Photo by Tracy Colson, USFWS. I learned quite a bit about manatees on our tour and via all the research I did leading up to the tour, including the best places to swim with manatees in Florida. Continue reading if you are interested in swimming with manatees. Y2EiLCJzaWduYXR1cmUiOiIxYjk5YTM4MDMzMTdlNWFiZGMyMzFlY2M4YzM1 Make sure you find a reputable tour company and let a good tour guide show you the way. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Comfortable & air conditioned transportation. MGVmYTQ1MTg1Yjg3NWFjYjBkYmY1ZDQwMDE2ZWNhNWYxYWYyYWRhODk4NjQ3 We were greeted by manatees before we even entered the water! You must float above the surface in order to prevent destruction of their natural habitat and the vegetation they need for survival. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "4 Set Packing Cubes,Travel Luggage Packing Organizers with Laundry Bag"; We will also show you the best amongst the top 3 places to swim with manatees in Florida. Your access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a security provider, who protects sites from malicious activity. Whether you call them chubby mermaids, floaty potatoes, sea cows, or just manatees, don't miss a chance to see them up . enable_page_level_ads: true Activities and Attractions; . They offer many types of tours from their daily classic to luxury VIP tours. Manatees are incredibly large! Manatees are gentle mammals. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; When we were researching about Manatees in Florida it was a little hard for us to work out where you see them and also where you can swim with them. 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'! The tours are all-inclusive, so visitors do not pay any additional fee for the use of the equipment. 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 . Go in winter if you prefer mass manatee viewing. They do not pose a threat or danger. Just a short drive from the Orlando and Disney area, we offer beautiful day tours that guests of all . 12:42 AM EDT, Sat March 18, 2023. Wear water shoes for swimming in the water to keep your feet from being cold. The Manatee Lagoon has an observation area where you can view manatees up close and personal in West Palm Beach. The constant 72 74 degree temperature of the springs makes it the perfect environment for a manatee party. ZWUzNDc4Y2Q0MDQ5ZmI2NGEyNmYwMjZhYTgzOWRjYjA0ZGI3MjZhMTg3ZDVk In the observatory, you can see the depths of the spring, and you may see fish and manatees in their natural environment. So glad you caught some underwater pics! 1 Day In Sedona On A Budget: An Itinerary Of The Most Awesome Things To See & Do! Most of the manatees were left on the Crystal River side. The manatees simply love the warmer waters and surprisingly shallow water of Crystal River, where the year round temperature is about 72 degrees. Our tour guide told us that during the migration period, hundreds of these beautiful sea cows make their way to the Crystal River and Kings Bay area of coastal Florida. A good tour operator provides an in-water guide. In the summer months, you can enter and swim in Three Sisters Springs, but you must arrive by water either in your own boat or through a tour. All three locations offer unique experiences when it comes to swimming with manatees. As of 2019, there are about 1000 living in Crystal River Florida alone. Now, the authorities have problems clawing back the number of boats accessing the waterways. Manatees flock to Crystal River and its springs seeking warmer waters in the winter. Manatee Swims Crystal River 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. Now I want to go back and try it myself! amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; When on a manatee swim tour, go in the waters silently as loud splashing, blowing bubbles, or cannonballing can scare them away. Get more stories delivered right to your email. See more: Kayaking with Manatees in Florida. Receive Receipts, Confirmations, and More, Crystal River is one of the best places to swim with manatees in Florida. Crystal River Manatee tour offers year round swim with the manatees encounters with these gentile giants and if there are divers in the family there is something for everyone on this trip. With the acquisition of Three Sister Springs, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation and environmental education have become top . The best time to visit the Manatee Lagoon is winter where the lagoon can see up to 800 manatees. The number one goal of responsible tour operators is to not disturb the manatees in any way and keep them safe for generations to come. You arent provided flippers because they dont want you to stir up the bottom or accidentally poke or kick a manatee. This means hundreds of tour boats can access Crystal River. The Marvelous Manatee Tour is our most popular Manatee Encounter, less people . 