How much does it cost to swim with manatees in Crystal River?
Tours average around $70 per person including the use of a wetsuit, snorkel. mask and a floating device. The West Indian manatee is an imperiled species and is protected by the laws of the state of Florida and US Fish and Wildlife.
People Also Ask
The Crystal River, Florida manatees are free and you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with them within the protected Three Sisters Spring. There are areas that are roped off to give them space, but when snorkeling along the open areas within the spring it is very common for the manatees to swim right past you!
It tends to be less busy than on the weekends, which means that visitors have more time to observe and appreciate the manatees in their natural habitat. What is the best time of day? The best time of day to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida is typically early in the morning.
Remember - Look but don't touch manateesThe Crystal River and Kings Bay area is the only area in Florida where swimmers are monitored around manatees. Viewing guidelines and sanctuary rules must be followed.
Tour operators do a great job keeping down egregious behavior, but it takes super quiet guests for the manatees to feel safe enough to initiate interaction. (more on that later). That being said, if the only time you have available is a holiday, then it's still absolutely worth going.
When planning your trip, consider visiting the springs in the early morning and during the middle of the week. Local springs will be less crowded on weekdays and the manatees are most active and playful in the mornings.
Crystal River is the best place in the whole world to view the manatee in their natural habitat! World renowned Three Sisters Springs is right here in our backyard and plays home to hundreds of manatees in the winter. We welcome our thousands of visitors each year from around the world.
Swimming with manatees is a great activity to do if you are visiting central Florida during the winter months and want to do something outside of the theme parks. You can swim near the animals and observe them while snorkeling in a wet suit.
Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees. Find out how to meet a manatee and get to know these awe-inspiring creatures better.
Crystal River Florida is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with these amazing and gentle creatures right in their own natural habitat.