Swim with Manatees & Different Encounters in Florida’s Crystal River

The pristine waters and unspoiled forests of Crystal River in Florida are some of the outstanding sights you’ll be able to see right here. Nonetheless, it’s not simply the gorgeous environment that make folks wish to go to—it’s additionally the Crystal River manatees!

The river is house to one of many largest teams of manatees on the earth, which are available in droves throughout the winter season for its heat waters. After all, this opens up the possibility to see and work together with them.

After all, this opens up the possibility for some epic bucket record experiences, like kayaking and swimming with manatees.

What are Manatees?

Manatees are a sea creature that has as soon as been the stuff of legends, with even famed explorer Christopher Columbus mistaking them for mermaids, the lovable manatees are actually a sight to behold. Often known as ‘sea cows,’ these aquatic herbivores are identified for his or her stubby noses, massive bulk, and mild (and infrequently curious) nature.

They will develop as much as 4 meters (13 ft 1 in) in size and may weigh as a lot as 590 kg (1300 lbs). Though they could look much like seals or walruses, they’re, in truth, extra intently associated to the elephant. They feed on freshwater and saltwater vegetation like water lettuce and sea grasses. Nonetheless, they do sometimes eat small fish and clams.

Sadly, as a result of habitat loss and hunters, the manatee inhabitants are at a state of decline. Luckily, ongoing conservation efforts and strict guidelines and tips are being applied to make sure that these lovely sea cows are protected and be seen by generations to return.

The place to See Manatees in Florida

Many of the state parks and waterways round Florida are just about wildlife sanctuaries for manatees, particularly at Crystal River (which has additionally been dubbed the ‘Residence of the Manatee’). A few of the finest spots embody Three Sisters Spring (at Crystal River), Blue Spring State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Refuge and the Manatee Observation and Education Center.

There are additionally rehabilitation facilities/parks like SeaWorld and Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, the place you’ll be able to see rescued manatees together with different fascinating ocean creatures.

You can even try a listing of those state parks and facilities on the Florida FWC website.

The Greatest Manatee Experiences in (or close to) Crystal River

Seeing Manatees from the Three Sisters Spring Boardwalk

The Three Sisters Springs is a 57-acre wildlife refuge in Crystal River, Florida. It acquired its identify from the three spring areas, which include vents and sand boils that feed the waters of Kings Bay and different close by canals.

The refuge has a scenic boardwalk that provides loads of alternatives to snap a photograph (or fifty) of manatees as they slowly cruise the waters, particularly throughout winter. You can even discover one of many nature trails and see the three springs in all their pure magnificence.

Whereas the manatees are the celebrities of the place, don’t miss out on seeing totally different native and migratory birds (and different wildlife) that paint the waters and treetops throughout your wildlife viewing.

P.S. Selfie sticks and drones should not allowed within the space. Additionally observe ‘Depart No Hint Behind.’

Kayaking with Crystal River Manatees

Interactions with Florida manatees may appear restricted for some, however that doesn’t imply that water actions are completely out of the image. It simply must be secure for each you and the manatees, which is why boarding a kayak on a manatee tour is an ideal means to take action.

Are you able to think about gliding on the water side-by-side with a manatee?

Yow will discover loads of outfitters like Paddle Outdoor Rentals who present kayak excursions for guests.

​​See them (and plenty of different animals) at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

There are many locations the place we are able to see manatees right here in Florida, and even some the place we are able to see extra than simply manatees! Only a few miles south of Crystal River in Homosassa, Florida, is a state park referred to as the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park is house to a wide range of animals, together with manatees, alligators, black bears, many species of birds, a 62-year-old hippo named Lu, and lots of extra.

You’ll be able to take a ship or tram tour by the park to see the animals of their pure habitats, with a number of academic displays and exhibits that spotlight the park’s inhabitants. One other spotlight is the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory, the place you’ll be able to see the aquatic animals up shut of their pure habitat. There’s additionally a number of trails within the park, just like the 0.75-mile Pepper Creek Birding Path, which takes you from the customer heart to the park’s west entrance whereas seeing wildlife alongside the best way.

Swimming with the Manatees in Crystal River

Now comes some of the thrilling methods you’ll be able to expertise the Crystal River ‘sea cows’: attending to swim with manatees! The river is definitely one of many few locations the place you’ll be able to legally do that, so it’s no marvel many individuals come right here from totally different locations only for this particular probability. 

I did my swim with Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours, the place I used to be accompanied by an in-water information all the time to make sure that the principles are noticed so that you simply (and the manatees) could have a good time.