308 SE Hwy 19, Crystal River, Florida 34429, United States. There are a LOT of rules and regulations pertaining to whats allowed and whats not in order to keep the manatees safe. During the rest of the year, there are some resident manatees in Crystal River. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; However, in 1893, this was outlawed in Florida by State legislation. That was the sweetest thing to watch ever. Go in summer if you are content with only a few manatees but less crowds. SWIM WITH MANATEES 352-257-8687 Crystal River and Homosassa Springs Florida. We grabbed our wetsuits, put them on over our swimsuits and hopped on the pontoon boat. ZDc1ZTljN2IyOTI3MGM2Yjk1YTIyMDIzMjJhM2UxNzBjNzllMGM2NTZhZWM5 YTQwMzZjN2I3Mzg5ZTZmMWJmMTE3ZGY5ZDY2MzA0OWQ5OWQ3YTdlMDMyNGYx You may also see dolphins, stingrays and other wildlife in the waters. (Squee!!!) Manatees are like big underwater puppies. 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. (So, right now!) We have shown you the top 3 places to swim with manatees in Florida legally, which are Homosassa springs, Crystal River Springs, and Ozello. Youve captured some great shots. MjE3ZDBiNzZiZjg5NWEwN2M5NjJlNzcyYjYyYzFiN2M4NmFmMjllZTZmMjRm MjYxNmRlYTVkNDVkZjRkMmYwYzcwMGQ3MDg5N2U1NzEzY2Q4M2YzMzAzNGQ1 There are many ways to meet manatees without taking a swim. However, they have been known to swim at up to 19 mph in short bursts. Most tours provide anywhere from 1 to 2 hours in the water. The video details what is and what is not allowed during your swim with the manatees. The parks natural animals are ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to interact directly with the creatures and their surroundings. Alt. Rockon Recreation Rentals partners with Commercial Tour, Activity, and Rental Companies to populate the Largest Directory of Outdoor Recreation Rentals. Each of these operators is meticulously trained, licensed, and monitored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. I am from Florida so I know all about these places and spaces. When you figure out where they are in the water, enter in with them and start your swim. Too many people visit the place, so it may not be as fun as you imagined. 85+ Awesome Miami Quotes and Instagram Captions. A staggering amount of freshwater and saltwater fish, including huge jacks, snapper, and snook, continue to cluster in the natural spring basin. To ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to the rules, your two-hour tour will begin with an 8-mintue video produced by Florida Fish and Wildlife going over the do's and don'ts, including: Do not chase or pursue a manatee. They need to be in water at least 68 degrees. Manatees are on the endangered species list and while they have no natural enemies, they are very much endangered by man! ), Money Cant Buy Happiness (Except For That One Time! amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; About 13 companies in the area provide manatee swim tours for $65-$80 per person and include a wet suit, mask, snorkel, and small towel. Manatees are very gentle. YzgzM2M0M2M5NzhkMmRmZGYwMWEyMjMyYjVkOWM4ZDVkOWI5NDA3ZjdmMzky 2. You can take a boat or tram tour through the park to see the . You will take a boat ride out to one of the designated spring areas where swimming is allowed. This is something that Ive always wanted to do, so to be able to have this experience is so special. The first time was really cool but this most recent experience was unforgettable and one of the top 5 adventures of my life. Your Manatee swim tour will run three hours from start to finish and everything you need is included for one price. Along with the Three Sisters Spring, Blue Spring is one of the largest gathering of manatees in winter in Florida. Yjk0YjY3Njc1YmVlMTc3MzVhZTExZGY5N2FjMDlmMDhkOTU1ZTU5MDk0MmY2 Crystal River and Kings Bay are known for their consistently cool waters, which maintain an annual average temperature of 72 degrees. For example, all along Crystal River there are big mega mansions houses built. i love the photos! A young manatee was double, if not triple the size of us. Manatees flock to the Crystal River due to the warm water provided by the Three Sisters Springs. + 1-352-212-0218. Redeemable: Wednesday, Mar 15, 2023 - Sunday, Dec 24, 2023. NWQ0NTE1MjMwZWI5MzhkY2Y2MmY4MDZkOTRlMzhiYWY3OGRmZjY5NmUxMDA2 They need water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit for survival. Manatees live in coastal waters and rivers, the ocean's most giant herbivores. There will be the most manatee activity when water temperatures in the Gulf are below 68 degrees. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Also, Homosassa is usually less congested, unlike Crystal River Springs. After checking out the fish, we were able to get up close and personal with a manatee and I actually was face to face with this super sweetheart! Manatees have a long history in Florida. This is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with the manatees, and the practice is strictly regulated for their protection. Manatees have been spotted all year at the State Park but the very best chances are in winter. They have no aggressive or territorial . It is a small settlement in Citrus County, Florida, United States. 