The Crystal River manatees are world famous. People come from all over the world to swim, kayak and marvel at one the most beloved endangered species native to Florida. If you are unfamiliar with manatees they are an aquatic mammal often referred to as sea cows due to their gentle giant nature. They are slow moving and herbivorous, feasting mostly on vegetation. In the winter months you can often find manatees in various locations throughout Florida heading into fresh water rivers to get warm and rest. On warmer days the manatees head out to the ocean to feed and swim.
Crystal River, Florida manatees are special because it’s the only place in the world you can swim with manatees. It is a bucket list item for many and an experience families will talk about forever. In the summer months families love to enjoy the Crystal River scalloping as another unique adventure to enjoy together.
Best Time to See Manatees
It’s important to note that if you are looking to swim with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida you will likely want to plan your visit during the winter months. This is when you will see larger groups of manatees in Citrus County in warm waters. On cooler days they tend to come in from the ocean where as in the summer months they will migrate to the ocean. You should plan any kayaking or swimming with manatee days with the weather in mind because the manatees are not captive and swim back and forth from the ocean on warmer and cooler days. When the weather is 60-70 degrees you will be more likely to see a group of manatees vs. a warmer 70-80 degree day. Keep that in mind when booking your tours.
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Best Places to See Crystal River Manatees in Their Natural Habitat
Homosassa Springs
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a must visit for anyone visiting the Crystal Springs area. If you want an in-depth look and education on Florida wildlife than this is the place to come. Not only will you get to see rescued and rehabilitated manatees as well as non-captive manatees but you will get the opportunity to see other wildlife native to Florida as well. The animals here serve as ambassadors for their species and are kept for their own specific reasons but have been found to need rehabilitation or cannot survive on their own. From the visitors center you will purchase a ticket and take a boat ride into the park where you will see birds, turtles and learn about the vegetation that grows natively to the springs. Inside you have a zoo-like experience as you wander through different exhibits and habitats for animals. State Park rangers are there to guide you and answer questions. Don’t forget to make a stop to see Lu the hippo- the oldest hippo in captivity.
Three Sisters Springs
If you are in the Crystal River, Florida a stop to see Three Sisters Springs is a must. Most people describe the crystal blue and emerald waters of Three Sisters Springs otherworldly. The scenery is stunning and gorgeous but the real show stopper here is the manatees. This is the only spot in the world that you can swim with manatees. The best way to have the swim with manatees experience is to book with a tour operator who can help you safely and legally navigate Three Sisters Springs and guide you through a life-changing experience. You can also rent a kayak or boat and visit, or you can purchase a trolley ticket from the visitors center in downtown Crystal River.
There is no parking available at Crystal River so you either arrive by boat, foot or trolley. If you do take the trolley route there is a self-guided tour on a well-maintained boardwalk around the springs with plenty of great manatee viewing spots. The visitors center will inform you of how many manatees have been sighted before you book your ticket.
Kings Bay Manatee Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Kings Bay is another local favorite for spotting manatees. This wildlife refuge is only accessible by boat, so you will either want a Crystal River boat rental or you will want to find a tour company that takes you out there. You can visit the visitors center and headquarters and learn all about what the State Parks department is doing to protect the West Indian manatee with over 80 acres of designated refuge. Many swim with manatee tours will take you to Three Sisters Springs or the outskirts of Kings Bay.
Our Favorite Manatee Tours in Crystal River:
Explorida
Start with a mandatory video from the National fish and wildlife service, changing rooms and bathrooms, snorkel gear (keyword), wet suits and pool noodles. Purchase jump drive with photos from your trip for a small fee. Nice boats and vans to shuttle you to Kings Bay boat dock. Hot chocolate on board and fun and happy tour guides.
Paddles Outdoor Rentals
Crystal river kayak (keyword) rentals, stand up paddle board,water bikes, bike rentals talk about experience pick up drop off all the things
Things to Know When Interacting and Swimming with Manatees:
It’s important to have proper manatee manners when interacting with the wildlife in their own habitats. Please remember they are an endangered species and protected by the National Fish and Wildlife association. There are certain rules and guidelines you should follow.
- Never enter a manatee sanctuary. You can only interact with manatees outside of marked off buoys.
- Never touch, grab, or get in the way of a moving manatee.
- Never come between a manatee and their calf.
- Practice passive observance and relax. Don’t make loud noises or splash around resting manatees.
- Listen carefully to your guides and don’t rush up to a manatee with a crowd of people.
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