This can be a surreal expertise, the place manatees shall be swimming proper by you. Although you’re not supposed to the touch them, one got here proper subsequent to me and wrapped his flipper round my waist! One other was interested by my GoPro digicam which gave me an epic closeup video of his cute face. 

Greatest Suggestions for Swimming with Crystal River Manatees

Wait! Earlier than you leap proper in, you’ll first have to study a set of ‘manatee manners’ which must be adopted always. Whether or not or not it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming, there are a few ‘manatee manners‘ that everybody ought to study and observe. Whereas it might appear overwhelming at first, when you get to know them by coronary heart, you’re in your approach to getting essentially the most out of this glorious expertise.

A few of the finest ideas when swimming with manatees embody:

• Preserve your distance and by no means contact or provoke contact until the manatees come to you first (which these curious creatures typically do, particularly in the event you’re floating gently). In the event that they achieve this, you might gently contact them with one hand on the again or abdomen. Some would possibly even ask for stomach rubs!
• Concentrate on your environment – keep away from getting near off-limit areas (marked with floating warning indicators) or from resting/feeding manatees.
• Preserve calm – don’t make any loud noises or massive/sudden actions, as it would scare the manatees away.
• Put on applicable swimwear (e.g. a wetsuit and snorkel)

What’s the The Greatest Time to See Manatees at Crystal River

Whereas there’s at all times the possibility to see a manatee or two any day of the 12 months, the very best time to fulfill them can be between November fifteenth to March thirty first.

Throughout this era, massive manatee teams come collectively at Crystal River and Kings Bay to heat themselves up for the winter season as a result of their water temperature stays at a continuing heat 72 levels.

After all, this annual migration additionally attracts in tons of people that wish to see these creatures of their pure habitat, so count on there to be fairly a crowd throughout these instances.

The place to Keep in Crystal River

Assembly manatees is really a one-of-a-kind expertise, and I can’t blame you in the event you really feel like spending simply at some point with them is just not sufficient (which is often the case!). Good factor is that there are many lodging obtainable within the space like the place you’ll be able to relaxation for the day and even get pleasure from a few of their facilities.

One such lodging is at The Plantation on Crystal River. With over 196 traditional rooms (which incorporates 11 Junior Suites and a dozen Golf Villas), an 18-hole golf course, bar & grill eating places, and a magnificence and wellness spa, you’re positive to be left entertained, pampered, and energized on your subsequent assembly with the manatees.

. . .

Whether or not you select kayaking, swimming with Crystal River manatees or recognizing them from a boardwalk, it may be among the finest wildlife experiences to examine off your bucket record. 

Whichever means you select to work together with these mild ‘sea cows,’ let the second go away you much more curious and excited for future wildlife encounters.

Greatest Suggestions for Visiting Crystal River Florida

Getting There: Tampa Worldwide Airport is a serious hub and most airways will fly into it. You’ll be able to simply examine for the very best fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘least expensive month’ because the departure to search out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport to town heart, you’ll be able to take shuttle service, bus service, taxi and ride-hailing companies or lease a automobile.

The place to Keep in Crystal River Florida: It’s finest to remain close to town heart, public transportation or the realm that you’ll be spending essentially the most time in. Apart from the The Plantation on Crystal River talked about above there are many different choices for inns. Holiday Inn Express Crystal River is a superb selection within the Crystal River. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, strive Nature Coast Inn & Cottages situated in Inglis. For a lodge with a little bit extra extravagance, e book a room on the Hampton Inn Crystal River. Or search some nice offers on inns of your selection at Booking.com. Should you’re on the lookout for extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary. 

Getting Round: Driving in a brand new vacation spot could be a little bit of a problem, however in the event you select to lease a automobile, RentalCars.com has nice offers. In case you are not renting a automobile, there are many different choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found all around the metropolis. For a extra funds pleasant choice, you’ll be able to take the service bus.

Greatest Excursions in Crystal River Florida: Yow will discover a number of the prime excursions at Get Your Guide or Viator, and listed below are a number of the prime ones. excursions:

Insurance coverage: It’s at all times a good suggestion to journey totally insured so you’re protected in case of journey cancellations or medical emergencies. You’ll be able to try pricing at Travelex Insurance. 

This submit might include affiliate hyperlinks. Should you make a purchase order by my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no additional value to you. For extra data learn my full disclosure.

You Would possibly Additionally Like

Key West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket Checklist: 45 BEST Issues to Do
Panama Metropolis Seaside Bucket Checklist: 30 Greatest Issues To Do in PCB Florida
Bonita Springs Resort Lodge: Hyatt Regency Coconut Level in Florida