The Best Time To See Manatees In Crystal River
Swimming and kayaking with the manatees in Crystal River is a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that you don’t want to miss during your Florida vacation. So, when is the best time to see manatees in Crystal River?
The Best Time To See Manatees In Crystal River
“Manatee Season”
If you’re looking to plan your excursion to see the manatees in Crystal River, you’re in luck. “Manatee season” runs from November 15th – March 31st. This is when manatees migrate to their warmer water habitats for the winter.
Manatees cannot stay in cold water for too long, therefore, when the Gulf of Mexico temperature drops, the relatively warmer waters of the natural springs offer the right environment for the manatee population.
During this season, hundreds of manatees can be seen resting, foraging, and mating in Crystal River, Florida. This is the best time for manatee encounters and is one of the only places in Florida where visitors can swim with these protected creatures.
Swimming with the manatees is a magical experience. If you are renting or launching your own kayak, you’ll want to be sure you have your snorkeling gear so you, too, can swim with the manatees.
On The Weekdays
Frankly, if you can plan your manatee adventure on a weekday, it will be much more enjoyable. During the week, there are far fewer people on the river, which makes it quieter and easier to get up close and personal.
Weekends are much more popular, and the river gets crowded with boats, swimmers, kayakers, and spectators. While avoiding the weekend may not be possible, pack your patience and plan extra time for your excursion.
During High Tide
High tide is the best time to see the most concentrated number of manatees in the springs. Of course, nature can be unpredictable and the number of manatees can vary.
During a recent visit to Three Sister Springs, the park ranger noted that the tide was about to turn to low tide. When the water started flowing out towards the Gulf, the manatees started flowing out of the springs to forage in the open waters. It was a manatee parade!
During Mid-Day
The days are shorter in the winter, therefore, it’s best to plan your visit when the sun is high in the sky. Be sure to have a good breakfast before heading out on the river and try to plan your excursion for Noon, or around that time. The bright sun helps pierce through the water, illuminating the manatees, fish, turtles, and vegetation.
December
Alright, it’s certainly hard to predict which month is going to give you the best shot for the most manatee sightings. Several years ago, I paddled up to Three Sister Springs in December and saw only one manatee. However, on my most recent trip during the first week in December, I saw hundreds!
Three Sister Springs
One of the most popular places to view, swim, and kayak with the manatee is at Three Sister Springs.
First, if you are looking to walk along the boardwalk and observe the manatees from land, you can get to Three Sister Springs by walking, shuttle, or bicycle. The only parking at this location is handicapped parking.
For shuttle service, park at the Three Sister Springs Center for parking and admission. The shuttle will then take you to the boardwalk and four other stops around town. Plan for a full morning or afternoon for this activity.
One of the stops the shuttle will make is at Hunter Springs Park. This recently renovated park also has a boardwalk, beach area, picnic tables, restrooms, and springs in the swimming area where manatees often hang out.
If you are looking to visit Three Sister Springs by water, you can launch your own paddle craft at either Hunter Springs Park or King’s Bay Park. A short paddle around Pete’s Pier will lead you back to Three Sister Springs. Please keep in mind that there is no land access to the boardwalk at Three Sister Springs.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Plantation Adventure Center – located directly on the river, the Plantation Adventure Center offers a 3-hour tour, with a guide, where visitors can swim and snorkel with the manatees. You can also book your accommodations at the Plantation Resort and grab lunch at this property! Your one-stop shop!
Fun 2 Dive – Embarque on this 3-hour swim/snorkel manatee tour, gear included. A guide will be with you the entire time, including in the water. Pictures of you and your family will be taken during your tour, with the option to purchase at the end. This tour is likely to sell out!
Clear Kayak Tour of Crystal River – Enjoy a 2 1/2 hour, guided, paddling tour of King’s Bay. The clear kayaks offer the visitor a unique view of the environment without getting wet. A guide will take you to the popular manatee hang-out spots and point out other wildlife along the way.
Premium Single Kayak Rental – If you prefer to go it, alone, rent a paddle craft and set out on your adventure. You will set off in new, top-of-the-line equipment, with a map and guidance from the employees.
Where to stay in Crystal River
There are many options for accommodations in Crystal River. Please use this interactive map to view rates and availability.
Breakin’ It Down: Best Time To See Manatees
The bottom line, your chances to see manatees in Crystal River is from November 15th – March 31st, however, manatee sightings happen all year long in this area. During your visit, you will also see turtles, birds, and other wildlife. Plan your excursion, now, and enjoy!