Florida can lay claim to a lot of things – weird and wonderful things at that. We’re talking about being one of the few places you’ll see a Key Deer habitat, one of the smallest deer in North America. Or how about the fact that it’s the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico?! Pretty cool stuff, right? But there’s another thing that Florida can claim that nobody else can – it’s home to one of the only legal places to swim supervised with manatees in North America. Who’s up for a road trip to Crystal River?!
Crystal River, Florida is a delightful coastal city that is most often known as being the place where guests can legally swim supervised with manatees.
Flickr Steven Martin
In fact, many people might not know this by Crystal Springs is considered to be the Manatee Capital of the World!
Flickr Steven Martin
Kings Bay in Crystal River is fed by springs that stay the same temperature year-round, between 72 and 74 degrees, which means that come wintertime, manatees flock to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in order to stay comfortable in the warm waters.
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife
Every year between 500-1000 manatees come to Crystal River to seek winter warmth, while up to 100 manatees remain in the area all year long.
Flickr USFWS Endangered Species
Visitors are able to have an in-water experience swimming with manatees in their natural environment, which is one of the only places in the world to do so.
Flickr U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
This is both a responsibility and a privilege and Crystal River takes swimming with manatees very seriously.
Flickr FotoFloridian
In-water guides are trained to make sure that this beloved species is treated with care and kindness in the water.
Flickr USFWS Endangered Species
All swimmers who participate in these manatee tours will be led through instructions before even entering the water - everyone needs to learn their “Manatee Manners” before swimming.
Flickr USFWS Endangered Species
Guests looking to take these year-round manatee tours can find touring companies who operate with a special use permit. Even if you don’t want to swim with manatees but just want to see some up close, you can head over to the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Refuge in Crystal River.
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife
Click here to find out where Crystal River is in Florida.
Google Maps
Have you ever been to Crystal River before? Did you ever swim with manatees there? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about visiting, then check out the Discover Crystal River website.
Flickr Steven Martin
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife
Flickr USFWS Endangered Species
Flickr U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
Flickr FotoFloridian
Google Maps
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Address: Crystal River, FL, USA
