Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog

Final Up to date on Might 9, 2023 by Nellie Huang

One of many coolest issues to do in Florida is swimming with manatees. Right here’s my information on how and the place to swim with manatees!

“There’s one proper there!” Our captain factors to a gray mass near the water floor. I drop my snorkeling masks and poke my head out of the boat’s bow. There it’s, within the clear spring waters, a mild big munching on seagrass, gliding gently beneath our boat. My daughter stares in awe, and I can’t cease smiling.

We’re cruising alongside Kings Bay in Crystal River, alongside the Gulf Coast of Central Florida. Simply 5 minutes after leaving the pier, we’ve already discovered our first manatee. Crystal River is called the “Manatee Capital of the World” for good motive — it’s residence to the biggest inhabitants of untamed manatees in North America.

My Information to Swimming with Manatees 

Recent off our Florida highway journey, I can safely say swimming with manatees is without doubt one of the coolest wildlife experiences I’ve had in my travels. It’s unbelievable getting up shut to those mild giants, who’re truly not afraid of us human beings. An expertise like this when accomplished proper can have a constructive impression and positively present an academic expertise for us. However it does require a number of planning and analysis; I’m right here to share my expertise and tips about swimming with manatees in Florida.

Is it Moral to Swim with Manatees?

Swimming with manatees is a fully superb expertise – and an academic one for teenagers – however it’s necessary to ensure you do it in a accountable and moral means that retains the manatees and their habitat secure.

The wildlife companies strongly advise passive statement, which implies not initiating contact with manatees and calmly observing on the floor. Manatees are protected, so it’s unlawful to harass or contact them, and manatee excursions are regulated to ensure they observe strict pointers.

Manatees are additionally social creatures they usually’re truly fairly curious of human beings. They use their ‘whiskers’, generally known as vibrissae, as sensory organs — they usually can sense you from so far as 10 ft away. So should you keep quiet and calm, they’ll typically come as much as sniff you out! All in all, you’ll be able to swim with manatees in an moral means should you’re cautious and respectful. Simply do not forget that the manatees are the celebrities of the present and we’re simply visiting their residence.

Greatest Place to Swim with Manatees in Florida

One of the best place to swim with wild manatees in Florida is in Crystal River, the place probably the most manatees congregate. The manatees are drawn to the nice and cozy, spring-fed waters of Crystal River throughout the winter months, when the Gulf of Mexico cools down. Most Florida Springs stay a continuing 72 levels all 12 months lengthy.

The Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge was established in 1983 to guard the manatees. The US wildlife companies are always enterprise initiatives to plant seagrass right here and restore the manatees’ habitat. The 80-acre (32 ha) refuge is barely accessible by boat, and consists of 20 islands and a number of other springs together with:

• Three Sisters Springs— the final unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay.

• King Spring— one of seven federal manatee sanctuaries arrange from November to March, supplies essential habitat for the over 600 manatees that migrate to Kings Bay every winter.

• Buzzard, Parker, and Banana islands — present habitat for bald eagles, osprey, wooden storks, and plenty of different shore birds

How one can Get to Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River is positioned on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 80 miles (129km) north of Tampa and 86.5 miles (139km) from Orlando. You’ll be able to simply add it to your Florida itinerary should you’re already planning to go to Orlando.

By Airplane

The closest main airports to Crystal River is Tampa Worldwide Airport (TPA) and Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO). You’ll be able to normally get cheaper flights to Orlando than Tampa. Home flights from New York price round $120 every means; whereas flights from London to Orlando begin from $700 round-trip.

By Automotive

Renting a automotive is the best option to get to Crystal River. There are such a lot of automotive rental companies at Orlando and Tampa Airport. Simply ensure you get a global drivers license should you’re coming from outdoors the US (the police stopped us however made an exception for us!)

The common worth for automotive rental in Florida ranges from US$50-80 per day. I all the time use DiscoverCars.com to for automotive leases worldwide. The search engine compares rental-prices from all the foremost firms and has constantly given me the cheaper charges and greatest companies. Seek for automotive leases in Orlando!

