT ADVENTURE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!!! FREE PHOTO WITH LIVE ALLIGATOR. NEAR ORLANDO, TAMPA, OCALA , GAINESVILLE, THE VILLAGES, CRYSTAL RIVER, BROOKESVILLE and not too far from CLEARWATER and ST. PETERSBURG.

7. Capt. Ron's Awesome Everglades Adventures

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,536 reviews

Capt. Ron's Awesome Everglades Adventures

If you're looking for ADVENTURE, you found the right place! I have been guiding waverunner adventures for over 32 years and in my spare time I volunteer as a first responder for hurricane SAR with my waverunners and airboat and have worked Katrina, Harvey, Irma, Florence and Michael . I invented the 1 hour waverunner tour in 1987 and eventually turned that into a 3 hour adventure! I always use new model and state-of-the art skis equipped with BRAKES and electronic shifting and Capt Ron's is the ONLY waverunner adventure that employs an underwater microphone so guests can actually here dolphin speaking underwater. I carry a full EMT medical kit including an AED device and am certified in CPR and First Aid. All adventures cover at least 35 miles and up to 50 miles and are covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I know there are cheap tours available but they pale in comparison to a Capt Ron's adventure. If you want a real Waverunner adventure look no further!

8. The Dolphin Explorer

Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,229 reviews

The Dolphin Explorer

A National Geographic approved tour, we see dolphins on every trip up-close and personal. Join the crew of the Dolphin Explorer cruising the waters of Marco Island in search of dolphins as part of the only dolphin research study in Southwest Florida. On our trip, you will visit rookeries, estuaries and a barrier island that you can explore and shell. Two trips daily, seven days a week. A fabulous family adventure.

9. Little Toot Dolphin Adventures

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,666 reviews

Little Toot Dolphin Adventures

Dolphin watching boat tour! Guaranteed dolphin sightings in Clearwater, Florida aboard our forty foot Tugboat. A wonderful tug boat ride throughout Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Excellent dolphin sightings.Departures at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and Sunset. 5pm & Sunset times vary with the season. Trips subject to change. We are available for private charters. Enjoy the great outdoors-Birthday parties, Anniversaries, Youth and Church groups, Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and Ash scatterings at sea.

10. Tour The Glades - Private Wildlife Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,397 reviews

Tour The Glades - Private Wildlife Tours

Tour The Glades - Private Wildlife Tours is the Only all inclusive Private tour operator in the Everglades! Quality instead of quantity is our goal...which means our guests receive 100% of our attention. This approach is better for the environment and hands down the best way to explore the Everglades & 10,000 Islands....just you and your own personal guide. Come with us in search of Alligator, Manatee, Black Bear, playful Dolphin and even the elusive Florida Panther! The Everglades is also a Birder's Paradise and we'll help you get your target species. We provide tours year round and all excursions are led by Local Naturalist Guides that provide EVERYTHING you'll need. Fresh fruit, cold bottled water and all the necessities are included. You won't need to purchase any additional items because we've thought of everything! Private is BEST because YOU are our #1 priority.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.