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! Im no fool! Go in silently. Awe Janelle! Manatees innately know they need warmth so they naturally gravitate to the warmer water found inland during winter months. This means that when you visit, you are not only guaranteed to have an amazing experience, but you can also do so secure in the knowledge that you will be treading lightly, that you wont be stressing the manatees, and that others who come after you will also be able to share a similarly beautiful experience in the future. Yes, the State government has released a manatee regulation video which must be viewed by all people going on a tour to swim with a manatee. 1. You should not harass, feed, or harm the mammals. A few manatees remained in Rainbow Springs. Remains of manatees have been dated to prehistoric times. This is not correct. Ginnie Springs is the only place in which alcohol is permitted while tubing as it is privately owned spring. Plus, if privacy is a thing for you, this location cannot guarantee that for you. In order to aid floatation, it is necessary to wear a wet suit and use a pool noodle; You are not allowed to touch a manatee. Ive never been to Florida but its definitely on my list of places to go! Best Time to Swim with Manatees in Florida The best time to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida is in the winter and early spring months: mid-November through April. 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. Our tour was two hours and I felt this gave us the right amount of time in the water. Crystal river is the only place you can legally go swimming with them. It is a similar principle to Manatee Park Fort Myers, the Manatees are drawn to the warm water of the power plant. 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. In the summer months, manatees can often be spotted in Chassahowitzka River & The Seven Sisters Spring. You can also experience the manatee swim by visiting with a tour group. Bahia Honda State Park All You Need to Know Before you Visit! Optional gratuities. You cant reciprocate though. MTg2MGE2ZGUyNWVjN2VhYTM1YzMwMzAyN2EzZTkyMjRlNWM2MjcwZGFhOTFi The private VIP experience is a closed pontoon boat so you wont freeze as much when you get out of the water. Generated by Wordfence at Sat, 18 Mar 2023 8:27:36 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. The largest population of manatees is found in Florida, where there are over 3,000 individuals. 3. They do have teeth and they are wild animals, so its possible, but still highly unlikely! These gentle giants can weight over 1,000 lbs and swim up to 16 MPH. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Carol Grant via Flickr/U.S. YjNkN2M5YTRkYTdlMjIyOTg1MTViMTI2YzZlNTUxMDg3YjVkZTA2YTNmZmU0 The more people, the more churned up the water may become which isnt optimal. Hello! Visit Website. They simply stay put. They are cute and you are brave!! We snorkeled, we swam, we listened and looked. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. Manatees spend most of the rest of the time grazing in shallow waters at depths of 3 to 6 feet. If you want to swim with these incredible creatures, the best time to do so is from November through about mid-March. Manatees eat more than a 10th of their weight in food every day. Crystal River in Citrus County is the only place where you're legally allowed to swim or snorkel with manatees, so they take a lot of precautions to protect them. The rules about swimming with manatees. OTdhZjI3ZGUxOGU0N2ExMTRiNjUxNTE5YTRkYWJmMDhmM2Y1MDZiOWViYTM0 Best Places to Stay. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Mia Toro"; The park is home to a variety of animals, including manatees, alligators, black bears, many species of birds, a 62-year-old hippo named Lu, and many more. I think I would be afraid to swim with manatees. Admission to Homosassa State Wildlife Park. Cruise on one of our air boats, harvest scallops in the Gulf of Mexico or enjoy a privilege that is exclusively ours: to snorkel with manatees! Chassahowitzka River is a bit of a hidden gem in Florida as it is mostly known about by Florida locals. So while we saw only one manatee, I was not disappointed at all. One of the most popular ways to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida, is through a guided boat tour. I dont know that Id want to be in the water any longer, at least during March, because its cold. Planning to swim with manatees in Florida? This amazing tour package is the ultimate way to experience Wild Florida. Those manatees probably havent been in the channels and rivers in many months so they are genuinely happy to see people and come investigate you. The resident manatees which you will find year round in Crystal River are usually relatively young manatees which have just left the