A Five Days on Florida's Nature Coast
Five nights on Florida's Nature Coast in the manatee capital of the world. We base at the Plantation on Crystal River and let the gentle giants, the mermaids of Weeki Wachee, sponge docks, springs, dolphins, an airboat through the Withlacoochee wetlands, and a winery fill our days. Trips Unlimited handles every mile of motorcoach travel and touring once we land. Five nights on Florida's Nature Coast in the manatee capital of the world.
We land at Tampa International, where our motorcoach is waiting to carry us about an hour and a half north to Crystal River. You will be checked in to the Plantation on Crystal River — our home for the next five nights — by 3:30. At 5:00 we gather poolside for a wine and cheese welcome, followed by a plated welcome dinner at 6:00.
After breakfast, we set out for Three Sisters Springs to walk the boardwalk above the manatees in their turquoise winter home, then visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for the manatee program and Florida wildlife. Lunch on your own with shopping time in historic Heritage Village. In the afternoon we cruise Kings Bay watching for manatees, dolphins, and otters, then enjoy dinner at Cracker's, a local favorite on the water.
Today is yours. Breakfast is included along with a $25 resort voucher to use as you like. Swim with the manatees in the morning if you reserve ahead, or enjoy the pool, golf, and games around the resort. Early afternoon, the coach is available for a shopping run to Beall's. We close the day with dinner at Peck's Cove along the scenic Ozello Trail.
This morning we step back in time at Weeki Wachee Springs for the live mermaid show and a river cruise, with a boxed lunch in a private area. In the afternoon we head to Tarpon Springs for the Odyssey dolphin cruise down the Anclote River, then shopping time along the famous Greek Sponge Docks with dinner on your own.
We begin at Ferris Groves for a fresh Florida shake, then visit Whispering Oaks Winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch with live entertainment. Next is a one-hour airboat ride with Tom and Jerry's through the Withlacoochee wetlands to look for alligators. Our final Florida evening is a waterfront dinner at the Bayside Inn.
After an early breakfast timed to our flights, the motorcoach carries us back to Tampa International for our trips home — hearts full of memories of manatees, mermaids, and the magic of Florida's Nature Coast.
No — airfare to and from Tampa is not included. You'll book your own flights into and out of Tampa International Airport (TPA). Our motorcoach picks you up at the airport on arrival day and returns you on departure day.
A $500 deposit per person is due by August 15, 2026. Final payment is due by December 21, 2026.
Swimming with the manatees is an optional activity available through the Plantation on Crystal River. It must be reserved in advance directly with the resort. We'll have details available when you book.
Double occupancy (airfare not included) is $2,382 per person. Single occupancy (airfare not included) is $2,687 per person.