What is the best time of day to swim with manatees in Crystal River?

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.



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What time of day is best for swimming with manatees? 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.

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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.

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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.

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Crystal River is the #1 place to see manatees in Florida! It is known for its many natural springs.

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The manatee season at Crystal River NWR begins in mid-November and ends in late March. This is when the manatee sanctuaries go into effect. During the winter months, manatees come to the springs of Crystal River NWR to conserve the energy necessary to survive the cold Gulf waters.

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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.

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