The pristine waters and unspoiled forests of Crystal River in Florida are some of the exceptional sights you possibly can see right here. Nonetheless, it isn’t simply the attractive environment that make folks wish to go to—it’s additionally the Crystal River manatees!
The river is dwelling to one of many largest teams of manatees on the planet, which are available droves through the winter season for its heat waters. In fact, this opens up the possibility to see and work together with them.
In fact, this opens up the possibility for some epic bucket listing experiences, like kayaking and swimming with manatees.
Prime Manatee Encounters + Ideas 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 actually a sight to behold. Also called ‘sea cows,’ these aquatic herbivores are identified for his or her stubby noses, giant bulk, and delicate (and infrequently curious) nature.
They will develop as much as 4 meters (13 ft 1 in) in size and might weigh as a lot as 590 kg (1300 lbs). Though they could look just like seals or walruses, they’re, in actual fact, extra intently associated to the elephant. They feed on freshwater and saltwater crops like water lettuce and sea grasses. Nonetheless, they do sometimes eat small fish and clams.
Sadly, because of habitat loss and hunters, the manatee inhabitants are at a state of decline. Thankfully, 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 return.
The place to See Manatees in Florida
A lot 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 embody Three Sisters Spring (at Crystal River), Blue Spring State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Refuge and the Manatee Remark and Schooling 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 Finest 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 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 completely different native and migratory birds (and different wildlife) that paint the waters and treetops throughout your wildlife viewing.
P.S. Selfie sticks and drones usually are not allowed within the space. Additionally observe ‘Depart No Hint Behind.’
Kayaking with Crystal River Manatees
Interactions with Florida manatees might sound 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?
You will discover loads of outfitters like Paddle Outside Leases 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 will see manatees right here in Florida, and even some the place we will 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 dwelling 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 means of 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 possibly can 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 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 completely different locations only for this particular probability.
I did my swim with Hunter Springs Kayaks & Excursions, the place I used to be accompanied by an in-water information all the time to make sure that the foundations 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 in my GoPro digital camera which gave me an epic closeup video of his cute face.
Finest Ideas for Swimming with Crystal River Manatees
Wait! Earlier than you bounce proper in, you’ll first have to study a set of ‘manatee manners’ which ought to 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 strategy to getting probably the most out of this glorious expertise.
A number of the greatest suggestions when swimming with manatees embody:
- Maintain your distance and by no means contact or provoke contact except the manatees come to you first (which these curious creatures typically do, particularly for those who’re floating gently). In the event that they achieve this, you could 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 huge/sudden actions, as it is going to scare the manatees away.
- Put on acceptable swimwear (e.g. a wetsuit and snorkel)
What’s the The Finest Time to See Manatees at Crystal River
Whereas there’s all the time the possibility to see a manatee or two any day of the yr, the perfect time to fulfill them can 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 continuing heat 72 levels.
In fact, this annual migration additionally attracts in tons of people that wish to see these creatures of their pure habitat, so anticipate there to be fairly a crowd throughout these instances.
The place to Keep in Crystal River
Assembly manatees is actually a one-of-a-kind expertise, and I can’t blame you for those who really feel like spending simply in the future with them is just not sufficient (which is normally the case!). Good factor is that there are many lodging accessible 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 in your subsequent assembly with the manatees.
Whether or not you select kayaking, swimming with Crystal River manatees or recognizing them from a boardwalk, it is likely to be top-of-the-line wildlife experiences to test off your bucket listing.
Whichever means you select to work together with these mild ‘sea cows,’ let the second depart you much more curious and excited for future wildlife encounters.
Finest Ideas 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 the perfect fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘most cost-effective month’ because the departure to search out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport to town heart, you possibly can take shuttle service, bus service, taxi and ride-hailing companies or lease a automotive.
The place to Keep in Crystal River Florida: It’s greatest to remain close to town heart, public transportation or the realm that you may be spending probably the most time in. Moreover the The Plantation on Crystal River talked about above there are many different choices for resorts. Vacation Inn Categorical Crystal River is a good alternative within the Crystal River. For one thing on the inexpensive aspect, attempt Nature Coast Inn & Cottages positioned 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 resorts of your alternative 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 lease in each value vary.
Getting Round: Driving in a brand new vacation spot could be a little bit of a problem, however for those who select to lease a automotive, RentalCars.com has nice offers. If you’re not renting a automotive, there are many different choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found everywhere in the metropolis. For a extra price range pleasant choice, you possibly can take the service bus.
Finest Excursions in Crystal River Florida: You will discover among the high excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed below are among the high ones. excursions:
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