Where To See Manatees in Crystal River

Where To See Manatees in Crystal River

For a lot of people, taking a vacation to Florida includes theme parks, beach resorts, and sand toys. And for some, being able to see the manatees in Crystal River is a true joy and a very special experience.

Manatee Season

The best time of year to see the manatees in Crystal River is during the winter months, November – April, with the most population of manatees in December, January, and February. When the Gulf of Mexico temperature drops, the manatees seek out the relatively warmer spring waters of the Crystal River area, which is 72 degrees year-round. That’s quite refreshing during a hot summer day, but rather chilly during manatee season.

Crystal River, Kings Bay, and Three Sister Springs

The City of Crystal River is home to Kings Bay, Three Sister Springs, and of course, the Crystal River. 70 natural springs feed into Kings Bay and Crystal River. Also, an 80-acre Wildlife Refuge was established in 1983 to protect the natural habitats of this area while improving facilities for visitors to enjoy their encounters with nature.

Seeing Manatees From Your Own Kayak, Paddleboard, or Canoe

In my opinion, the best way to see manatees in Crystal River is from your own personal watercraft. If you’re visiting the area, there are plenty of rentals to acquire. When I visit, I enjoy using the launch at Hunter Springs Park or Kings Bay Park. There are nominal fees to park and launch personal watercraft. I always arrive early, and rarely on a weekend.

A weekday is best because it’s quiet, fewer visitors, and the manatees are more active in the mornings. After a great breakfast on our way to the springs, I paddled back to Three Sister Springs right at the peak of high tide. The park ranger volunteer, keeping everyone safe, pointed out that the turn to low tide will cause the manatees to parade out of the springs, seeking food from the surrounding areas.

Sure enough, about 10 minutes later, the tide started flowing out, and here came the parade of manatees. It was awesome! So, if you can, plan your visit on a weekday morning and paddle back to the springs just before the tide turns.

Also Read: 9 Great Tips For Avoiding Sunburn

Tour Operators in Crystal River

It’s clear to see that one of the main livelihoods in this community revolves around the protected manatees. Driving along the main drag leading into town, there are many tour operators to choose from. While I cannot recommend one over the other, tour operators are required to possess a special use permit to be able to operate in and near the wildlife refuge. You can find a list of permit holders, here.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the wildlife refuge project is to maintain a healthy environment in the refuge and to provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife in a natural setting. This goal has been accomplished with the boardwalk that meanders around the Three Sister Springs and the surrounding area. This walking path ensures the visitor an elevated view of the springs and manatees if there are any.

Getting to the refuge can be a bit tricky, however. There is no parking, here, and you cannot access the boardwalk from your personal watercraft. Visitors must park at the Three Sisters Springs Center, pay for admission, and then catch the shuttle to the boardwalk. Admission prices and park information can be found, here.

Swimming and Snorkeling with the manatees in Crystal River

Personally, I’m not fond of swimming in cold water, with the exception of being a blazing hot summer day, it’s nice for a brief moment. During the winter months, while it may be a pleasant atmosphere, the spring water is dang cold and not my thing. But, that doesn’t stop the throngs of visitors from donning a rented wetsuit and snorkel gear for the chance encounter with the manatees.

Tips before you swim with Crystal River manatees:

These animals are considered threatened and protected so please, obey the rules of your tour operator, for everyone’s sake. Here are some helpful pointers to make the best of your manatee experience.

• There are many rules for this activity, as it’s the only place in Florida where you can swim with these gentle giants.
• Stay on the surface of the water and watch passively. Do not approach, chase, or corner the manatees.
• No touching, kicking with your fins, or feeding the manatees.
• If you are looking to go to Three Sister Springs, be sure your tour operator offers this during your excursion. There are other locations for manatee viewing, and Three Sister Springs is probably the most popular.
• Snorkeling and Swimming tours can often accommodate a dozen or more visitors and can be quite chaotic. Please, no screaming! Tell your kids, no screaming. It is very exciting to see these giant animals, sometimes, just feet away from you, but please don’t scream. They are not going to hurt you.
• Comply with the restricted areas that are designated with the floating ropes. Volunteers, in kayaks, and many on the boardwalk, are keeping a watchful eye making sure visitors are adhering to the rules. They love these creatures and want to protect them, please listen to them if they are giving you guidance. The volunteers want you to enjoy the experience, too!
• The spring and river water is co-o-o-ld! Most adventure tours include wetsuits with their rentals. Don’t forget some warm clothes or a sweatshirt for after your swim.

Use this map to book your accommodations in Crystal River

Manatee Festival

The Florida Manatee Festival takes place in the middle of January and features live entertainment, guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours in Kings Bay, children’s activities, a variety of food vendors, and lots of shopping opportunities.

Breakin’ It Down: Where To See Manatees in Crystal River

There are several ways to see the manatees in Crystal River. Planning and booking your tour early will guarantee the tour date and excursion of your choice. Since this is the only place in Florida where people can swim with the manatees, the winter months see a swell of visitors to the area, and the experience and memories will last a lifetime.