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

Final Up to date on Could 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 delicate 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 named the “Manatee Capital of the World” for good cause — it’s dwelling to the most important inhabitants of untamed manatees in North America.

My Information to Swimming with Manatees 

Contemporary off our Florida street 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 really not afraid of us human beings. An expertise like this when completed proper can have a constructive influence and undoubtedly present an academic expertise for us. But it surely does require plenty 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 completely superb expertise – and an academic one for youths – however it’s necessary to be sure to do it in a accountable and moral approach that retains the manatees and their habitat secure.

The wildlife providers strongly advise passive statement, which suggests 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 verify they comply with strict pointers.

Manatees are additionally social creatures they usually’re really fairly curious of human beings. They use their ‘whiskers’, often called vibrissae, as sensory organs — they usually can sense you from so far as 10 toes away. So if you happen to keep quiet and calm, they’ll typically come as much as sniff you out! All in all, you may swim with manatees in an moral approach if you happen to’re cautious and respectful. Simply keep in mind that the manatees are the celebrities of the present and we’re simply visiting their dwelling.

Finest 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 through 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 providers are always enterprise initiatives to plant seagrass right here and restore the manatees’ habitat. The 80-acre (32 ha) refuge is simply 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, offers important 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

Tips on how to Get to Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River is situated 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 if you happen to’re already planning to go to Orlando.

By Aircraft

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 approach; whereas flights from London to Orlando begin from $700 round-trip.

By Automobile

Renting a automotive is the simplest approach to get to Crystal River. There are such a lot of automotive rental businesses at Orlando and Tampa Airport. Simply be sure to get a global drivers license if you happen to’re coming from exterior the US (the police stopped us however made an exception for us!)

The common value for automotive rental in Florida ranges from US$50-80 per day. I at all times use DiscoverCars.com to for automotive leases worldwide. The search engine compares rental-prices from all the main corporations and has persistently given me the cheaper charges and greatest providers. Seek for automotive leases in Orlando!

Listed here are the driving distances:

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

Finest Time to Swim with Manatees

Everybody says that one of the best 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 Could and really noticed over 20 manatees in Kings Bay all through our 3-hour snorkeling tour. (I do know it doesn’t sound like loads, however we have been swimming with one proper after one other and it was superb!)

Our information stated that Could/June is in actual fact one of the best time of the 12 months in her opinion as manatees are extra lively and out grazing. You additionally get a greater expertise with out the group. In winter, there are lots of of them in Kings Bay however they’re normally huddled collectively and the world they’re in is cordoned off by US wildlife providers 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 could possibly get busy/crowded. Our information stated throughout this time, there will 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 Could, it was at all times 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 undoubtedly not wired by us.

Plus, the climate will be unpredictable in winter, with occasional chilly fronts, excessive winds, and tough seas. Even throughout our go to in Could, 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. Should you’re touring with youngsters, take that into consideration.

Finest Crystal River Manatee Excursions

The guided manatee excursions usually 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 implausible expertise. I’d talked to some operators and all morning excursions have been really 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 may 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 variety and affected person along with her. I can’t suggest her sufficient!

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

What It’s Wish to Swim with Manatees

Remember that you simply gained’t essentially swim in crystal clear blue waters such as you see within the footage. A number of the springs we went, like Rainbow Springs, undoubtedly 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 plenty 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 toes (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 e book with, you’ll first be given a security briefing and requested to look at a video with the foundations defined to you (Scroll beneath to see the foundations).

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 maintain you heat within the chilly water, however in addition they assist maintain you afloat. If that’s not sufficient, the noodles will certainly be sure to’re floating on the water floor always.

Most excursions embody the next:

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

Price of Swimming with Manatees

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

The images taken by your information through the tour can be found for buy. Explorida fees 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 loads 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, it’s worthwhile to abide by these guidelines.

• All the time 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 Potential to See Manatees with out Happening a Tour?

Sure, it’s potential — however solely in case you are an area who is aware of the place to go, what to do, and find out how 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 approach to swim with manatees. The excursions comply with strict pointers they usually’re designed to provide 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 will help you study extra about manatees, their habitat, and the significance of conservation efforts.

The place to See Manatees WITHOUT a Tour

As many of the water round Crystal River is a part of the wildlife refuge, there are only a few spots the place you may legally swim within the Crystal River. Listed here are the one official areas the place you may swim in:

• Hunter Springs Park —  This beautiful park (pictured) has a small seashore 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 you may also swim in.