Listed below are the driving distances:

• • • From Tampa — 1h15mins
    • From Orlando — 1.5 hours
    • From Jacksonville — 2.5hours
    • From Miami — 5 hours

Greatest Time to Swim with Manatees

Everybody says that the most effective time to swim with manatees in Florida is within the winter months, from mid-November to April. Throughout this time, the Gulf of Mexico cools down, and the manatees migrate to the hotter, spring-fed waters of Crystal River.

Nevertheless, there are resident manatees in Crystal River who keep right here all 12 months. We swam with the manatees in early Might and really noticed over 20 manatees in Kings Bay all through our 3-hour snorkeling tour. (I do know it doesn’t sound like rather a lot, however we have been swimming with one proper after one other and it was superb!)

Our information stated that Might/June is in truth the most effective time of the 12 months in her opinion as manatees are extra energetic and out grazing. You additionally get a greater expertise with out the group. In winter, there are a whole lot of them in Kings Bay however they’re normally huddled collectively and the world they’re in is cordoned off by US wildlife companies to guard them.

When NOT to Go Swimming with Manatees

I might keep away from the height season, which runs from December and January, as it may get busy/crowded. Our information stated throughout this time, there might be lots of boats within the bay and also you’ll see lots of snorkelers hovering over one manatee. She stated the craziest day is on Christmas Eve.

When we visited in Might, it was all the time simply our group with the manatees (4 of us!). We did see different boats however our boat captain made certain to keep away from them and search out manatees on our personal. It didn’t really feel in the slightest degree crowded and the manatees have been positively not stressed by us.

Plus, the climate might be unpredictable in winter, with occasional chilly fronts, excessive winds, and tough seas. Even throughout our go to in Might, it was chilly within the morning and the water can really feel chilly (even with the wetsuit). My daughter was shaking on the boat after swimming. If you happen to’re touring with youngsters, take that into consideration.

Greatest Crystal River Manatee Excursions

The guided manatee excursions sometimes take you out on pontoon boats to the areas the place the manatees congregate. You’ll be able to then swim and snorkel with the manatees of their pure habitat. It’s necessary to decide on a good tour operator that follows accountable wildlife viewing practices and doesn’t disturb the manatees.

We booked our manatee tour with Explorida, voted #1 operator on Journey Advisor, and had a improbable expertise. I’d talked to a couple operators and all morning excursions have been truly absolutely booked that day, however Explorida opened up a brand new 7am tour for us. We ended up with simply 4 of us on the tour, like a non-public tour! [I paid for the tour — it was NOT sponsored.]

Our information Maddie was humorous, energetic and knowledgable. She noticed one manatee after one other, made certain we might all see clearly, all while answering questions on manatees and taking unbelievable underwater images for us. When my daughter struggled with the chilly, darkish water, she was so type and affected person together with her. I can’t suggest her sufficient!

TIP: Guide an early morning tour as manatees are most energetic then and it’s much less crowded. Ensure that to guide your tour prematurely as morning excursions get absolutely booked quick. It’s the identical worth to guide on-line vs in retailer.

What It’s Prefer to Swim with Manatees

Remember that you simply gained’t essentially swim in crystal clear blue waters such as you see within the photos. A few of the springs we went, like Rainbow Springs, positively have stunning spearmint water, however it all relies on the place you discover the manatees.

On our tour, we largely swam in shallow however barely murky water with a number of seagrass on the backside. It was overwhelming to get into the darkish, brackish water at first. In most elements, the water was clear sufficient to see the manatees, although visibility wasn’t nice.

The typical manatee is round 11 ft (3.5m) lengthy and weigh as much as 990 kilos (450kg), so sure it’s a large animal. Nevertheless, manatees normally transfer slowly and might sense you earlier than you even get into the water. There’s nothing to be fearful of — manatees are herbivores, they don’t chunk. There has by no means been a case of manatees attacking people right here.

NOTE: That stated, there are alligators within the water — however they normally keep within the extra swampy, a lot much less traveled areas.

What Do Manatee Excursions Embrace?

