Anyone familiar with Florida manatees likely already knows that these gentle giants tend to make our warm waters home for the winter every year. While you can head out on canals and into nearby rivers to see for yourself these beautiful, slow-moving creatures, we have a place that you’ll surely spot a sea cow…or a few hundred. During the winter months, Crystal River becomes home to over 300 manatees, making it the largest gathering of West Indian manatees in North America. Ready to take a paddle to see for yourself?
There is no better place to escape those winter blues than Florida - this is according to both humans and manatees alike. Usually around mid-November every year, hundreds of manatees flock to Crystal River for warmer water.
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Thanks to places like Crystal River Kayak Company, guests can paddle out to this hibernation haven to see these gentle giants up close.
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With a proper guide, guests will be able to paddle along the coast of Kings Bay and through the headwaters of Crystal River on a relaxed, natural journey.
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Don’t be afraid of the manatees slowly drifting along the river - these 1,200-pound elephant cousins are herbivores and are curious, not threatening.
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Crystal River is such a special place in terms of nature outside of the winter months, but when manatees appear, that’s when you really get a feel for how wonderful this area is.
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Just make sure when you paddle out to these manatees you follow all protocols advised by your guide. We want these gentle giants to feel safe so that they keep returning year after year.
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Enjoy the largest gathering of West Indian manatees in North America when you visit Crystal River in Florida.
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To find out where Crystal River Kayak Company is in Florida, click here.
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Have you ever visited Crystal River to see the manatees before? How about through tours like Crystal River Kayak Company? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about taking a paddle tour to this manatee haven, then check out the Crystal River Kayak Company website or Facebook Page.
Getty Images - Stephen Frink via The Image Bank
TripAdvisor CoastaRay
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Address: Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center, 1422 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