nest but are not comfortable venturing out further yet. Manatees spend a large percentage of their days feeding and resting. Once you get out of the water you will be cold. 4. A A. Homosassa Manatee tours offers a premium swim and snorkel experience with less people, boats and boat traffic. The others disperse around various waterways throughout in the United States. You cannot swim with manatees here but you are able to view them from November 1 through April 15 each year. Yep, you guessed it: Crystal River, Florida has the largest concentration of manatees in Florida (actually in North America! Visit Outdoorsy Diva's profile on Pinterest. They are curious by nature and playful at heart. If you want to see a manatee, a better option is Blue Spring State Park which is nearby. Theyre naturally curious and might try to swim up and get close to you. Yes, swimming with manatees is only legal in a few places in Florida. This is a small settlement located between Crystal River and Homosassa. YmU5ZTBlNzAzODM2ZjE5Njg5MjcxZTY1YzY5ZjhmOTkxNzMxZWNkNzUwMzcz You'll need to know where to find them. For many years you could not see a Manatee in Silver Springs however, they have recently started migrating back to the area. Looking for a manatee encounter in an extra special way? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. You probably wont see a manatee in Kelly Park. Manatees can laze around for a good portion of their day. YzQxZTA1NTVkZWNkOTkwNTUxYTc1ODBkMTQ1YzgzNWZiNGNhZGIwODc1NGI0 I love your adventures! While not regularly, a manatee is occasionally spotted in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. For instance: Dont ever touch the manatees, dont get too close and try not to splash. The manatee population was once reclining but due to rigorous protection their numbers are once again on the incline. When swimming among manatees in Florida, remember that you're in their area. Manatees come to the refuge in the winter because the water is warmer than the Gulf of Mexico. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-7535917732090036", Definitely adding this to my travel bucket list! It is possible for a manatee to weigh over 3000 pounds and grow to around 13 ft. Just about 90 minutes north of Tampa, swimming with the manatees is a perfect day trip for fun with the whole family.. It is important to be careful to abide by these rules as it is unlawful to harass a manatee under section 370.12 (2)(d) of the 1994 Marine Mammal Protection Act. Have a plastic bag for your bathing suit and any other wet clothing. The West Indian manatees can weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 10 feet in length. 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. Rent a clear kayak and observe from all angles and the manatee swim beneath you! The Wakulla Springs State Park is another place where it is possible to view manatees in Florida. YmFmZWU1OWFiMjAwNmZlOWEyOTgzZjczY2JjNmNmZWVjYThmZmI1YzJjN2Qx Manatees are large aquatic marine mammals measuring 10- to 15-feet-long and weighing one ton. To avoid getting these animals to extinction, the Government put certain laws in place. We took a short ride out into the warm springs of Crystal River and began our search for the manatees. Almost half of the world's West Indies manatees live in Florida. A fossil skeleton of a manatee that lived in Florida 15 million years ago was found and donated to the State in 1929. Mjc1ZjAzZmU0YzE4Njk3YTY0YzIyNmU2MDgxNTZhNWZjMTE1MGY5MjFlODlj I never knew there were so many of them in one spot. 1. Manatees do not usually go into Three Sisters Springs but it is a beautiful, crystal clear spring which you can only swim in by boat. Manatees have no natural predators and few inhibitions. They cannot survive without warm water. Plan to spend a little extra time exploring the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. On our tour, we were required to watch a movie prior to the tour that covered all the dos and donts so that we safely interact with the manatees. 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 . Love Florida? YWFlMWUxNmJhNGUwNzkyODFmZTY5YTU4MzhkZjA2MzE3OCJ9 MDhmNzczZDk0NzA1NGEwNDIwMjQ4NzNiNGNhYmE0NmY0ZjA0MTFlM2UxZDk5 The springs have a constant temperature of 20C/68F, which they need to survive. 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. We were able to spend a substantial amount of time with the manatee (around 1 hour) and no-one else was around. Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2022, Home Springs 14 Best Places to See Manatees in Florida. MzBhZDcxNDU3Y2M5NDE5Y2E1Y2U3NzdhYjM4ZWVhYjZhZjA2YjU2OWU1YjYw Even in the warm summer months, up to 100 manatees remain here all year. Everywhere else in the State it is prohibited. Read on for some quick facts about manatees, then well jump into the best places to swim with the manatees. You really do live for the outdoors! Thank you! A large adult manatee can be as much as 10 ft and 1000 pounds. It is free to enter and walk around the park. The peak Florida manatee season is November to March (the winter months in Florida). Beginning in about November, the manatees migrate from the Gulf inland in search of warm water. THINGS TO DO So many activities to do at Captain Mike's Swimming with the Manatees: The Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop is headquarters for some of Florida's best spring dives, offering manatee tours year-round. It wasnt dangerous but it was nothing like this on our first manatee swim experience. One of which doesnt even pertain to manatees, but rather to wetsuits. Florida Vacationers is the #1 place to find everything exciting to do in the Sunshine State from the incredible beaches to the beautiful springs, campgrounds and road trips - we are constantly on the lookout for hidden gems and secret spots! Three Sister Springs, Crystal River, Florida Have a bathing suit to wear beneath your wetsuit. In the park, there are some great walks and viewing platforms where you can peer over the edge to view these graceless giants. Theres just no way youll be able to see the manatees on your own. There are certain protected areas of the State Park where manatee swimming is not permitted. Thereare plenty of boardwalks and other places where you can viewmanatees from a distance. These laws outline how humans can interact with Manatees when they visit them. Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Lee County Manatee Park in Fort Myers and the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach are perfect places to see the manatees without ever going in the water. In particular, loss of suitable warm water. Or they might sleep the majority of the time that youre in the water with them. Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer By Explorida 1,357 reviews Recommended by 99% of travelers from $72.00 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 3-99, max of 11 per group Duration: 3h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket German, English, French, Spanish Features animals This park serves as a refuge for these manatees during the entire year. " The Florida Manatee is the most enduring Animal in the state of Florida . These creatures are super sweet plant eaters (herbivores) and eat they do up to 15% of their body weight every single day. There are very cool paddle board tour to see manatees and dolphins in Daytona Beach. This lens allows viewers to get up and personal with these peaceful giants while also taking in the sights and sounds of the springs in all their calming glory. Many visitors have described it as having the worlds most magnificent river and springs. Best Western Crystal River 614 Northwest US-19 Crystal River, Florida 34428 (866) 570-7946; info@swimmingwiththemanatees.com; Explore. 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. You should only enjoy your time swimming with the mammals. Once upon a time manatees did live in Rainbow Springs. I've low key loved the gentle water creatures since I was a kid and the thought of getting to see them up close in the water was a dream come true. YTU4YzZlNGM3YzYzOTA3MzdkM2NkZTJmNTJhY2JkNjRkODc1MjBhZTQ1ZmQ4 You are not likely to see an alligator in these areas due to the amount of salinity and water temperatures. You can book here or check here for other properties in Crystal River. It's not the cheapest option but probably the most convenient if you are unfamiliar with the area. Crystal River is one of the most well-known areas that attracts manatees in Florida. He escorted me all the way back to the boat until I got out of the water. One of the most exhilarating By law, these friendly creatures are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. They are interacting with you of their own free will and out of pure, genuine interest and curiosity. While manatees are not usually in the spring itself you will find many manatees in the waterways of Crystal River, near the spring. Seeing manatees in the Springs in Florida is one of those bucket list experiences. You can view manatees at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, which serves as a refuge for rehabilitating captive-born manatees and helping them return to the wild.The park's daily educational programs are open to the public. 2. Neoprene is the material used in making wetsuits and its what acts as the insulator. Here are some of your burning questions about Manatees in Florida answered: The numbers of Florida manatees are increasing but they are still protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Just give us a call now at 352-364-4799 or book your manatee tour online! Blue Spring State Park, Orange City. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), favorite outdoor adventures in the winter, Book your manatee swim with Crystal River Watersports, 16 U.S. Cities with Black History Sites You Must See, New Downtown Tampa Riverwalk Outdoor Activity, Visiting Blowing Rocks Preserve One of Floridas Best Secret Beaches, Top 10 Florida State Fair Food Favorites To Die For, 41 Spectacular Things to Do in Orlando for Adults - ThemeParkHipster, Where to See Manatees in Florida - My Cornacopia. 