Where can I see manatees in Crystal River for free?

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!



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Three Sisters Springs, located in Crystal River, is one of Florida's most popular springs and is known to have hundreds of manatees resting inside of it at one time! You can take a tour of the springs and surrounding locations in a 100% clear kayak with Get Up And Go Kayaking in Crystal River!

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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!

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The best time of day to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida is typically early in the morning. This is because the manatees are more active during this time and are easier to spot.

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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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Manatees tend to be most active earliest in the morning, so our later tours generally encounter more feeding or resting manatees that may not be quite as interested in us.

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Remember - Look but don't touch manatees The 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.

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The best time to visit Crystal River is November through to mid-February. But whether the manatees are there, and in any sort of numbers, is entirely temperature related.

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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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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!

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But you can also see manatees by kayak — your own or rented — and from land at a boardwalk around the most beautiful spot in Crystal River, Three Sisters Springs. Here's our practical guide to visiting Crystal River and seeing manatees.

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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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