Everything guests ask before they book
River Safaris FAQs
Where to park, what to bring, how old you need to be to rent a boat and whether you will see a manatee. The answers, without the fluff.
Booking and payment
How do I book a tour or rental?
Book online using the Book Now buttons on any tour page, or call the dock at (352) 628-5222. Online reservations require a credit card deposit, with the balance paid at check-in.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and credit cards at the dock. Online reservations take a credit card deposit.
What is your cancellation and weather policy?
Cancellation terms are confirmed when you reserve, so please read them at checkout or call (352) 628-5222 before booking if you need the details in advance. If conditions are unsafe on the day, your captain will tell you before you leave the dock.
How early should we arrive?
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That covers check-in and the ten-minute safety brief that every tour and rental begins with.
Getting here
Where are you located?
We are at 10823 W Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Florida 34448, on the Homosassa River in Old Homosassa, just before the elementary school. Look for the yellow Key West-style house.
Where do we park?
There is plenty of parking in the back after you drive through the gate, plus parking in front. Handicap parking is available at both the front and the back of the building.
Is Homosassa an easy day trip from Tampa, Ocala or The Villages?
Yes. River Safaris is a regular day trip from Tampa, Ocala, The Villages and Crystal River, and most guests combine a tour with lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
On the water
Can we bring alcohol?
Alcohol is allowed on pontoon rentals, but never for the driver. It is not allowed on airboat tours.
Can we bring our dog?
Dogs are welcome on pontoon rentals and are not allowed on any guided tour.
Are there restrooms on board?
No. There are no restrooms on our boats. Six waterfront restaurants are within a mile of the dock, and there are facilities on land before you leave.
What should we bring?
A jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit if you are swimming with manatees. Loose hats blow off airboats, so bring one that fits snugly.
What are the speed limits on the river?
The river is a no-wake zone up to the springs at about 5 mph, with a 25 mph limit on the rest of the river. Our pontoons realistically cruise at 15 to 20 mph.
Rentals
How old do I need to be to rent a boat?
Renters must be at least 21 years old with valid photo ID. Anyone born after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida Boater Safety ID card to drive.
What is the damage deposit?
A $500 credit card authorization or cash deposit is held for the rental and returned when the boat comes back undamaged.
Where can we take the rental boat?
Anywhere you want, as long as the boat is returned on time and undamaged. You do not have enough fuel to reach Crystal River or Weeki Wachee.
What if we are late back?
There is a $40 late fee for every 15 minutes past your return time, and no refunds for early returns.
Wildlife
Will we see manatees?
Manatees gather in the Homosassa springs from roughly November through March, when the Gulf cools. Sightings are never guaranteed because they are wild animals, but winter is highly reliable here.
Can we touch or feed the manatees?
No. FWC rules prohibit chasing, grabbing, feeding or blocking manatees. A manatee may approach you, and if it does, stay still and let it pass.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are common near the mouth of the Homosassa River and out in the Gulf, especially on the 90-minute airboat ride. Like any wild animal, they are never guaranteed.
Still stuck? Call (352) 628-5222 or email info@riversafaris.com. Someone at the dock will answer.
Got your answers? Book the boat.
Airboats, manatee tours, dolphin tours and pontoon rentals, all leaving from 10823 W Yulee Drive.