The pristine waters and unspoiled forests of Crystal River in Florida are one of the crucial outstanding sights you possibly can see right here. Nonetheless, it isn’t simply the gorgeous environment that make folks wish to go to—it’s additionally the Crystal River manatees!
The river is residence to one of many largest teams of manatees on the planet, which are available in droves in the course of 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 listing experiences, like kayaking and swimming with manatees.
High Manatee Encounters + Suggestions for Swimming With the Cute Manatees in Florida’s Crystal River
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 really a sight to behold. Often known as ‘sea cows,’ these aquatic herbivores are recognized for his or her stubby noses, giant bulk, and mild (and sometimes curious) nature.
They’ll 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 may look just like seals or walruses, they’re, in actual fact, extra carefully 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, attributable to habitat loss and hunters, the manatee inhabitants are at a state of decline. Happily, ongoing conservation efforts and strict guidelines and pointers are being carried out to make sure that these lovely sea cows are protected and be seen by generations to come back.
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 ‘Dwelling of the Manatee’). A number of the greatest spots embrace Three Sisters Spring (at Crystal River), Blue Spring State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Refuge and the Manatee Commentary and Training Heart.
There are additionally rehabilitation facilities/parks like SeaWorld and Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, the place you possibly can see rescued manatees together with different fascinating ocean creatures.
You may also try an inventory of those state parks and facilities on the Florida FWC web site.
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 received 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 gives loads of alternatives to snap a photograph (or fifty) of manatees as they slowly cruise the waters, particularly throughout winter. You may also 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 aren’t 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 needs to be protected for each you and the manatees, which is why boarding a kayak on a manatee tour is an ideal method to take action.
Are you able to think about gliding on the water side-by-side with a manatee?
You’ll find loads of outfitters like Paddle Outside Leases who present kayak excursions for guests.
See them (and many different animals) at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
There are many locations the place we will see manatees right here in Florida, and even some the place we will see extra than simply manatees! Just some miles south of Crystal River in Homosassa, Florida, is a state park referred to as the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park is residence to quite a lot of animals, together with manatees, alligators, black bears, many species of birds, a 62-year-old hippo named Lu, and plenty of extra.
You’ll be able to take a ship or tram tour by way of the park to see the animals of their pure habitats, with a number of instructional reveals and reveals that spotlight the park’s inhabitants. One other spotlight is the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory, the place you possibly can see the aquatic animals up shut of their pure habitat. There’s additionally a couple of trails within the park, just like the 0.75-mile Pepper Creek Birding Path, which takes you from the customer middle to the park’s west entrance whereas seeing wildlife alongside the best way.
Swimming with the Manatees in Crystal River
Now comes one of the crucial thrilling methods you possibly can expertise the Crystal River ‘sea cows’: attending to swim with manatees! The river is definitely one of many few locations the place you possibly can legally do that, so it’s no marvel many individuals come right here from totally different locations only for this particular likelihood.
I did my swim with Hunter Springs Kayaks & Excursions, the place I used to be accompanied by an in-water information the whole time to make sure that the foundations are noticed so that you simply (and the manatees) could have a good time.
It is a surreal expertise, the place manatees will likely 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 digital camera 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 be taught a set of ‘manatee manners’ which needs to be adopted always. Whether or not it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming, there are a few ‘manatee manners‘ that everybody ought to be taught and observe. Whereas it might appear overwhelming at first, when you get to know them by coronary heart, you’re in your strategy to getting essentially the most out of this glorious expertise.
A number of the greatest suggestions when swimming with manatees embrace:
- Maintain 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 accomplish that, you might gently contact them with one hand on the again or abdomen. Some may even ask for stomach rubs!
- Pay attention to your environment – keep away from getting near off-limit areas (marked with floating warning indicators) or from resting/feeding manatees.
- Maintain calm – don’t make any loud noises or large/sudden actions, as it’ll 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 yr, one of the best time to satisfy them could be between November fifteenth to March thirty first.
Throughout this era, giant 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 relentless 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 occasions.
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 sooner or later with them is just not sufficient (which is normally the case!). Good factor is that there are many lodging out there within the space like the place you possibly can 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 basic 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 certain 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 the most effective wildlife experiences to test off your bucket listing.
Whichever method you select to work together with these light ‘sea cows,’ let the second depart 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 test for one of the 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 middle, you possibly can take shuttle service, bus service, taxi and ride-hailing providers or hire a automobile.
The place to Keep in Crystal River Florida: It’s greatest to remain close to town middle, public transportation or the world that you’ll be spending essentially the most time in. Moreover the The Plantation on Crystal River talked about above there are many different choices for inns. Vacation Inn Categorical Crystal River is a good selection within the Crystal River. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, attempt Nature Coast Inn & Cottages situated in Inglis. For a resort with somewhat extra extravagance, guide a room on the Hampton Inn Crystal River. Or search some nice offers on inns of your selection at Reserving.com. In the event you’re searching for extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, residences and even only a room for hire in each worth vary.
Getting Round: Driving in a brand new vacation spot is usually a little bit of a problem, however in the event you select to hire 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 everywhere in the metropolis. For a extra price range pleasant possibility, you possibly can take the service bus.
Greatest Excursions in Crystal River Florida: You’ll find a few of the prime excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are a few of the prime ones. excursions:
This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you make a purchase order by way of my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no further value to you. For extra data learn my full disclosure.
You May Additionally Like
Key West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket Listing: 45 BEST Issues to Do
Panama Metropolis Seaside Bucket Listing: 30 Greatest Issues To Do in PCB Florida
Bonita Springs Resort Lodge: Hyatt Regency Coconut Level in Florida