Where is the best place to see manatees in Florida?
As we mentioned, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the most popular spot to observe manatees in Florida. It offers visitors several access points along the river where they can safely view manatees in their natural habitat.
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Which months are best for seeing manatees? The peak season for observing manatees is November through April, and the local manatee population swells to its largest size between December and February. You can spot manatees in our waterways all year round, but the population is much smaller during the summer months.
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.
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!
Crystal River is the only place in Florida where it's legal to swim with manatees in their natural habitat. Located in Citrus County, the area gets busy and draws crowds because of the high number of manatees found in Kings Bay.
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.
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 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.
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/Kings Bay is the second largest springs group in Florida, the first being Wakulla Springs in northern Florida near Tallahassee. Many of the river's springs are 20 to 30 feet deep, and the water discharging from them is very clear.
Crystal River/Kings Bay is the second largest springs group in Florida, the first being Wakulla Springs in northern Florida near Tallahassee. Many of the river's springs are 20 to 30 feet deep, and the water discharging from them is very clear.