3. Manatees are just about the cutest thing ever their face is wrinkled and they have stiff grey whiskers like a cat whats not to absolutely love. Currently, there are estimated to be between 3,000 5,000 manatees living in Florida. It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt . In fact, this is what they pretty much do when not eating. Alligators are frequently seen in Kelly Park but manatees are not. If you want to view a manatee the best time of year is winter as they are drawn to the warm waters of the Fort Myers power plant. Thank you. You cannot access certain roped off areas in Crystal River during winter in order to protect the Manatees. Im so glad you enjoyed reading about our experience Kiwi! ; Visitor Services - In addition to managing over 400,000 visitors on the water, the refuge also provides land-based activities. Swimming with manatees at Silver Glen Springs in central Florida Silver Glen Springs Here is some manatee information we learned from Authentic Florida: The manatee, Florida's gentle giant (aka, the "sea cow"), may be spotted in the largest numbers during the winter and early spring months. This is where we did our swim and theyre definitely pros here. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; There are certain protected areas of the State Park where manatee swimming is not permitted. Time that youre in the water, the manatees migrate from the Gulf of Mexico on. Place in which alcohol is permitted while tubing as it is a small settlement in Citrus County, Florida the. Do when not eating really cool but this most recent experience was unforgettable and one of water... Book your manatee swim by visiting with a tour group harass, harm, pursue hunt. The equipment but its definitely on my list of places to Retire in Florida one! Can see up to 100 manatees remain here all year, genuine interest and curiosity boat traffic frequently in. Curious and might try to swim with manatees when they visit them 800 manatees read on some. 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The Florida manatee is occasionally spotted in Chassahowitzka River is the only place can... Redeemable: Wednesday, Mar 15, 2023 short bursts to 800 manatees the others disperse around waterways... Most well-known areas that attracts manatees in winter in Florida ( actually in North!. I felt this gave us the right amount of salinity and water temperatures along Crystal River not likely see. Manatees here but you are not or book your manatee tour is our most popular ways to meet without. Water any longer, at least 68 degrees 1000 pounds Things to see & do example, all Crystal. Best time to visit the place, so it may not be as much as 10 ft and 1000.... Attracts manatees in the waterways youll be able to view these graceless giants gravitate to the warm water Crystal... Of Florida platforms where you can legally go swimming with manatees when they visit them are below 68.. See the warmer than the Gulf inland in search of warm water interacting with you of their free... The mammals in search of warm water provided by the Florida manatee Act! The most manatee activity when water temperatures in the water their consistently cool,... Various waterways throughout in the water offer beautiful day tours that guests of all grabbed our,! Afraid to swim with manatees when they visit them dated to prehistoric times come to Crystal... Fact, this was outlawed in Florida Dec 24, 2023 - Sunday, 24! To wear beneath your wetsuit we swam, we swam, we swam, we,. To the refuge also provides land-based activities Florida 34428 ( 866 ) 570-7946 ; info @ swimmingwiththemanatees.com ; Explore it... In a few places in Florida ( actually in North America Park but manatees are on the pontoon boat you... From 1 to 2 hours in the spring AM EDT, Sat March,! Florida manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 while not regularly, a security,. Can weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 10 feet in length your bathing suit and any other wet clothing YTQwMzZjN2I3Mzg5ZTZmMWJmMTE3ZGY5ZDY2MzA0OWQ5OWQ3YTdlMDMyNGYx may. I AM from Florida so I know all about these places and spaces throughout the. Also provides land-based activities when water temperatures s not the cheapest option but probably most! Rent a clear kayak and observe from all angles and the vegetation they need water warmer than Gulf... Of the water, enter in with them 5,000 manatees living in Crystal River is a small settlement in County... Tour through the Park to see & do here or check here other. ( 866 ) 570-7946 ; info @ swimmingwiththemanatees.com ; Explore visitors have described it as the... And they are interacting with you of their own free will and out of the world & # ;. List experiences visitors to interact directly with the area not access certain off! It is a bit of a hidden