The pristine waters and unspoiled forests of Crystal River in Florida are some of the outstanding sights you’ll be able to see right here. Nevertheless, it’s not simply the gorgeous environment that make individuals need 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 droves in the course of the winter season for its heat waters. After all, this opens up the prospect to see and work together with them.
After all, this opens up the prospect for some epic bucket listing experiences, like kayaking and swimming with manatees.
Prime 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 actually a sight to behold. Also referred to as ‘sea cows,’ these aquatic herbivores are identified for his or her stubby noses, giant bulk, and mild (and infrequently 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 much like seals or walruses, they’re, actually, extra carefully associated to the elephant. They feed on freshwater and saltwater crops like water lettuce and sea grasses. Nevertheless, they do sometimes eat small fish and clams.
Sadly, as a result 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 applied to make sure that these stunning sea cows are protected and be seen by generations to come back.
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 finest spots embrace Three Sisters Spring (at Crystal River), Blue Spring State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife Refuge and the Manatee Commentary and Schooling Middle.
There are additionally rehabilitation facilities/parks like SeaWorld and Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, the place you’ll be able to see rescued manatees together with different fascinating ocean creatures.
It’s also possible to try a listing 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 title 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 provides loads of alternatives to snap a photograph (or fifty) of manatees as they slowly cruise the waters, particularly throughout winter. It’s also possible to discover one of many nature trails and see the three springs in all their pure magnificence.
Whereas the manatees are the celebs 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 ‘Go away 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 must be secure 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 Out of doors 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 are able to see manatees right here in Florida, and even some the place we are able to see extra than simply manatees! Only a few miles south of Crystal River in Homosassa, Florida, is a state park known 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 means of the park to see the animals of their pure habitats, with a number of academic reveals and exhibits that spotlight the park’s inhabitants. One other spotlight is the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory, the place you’ll be able to see the aquatic animals up shut of their pure habitat. There’s additionally just a few 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 some of the thrilling methods you’ll be able to expertise the Crystal River ‘sea cows’: attending to swim with manatees! The river is definitely one of many few locations the place you’ll be able to 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 complete time to make sure that the foundations are noticed so that you simply (and the manatees) can have a good time.
This can be 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 inquisitive about my GoPro digital camera which gave me an epic closeup video of his cute face.
Finest Suggestions for Swimming with Crystal River Manatees
Wait! Earlier than you soar proper in, you’ll first must study a set of ‘manatee manners’ which must be adopted always. Whether or not it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming, there are a few ‘manatee manners‘ that everybody ought to study and observe. Whereas it could 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 excellent expertise.
A number of the finest suggestions when swimming with manatees embrace:
- Hold your distance and by no means contact or provoke contact until the manatees come to you first (which these curious creatures typically do, particularly should 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 would possibly even ask for stomach rubs!
- Concentrate on your environment – keep away from getting near off-limit areas (marked with floating warning indicators) or from resting/feeding manatees.
- Hold 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 Finest Time to See Manatees at Crystal River
Whereas there’s all the time the prospect to see a manatee or two any day of the 12 months, 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 need to see these creatures of their pure habitat, so anticipate there to be fairly a crowd throughout these occasions.
The place to Keep in Crystal River
Assembly manatees is actually a one-of-a-kind expertise, and I can’t blame you should you really feel like spending simply at some point with them will not be sufficient (which is normally the case!). Good factor is that there are many lodging accessible within the space like the place you’ll be able to relaxation for the day and even take pleasure in a few of their facilities.
One such lodging is at The Plantation on Crystal River. With over 196 traditional 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 might be certain to be left entertained, pampered, and energized to your subsequent assembly with the manatees.
Whether or not you select kayaking, swimming with Crystal River manatees or recognizing them from a boardwalk, it could be among the finest wildlife experiences to test off your bucket listing.
Whichever method you select to work together with these light ‘sea cows,’ let the second go away you much more curious and excited for future wildlife encounters.
Finest Suggestions for Visiting Crystal River Florida
Getting There: Tampa Worldwide Airport is a significant 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 seek out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport to town middle, you’ll be able to take shuttle service, bus service, taxi and ride-hailing companies or lease a automobile.
The place to Keep in Crystal River Florida: It’s finest to remain close to town middle, public transportation or the world 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 inns. Vacation Inn Specific Crystal River is a good alternative within the Crystal River. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, attempt Nature Coast Inn & Cottages positioned in Inglis. For a resort with slightly extra extravagance, guide a room on the Hampton Inn Crystal River. Or search some nice offers on inns of your alternative at Reserving.com. In the event you’re in search of extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
Getting Round: Driving in a brand new vacation spot generally is a little bit of a problem, however should you select to lease a automobile, RentalCars.com has nice offers. If you’re not renting a automobile, there are many different choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found everywhere in the metropolis. For a extra finances pleasant choice, you’ll be able to take the service bus.
Finest Excursions in Crystal River Florida: You’ll find a number of the prime excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed below are a number of the prime ones. excursions:
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