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

Doing a Manatee Tour with Youngsters

A manatee swim tour generally is a enjoyable and academic exercise for youths, however it’s necessary to contemplate your youngster’s consolation degree, age, and maturity. If you wish to swim with manatees however can’t go away your youngsters alone, they’ll be a part of the tour as riders (for $50) as an alternative of the total value.

The minimal age on most manatee excursions is 3 years previous. Be sure that your youngster is comfy and assured within the water. Manatee swim excursions usually 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 excellent 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 Details

We realized so many attention-grabbing details about Florida’s most cherished animal on the manatee tour. Actually, there are a lot 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 known as “sea cows” as a result of they’re slow-moving herbivores that graze on seagrass and different aquatic vegetation.

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

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

• Manatees are social animals and are sometimes seen in teams, often called “herds” or “aggregations.”

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

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

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

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, apart from becoming a member of a manatee tour. Lots of of pure springs and state parks dot the Citrus County space, and there’s no scarcity of out of doors actions on provide.

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, retailers and common retailer.

Remember to 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 plenty of stunning mural artwork round city — my favourite is on the primary sq..

Chill at Hunter Springs Park

About 100 toes offshore from the gorgeous Hunter Springs, this park has a small seashore 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 probabilities to seeing manatees are greater.

There’s additionally a kayak/canoe launch space, a playground, and a boardwalk alongside the waterway the place you may spot waterbirds. Admission is free. Deliver your seashore 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 will be lots of of manatees on this spring at a time. The boardwalk has viewing platforms to watch the springs and native wildlife.

You can too rent a kayak from the numerous retailers close by and paddle into the springs. (Swimming from the boardwalk just isn’t allowed.) The Crystal River Kayak Firm is the closest clothing store to the spring entrance. Very brief paddle away.

Attempt Scalloping

Should you’ve by no means scalloped earlier than (however love consuming them), consider an Easter egg hunt whereas swimming above shallow saltwater grass flats. Scallops usually are not too laborious to seek out on the sandy backside of Crystal River. The water is shallow sufficient that even youngsters can dive right 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 will be discovered nearly anyplace eelgrass is situated. Explorida runs scallop charters and likewise scalloping-manatee combo excursions.

Discover Homosassa Wildlife State Park

A 15-minute drive away is the Homosassa Springs, dwelling to a big wildlife park that appears like a zoo — however it’s not. The native wildlife that stay 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 contemporary and saltwater fish congregate within the pure spring bowl — giant jacks, snapper, snook and others. We significantly just like the Underwater Observatory, with a clear-glass deck that permits you to see the fish and manatees swimming about. There’s a manatee rehabilitation facility right here, with resident manatees.

The park additionally options quite a lot of captive animals reminiscent of alligators, black bears, purple wolf, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity. Admission is $13 for adults, $5 for youths 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 cherished 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 attributable to the reflection of daylight off the riverbed. You’ll be able to lease kayaks, canoes or SUP (costs begin from US$17/hour) to discover the 6-mile-long river. Entrance is simply 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 may 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 dwelling to the deepest freshwater cave system in the US. 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 youths 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 affords a chic ambiance with a contemporary twist on traditional American delicacies. The menu options dishes made with locally-sourced elements, together with contemporary seafood and meats, and an intensive wine record.

Cracker’s Bar & Grill — This informal restaurant serves up traditional Florida fare, together with seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. The menu options each indoor and outside eating choices and a energetic ambiance with stay 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 cherished the historic vibes and landscaped gardens. The resort has an superior outside pool, sizzling tub, lake views, and spacious rooms. It additionally has an hooked up journey heart that provides manatee excursions (however at a better value than others). Examine charges right here.

Midrange: Lakefront Crystal River Residence

This waterfront 3-bedroom home affords plenty of area for households, together with outside hammocks, campfire space, and a non-public dock. It’s enormous and accommodates as much as 10 folks, full with a completely geared up kitchen. Examine charges right here.

Price range: The Crystal Manatee

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

Swimming with Manatees: What to Pack

At Crystal River, you’ll be spending plenty of time within the water, so undoubtedly get plenty of water gear. Though 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 Suggestions for Swimming with Manatees

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

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

• E book your manatee tour prematurely as morning excursions replenish early. That is particularly necessary if you happen to’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 good itinerary, in case your manatee tour must be rescheduled.

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

Take pleasure in Swimming with the Manatees!

Thanks for studying this far. You probably have any questions on swimming with manatees or about Crystal River Florida basically, please go away them within the feedback beneath and I can be blissful to answer to any questions you could have.

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

Disclaimer: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. if you happen to e book a keep via considered one of my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks on your assist!

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