Up Close Photo of a Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Crystal River, Florida is home to hundreds of manatees in the winter months. Due to this area being fed by fresh water springs, the water remains around 72 degrees throughout the year. As the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico begins to drop, manatees flee to Crystal River to stay warm throughout the winter.
While manatees are a protected species with rules and regulations visitors must follow, there are several tour companies in the area that will educate visitors on “manatee manners” to understand how to safely (and legally) observe these curious creatures in the water. Guides will teach you how to engage in “passive observation” by calmly floating on top of the water. We found that the calmer we were, the more manatees approached us. Swimming with the manatees is an incredible experience, but booking with a tour company is highly recommended to ensure the safety of the manatees.
We would recommend considering the Plantation Adventure Center at the Plantation on Crystal River. They provide thick wetsuits (5mm) to keep you warm and buoyant. Staying warmer allows visitors to stay in the water to swim for a longer period of time. Being buoyant helps to be able to float calmly on top of the water to not disturb the manatees and potentially increase the chances one may approach you.
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Up Close with a Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Selfie with a Curious Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Floating with a few manatees
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Swim with Manatees added by:
Jamie & Skylar
We love to travel and explore. We visit a lot of off the beaten path destinations. We hike, paddleboard and climb- we are up for trying new activities!
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Nathan
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Become A Contributor- Exercise
- Health & Fitness
- Misc Activities
- Animal
- Fresh Water
- Physical
- Recreation
- Water
- Adventure
- Bucket List
- Group Tour
- Travel
- Weekend Trip
- Moods:
- Calm
- Chillin
- Curious
- Feeling Calm
Up Close Photo of a Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Crystal River, Florida is home to hundreds of manatees in the winter months. Due to this area being fed by fresh water springs, the water remains around 72 degrees throughout the year. As the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico begins to drop, manatees flee to Crystal River to stay warm throughout the winter.
While manatees are a protected species with rules and regulations visitors must follow, there are several tour companies in the area that will educate visitors on “manatee manners” to understand how to safely (and legally) observe these curious creatures in the water. Guides will teach you how to engage in “passive observation” by calmly floating on top of the water. We found that the calmer we were, the more manatees approached us. Swimming with the manatees is an incredible experience, but booking with a tour company is highly recommended to ensure the safety of the manatees.
We would recommend considering the Plantation Adventure Center at the Plantation on Crystal River. They provide thick wetsuits (5mm) to keep you warm and buoyant. Staying warmer allows visitors to stay in the water to swim for a longer period of time. Being buoyant helps to be able to float calmly on top of the water to not disturb the manatees and potentially increase the chances one may approach you.
Add videos of this activity
Videos help others preview the activity. Upload videos to help inspire others
Add images of this activity
Images help others preview the activity. images videos to help inspire others
Up Close with a Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Selfie with a Curious Manatee
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
Floating with a few manatees
Added By:
Jamie & Skylar
- Exercise
- Health & Fitness
- Misc Activities
- Animal
- Fresh Water
- Physical
- Recreation
- Water
- Adventure
- Bucket List
- Group Tour
- Travel
- Weekend Trip
- Moods:
- Calm
- Chillin
- Curious
- Feeling Calm
Swim with Manatees added by:
Jamie & Skylar
We love to travel and explore. We visit a lot of off the beaten path destinations. We hike, paddleboard and climb- we are up for trying new activities!
Last Edited by:
Nathan
This is Nathans about.
Edit Activity
Help improve this activity by making an edit, adding details or images and videos
Create New Activity
Become an ExploreLife.Today contributor! Help inspire people from around the world discover an activity to do.
Become A ContributorAdditional Details:
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