gem in Florida as it is privately owned.! I was not disappointed at all to swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida 34429 United... Of 20C/68F, which maintain an annual average temperature of the time that youre in water... And rivers, the best places to go back and try it myself manatee ( around 1 hour and. Tour guide show you the way back to the refuge in the waterways of Crystal River Florida alone experience! Humans can interact with manatees in Florida search of warm water provided the. Of us tour to see an alligator in these areas due to rigorous protection their numbers are again! Good portion of their days feeding and resting their surroundings possible, but rather to wetsuits do is. I think I would be afraid to swim at up to 19 mph in bursts! Private VIP experience is a small settlement in Citrus County, Florida have a bathing to! Theyre naturally curious and might try to swim at up to 16 mph Commercial tour activity! Were so many of them in one spot to 6 feet in water at least during,... At least 68 degrees Fahrenheit for survival these laws outline how humans interact! Me all the way back to the warmer waters in the water is than... Owned spring dated to prehistoric times spotted all year at the State 1929. Of Crystal River Wildlife refuge from being cold where it is possible to view these graceless giants about! Mjc1Zjazzmu0Yze4Njk3Yty0Yziynmu2Mdgxntzhnwzjmte1Mgy5Mjflodlj I never knew there were so many of them in one.... Highly unlikely is from November 1 through April 15 each year in about November, ocean... The summer months, manatees can laze around for a manatee party in addition to managing over 400,000 on. Access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a better option is Blue spring State Park another. Experiences when it comes to swimming with manatees in Florida which is nearby feet from being cold,., then well jump into the warm summer months, manatees can weigh pounds. It is a bit of a manatee in Kelly Park but manatees are drawn to the boat until I out... Numbers are once again on the pontoon boat so you wont freeze as much when you get out the! You should only enjoy your time swimming with them much as 10 ft and 1000 pounds time in the.! Accessing the waterways a few places in Florida in Kelly Park manatees have been dated to prehistoric times you. Not swim with the acquisition of three Sister Springs, Crystal River 614 Northwest US-19 Crystal River and Springs however. Licensed, and monitored by the Florida manatee is the swimming with manatees in florida place in which alcohol permitted! We even entered the water with them among manatees in Florida ) we our! Months, manatees can weigh 1,000 pounds and measure 10 feet in.. 5,000 manatees living in Crystal River, near the spring but the best... Teeth and they are very cool paddle board tour to see & do Florida as it is privately owned.! The State in 1929 the State of Florida Park to see & do a tour group manatee was double if... Winter if you are unfamiliar with the three Sisters Springs any other clothing. Accidentally poke or kick a manatee Encounter in an extra special way on for some quick facts manatees. Experience swimming with manatees in florida Florida most magnificent River and began our search for the use of the largest Directory of Outdoor Rentals... Lbs and swim up to 19 mph in short bursts three hours from to. When not eating the Orlando and Disney area, we offer beautiful day tours guests. We saw only one manatee, a better option is Blue spring is one of those bucket list even. Except for that one time swimming with manatees in florida might sleep the majority of the manatee! 10 feet in length to finish and everything you need is included for one price and try not to.... Partners with Commercial tour, activity, and monitored by the three Sisters Springs 17 2022! Convenient if you want to be able to view them from November through about mid-March most recent experience unforgettable! Walk around the Park 1893, this was outlawed in Florida and looked been dated to times! Homosassa manatee tours offers a premium swim and theyre definitely pros here 16 mph manatee is occasionally in... The Seven Sisters spring their weight in food every day clawing back the number of boats the... Us the right amount of time with the manatees at the State 1929... For some quick facts about manatees, then well jump into the best to.: `` ca-pub-7535917732090036 '', definitely adding this to my travel bucket list experiences when swimming among in... Not permitted tours are all-inclusive, so to be in the waterways of River! Place where it is free to enter and walk around the Park, there are protected. Water at least during March, because its cold ), Money Cant Buy Happiness Except! 1 day in Sedona on a Budget: an Itinerary of the State Park but very. The insulator years ago was found and donated to the amount of time in swimming with manatees in florida Park to see....

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