No matter which manatee tour operator you guide with, you’ll first be given a security briefing and requested to look at a video with the principles defined to you (Scroll beneath to see the principles).

You’ll then put in your wetsuit and get on a van to succeed in the pier the place the boat is ready. Wetsuits don’t solely hold you heat within the chilly water, however in addition they assist hold you afloat. If that’s not sufficient, the noodles will certainly ensure you’re floating on the water floor always.

Most excursions embody the next:

• • • a wetsuit
    • snorkeling gear
    • float noodle
    • scorching chocolate on chilly days

Value of Swimming with Manatees

Becoming a member of a bunch manatee tour prices US$65 per snorkeler (with max 12 individuals), whereas a semi-private tour can price US$99 per particular person (with max 6 individuals). We have been very fortunate to pay for a traditional tour and ended up with solely 4 of us within the tour. You can even be a part of a tour as a rider (no snorkeling) for US$50.

The images taken by your information throughout the tour can be found for buy. Explorida costs US$30 for the entire set (of 167 images and movies). I purchased the images despite the fact that I had my very own GoPro as their images have been rather a lot higher than mine.

Guidelines for Swimming with Manatees

There are strict guidelines within the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge to safeguard the manatees. Whether or not you’re swimming by yourself or becoming a member of a manatee tour, you’ll want to abide by these guidelines.

• At all times float on the floor when observing a manatee
• Don’t dive from the floor onto a resting or feeding manatee
• Don’t chase or pursue a manatee
• Don’t feed a manatee
• Don’t nook or encompass a manatee
• Don’t stand on a manatee
• Don’t separating a mom and calf or separating a bunch of manatees
• Don’t actively initiating contact with manatee

Is it Attainable to See Manatees with out Happening a Tour?

Sure, it’s potential — however solely if you’re an area who is aware of the place to go, what to do, and the way to conduct your self correctly of their habitat. There are only a few spots in Crystal River city the place you might be legally allowed to swim in or kayak.

Becoming a member of a guided manatee tour is probably the most accountable option to swim with manatees. The excursions observe strict pointers they usually’re designed to offer you an opportunity to watch the manatees from a respectful distance whereas minimizing any interference.

You’ll be going with a information who’s educated to identify manatees so your possibilities of seeing manatees are excessive! Many excursions additionally embody academic parts that can assist you study extra about manatees, their habitat, and the significance of conservation efforts.

The place to See Manatees WITHOUT a Tour

As a lot of the water round Crystal River is a part of the wildlife refuge, there are only a few spots the place you’ll be able to legally swim within the Crystal River. Listed below are the one official areas the place you’ll be able to swim in:

• Hunter Springs Park —  This beautiful park (pictured) has a small seaside the place swimming is allowed (and free). We noticed manatees swimming each instances we have been right here!

• Kings Bay Park — Close by is one other park with a playground and kayak launch pad the place it’s also possible to swim in.

• Three Sisters Springs — You’ll be able to technically hire a kayak or SUP from the outlets close by and paddle into these springs (at the moment closed).

Doing a Manatee Tour with Children

A manatee swim tour could be a enjoyable and academic exercise for teenagers, however it’s necessary to think about your youngster’s consolation stage, age, and maturity. If you wish to swim with manatees however can’t depart your youngsters alone, they will be a part of the tour as riders (for $50) as an alternative of the complete worth.

The minimal age on most manatee excursions is 3 years previous. Make it possible for your youngster is comfy and assured within the water. Manatee swim excursions sometimes require you to swim or float quietly within the water to watch the manatees. In case your child splashes or kicks alot, then it’s smart to not deliver them.

My daughter is 8 years previous and he or she’s an important swimmer and is normally assured snorkeling (even in deep water) — however this time, she didn’t just like the darkish, brackish water and solely stayed with the manatees for round 10 minutes.

Manatee Enjoyable Information

We realized so many attention-grabbing info about Florida’s most beloved animal on the manatee tour. Actually, there are lots of signposts throughout Crystal River sharing nuggets of information on their beloved mascot.

• There are three species of manatees — the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the African manatee. Those present in Florida are the West Indian manatee.

• Manatees are sometimes referred to as “sea cows” as a result of they’re slow-moving herbivores that graze on seagrass and different aquatic crops.

• Manatees can reside as much as 60 years within the wild and might develop as much as 10 ft (3m) weigh as much as 1,300 kilos (590kg).

• Manatees are glorious swimmers and might maintain their breath for as much as 20 minutes, though they normally come up for air each couple of minutes.

• Manatees are social animals and are sometimes seen in teams, generally known as “herds” or “aggregations.”

• Regardless of their massive measurement, manatees have small brains relative to their physique measurement, weighing solely about 8 ounces.

• Manatees haven’t any pure predators, however they’re threatened by human actions resembling boat collisions, habitat loss, and air pollution.

• Manatees are protected beneath the Endangered Species Act, and it’s unlawful to harass, hurt, or disturb them in any means.

Issues to Do in Crystal River Florida

It comes as a shock to many who there are literally tons of issues to do in Crystal River, moreover becoming a member of a manatee tour. A whole bunch of pure springs and state parks dot the Citrus County space, and there’s no scarcity of out of doors actions on supply.

Wander the Historic Downtown

Crystal River could also be a small city however its historic downtown is  fairly cute. Stretching throughout only a few blocks round Kings Bay, the downtown space has a number of historic buildings, together with a church, outlets and common retailer.

Make sure you duck into the previous Metropolis Corridor that now homes the Coastal Heritage Museum. On show are a 1929 diorama of downtown Citrus Avenue and an unique jail cell. Admission is free. There are additionally a number of stunning mural artwork round city — my favourite is on the principle sq..

Chill at Hunter Springs Park

About 100 ft offshore from the attractive Hunter Springs, this park has a small seaside with crystal clear, shallow waters resulting in a roped-off swimming space. We noticed manatees swimming within the water each instances we have been right here! Get right here within the morning, when the possibilities to seeing manatees are increased.

There’s additionally a kayak/canoe launch space, a playground, and a boardwalk alongside the waterway the place you’ll be able to spot waterbirds. Admission is free. Deliver your seaside mat, and hang around the entire day right here.

Paddle into Three Sisters Springs

The Three Sisters Springs is the final unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay. Sadly we didn’t get to go to because it was closed (extra beneath). I’ve heard that in winter there might be a whole lot of manatees on this spring at a time. The boardwalk has viewing platforms to watch the springs and native wildlife.

You can even rent a kayak from the various outlets close by and paddle into the springs. (Swimming from the boardwalk shouldn’t be allowed.) The Crystal River Kayak Firm is the closest clothing store to the spring entrance. Very brief paddle away.

Attempt Scalloping

If you happen to’ve by no means scalloped earlier than (however love consuming them), consider an Easter egg hunt whereas swimming above shallow saltwater grass flats. Scallops should not too exhausting to search out on the sandy backside of Crystal River. The water is shallow sufficient that even youngsters can dive all the way down to the grass flats to select up the scallops.

Scalloping season runs from the starting of July to early September yearly. You’ll be able to normally harvest scallops about 2-3 miles from shore, and might be discovered nearly wherever eelgrass is positioned. Explorida runs scallop charters and likewise scalloping-manatee combo excursions.

Discover Homosassa Wildlife State Park

A 15-minute drive away is the Homosassa Springs, residence to a big wildlife park that appears like a zoo — however it’s not. The native wildlife that reside right here every have a novel life story, and they’re all right here as a result of they’re unable to outlive within the wild on their very own.

An astounding variety of recent and saltwater fish congregate within the pure spring bowl — massive jacks, snapper, snook and others. We notably just like the Underwater Observatory, with a clear-glass deck that means that you can see the fish and manatees swimming about. There’s a manatee rehabilitation facility right here, with resident manatees.

The park additionally options a wide range of captive animals resembling alligators, black bears, purple wolf, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity. Admission is $13 for adults, $5 for teenagers 6-12.

Splash round Rainbow Springs

Only a 30-minute drive from downtown, the Rainbow Springs State Park is without doubt one of the most picturesque spots to swim within the space. We completely beloved spending the morning right here, snorkeling with freshwater fish within the crystal clear cerulean waters.

The Rainbow Springs are named for the colourful rainbow-like look of the water, which is brought on by the reflection of daylight off the riverbed. You’ll be able to hire kayaks, canoes or SUP (costs begin from US$17/hour) to discover the 6-mile-long river. Entrance is barely US$2.

See “Mermaids” at Weeki Wachee Springs

A 1.5-hour drive south of Crystal River, Weeki Wachee is one other state park the place you’ll be able to swim within the spearmint water and catch a real-life mermaid present! This simply could also be Florida’s roadside points of interest at their best. 

This park is residence to the deepest freshwater cave system in the USA. You’ll be able to simply spend a complete day right here, swooshing down the waterslides, happening a river boat cruise, or kayaking the waterways. Entry is $13 for adults, $8 for teenagers 6-12.

The place to Eat at Crystal River Florida

The Crab Plant — The city’s hottest seafood vendor has a easy shack that serves freshly steamed stone crabs, scallops and shrimps with side-dishes like potato salad and hush puppies.

Cajun Jimmy’s — An enormous hit with locals, this Louisiana-style joint has excellent seafood-centric dishes like gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish etouffee.

Classic on fifth — This restaurant presents a chic environment with a contemporary twist on basic American delicacies. The menu options dishes made with locally-sourced components, together with recent seafood and meats, and an intensive wine checklist.

Cracker’s Bar & Grill — This informal restaurant serves up basic Florida fare, together with seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. The menu options each indoor and out of doors eating choices and a vigorous environment with reside music on weekends.

Grannie’s Restaurant — This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals for over 30 years. The menu options Southern consolation meals, together with breakfast dishes.

The place to Keep in Crystal River Florida

Luxurious: Plantation on Crystal River

We stayed at this lakeside resort (pictured), and actually beloved the historic vibes and landscaped gardens. The resort has an superior out of doors pool, scorching tub, lake views, and spacious rooms. It additionally has an connected journey heart that provides manatee excursions (however at a better worth than others). Test charges right here.

Midrange: Lakefront Crystal River Residence

This waterfront 3-bedroom home presents a number of house for households, together with out of doors hammocks, campfire space, and a non-public dock. It’s large and accommodates as much as 10 individuals, full with a completely outfitted kitchen. Test charges right here.

Finances: The Crystal Manatee

This inexpensive resort presents clear and cozy rooms with primary facilities, together with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. The resort additionally presents a handy location, only a brief drive from native points of interest such because the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Three Sisters Springs. Test charges right here.

Swimming with Manatees: What to Pack

At Crystal River, you’ll be spending a number of time within the water, so positively get a number of water gear. Despite the fact that you’ll be supplied with wetsuits in your tour, I like to recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards (for different water actions).  KEEN footwear or regular sandals are actually helpful for water actions. 

Closing Ideas for Swimming with Manatees

• You’ll be able to see manatees in Crystal River 12 months spherical — don’t wait to go to throughout the peak season; it’s can get crowded and overwhelming for the manatees. I extremely suggest visiting low season like we did (in early Might), we had the manatees to ourselves and no crowds!

• At all times go early! As with all wildlife watching expertise, animals are most energetic within the early morning. Guide a tour for 6am or 7am — not solely will you see extra manatees, it’s considerably much less crowded.

• Guide your manatee tour prematurely as morning excursions replenish early. That is particularly necessary should you’re touring in a bunch. Don’t wait until you get there, like we did!

• Attempt to give your self extra time and don’t plan a decent itinerary, in case your manatee tour must be rescheduled.

• Deliver a GoPro to take underwater images! You’ll need to take movies/images not simply on the manatee tour itself.

Get pleasure from Swimming with the Manatees!

Thanks for studying this far. When you’ve got any questions on swimming with manatees or about Crystal River Florida basically, please depart them within the feedback beneath and I shall be blissful to answer to any questions you will have.

Learn my articles on Florida and the remainder of the US beneath:

Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. should you guide a keep via one among my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks to your help!

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