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I am excited to share this bucket list adventure with you today!  And unlike most family travel bucket list items, this one is pretty budget-friendly!   But there are some key things that you really need to know before planning your Florida manatee trip, or it could be a big flop.   So, today, I am sharing everything you need to know about planning a trip to swim with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida.

Our Manatee Snorkel Trip to Crystal River, Florida

We actually took this trip to Crystal River a couple of years ago, over President’s Day weekend. I had not gotten a chance to write about it yet.  However, right now is actually the best time of year to do something like this, so better late than never! 

This adventure was a last-minute trip. While I thought that I planned it all out appropriately, I did a few things wrong.  But in the end, I came face-to-face with a manatee, and it is a moment that I will never forget!

This post was updated in November 2023 at the start of Crystal River Manatee Season. Plus, it has current information about the brand new Three Sisters Springs Center located at 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail in Crystal River.

Visiting Crystal River, Florida

We took advantage of a three-day weekend and booked a stay at the Plantation at Crystal River.  This is a part of the Choice Hotels Ascend Collection, and while it’s not a “fancy” resort, it has a lot to offer and is in a great location.  The manatee tour and boat tours leave directly from the hotel via the Plantation Adventure Center. Here, you can also rent kayaks and pontoon boats onsite. 

We enjoyed that the hotel was right on the water and even saw manatees swim by on several occasions.  The large pool and hot tub were hits with the kids.  There were multiple dining options and even live music out by the pool one night.

The property and area, in general, is beautiful “Old Florida.”   The only thing we didn’t love was our room.  It felt outdated (not surprising for an older hotel), and we had some noisy, semi-sketchy neighbors. 

However, I do know that they were beginning a renovation, so the rooms may have improved since our stay.  If you read the hotel’s reviews on Booking.com, you will see that many echo these sentiments.  So, check the most recent reviews before booking. But, the price was reflective of that, and the location and property overall outweighed any cons related to our actual in-room experience.   And to be honest, there really aren’t many alternatives.

In addition to doing the manatee tour and water activities through the hotel’s adventure center, we spent a few hours at Three Sisters Springs and a half day in Homosassa Springs, visiting the state park and a few other places.   

I will share more details about that later, but all in all, it ended up being a trip to remember for many reasons!   You can experience our entire trip (start to finish), which includes the highs and the lows, by viewing our Crystal River Story Highlight on Instagram.

I will cover all of the specifics throughout this post, but I want to start off by answering a few frequently asked questions related to snorkeling and swimming with the manatees in Florida.  Knowing the answers to these will help you in planning your trip. Trust me, these manatees can literally be everywhere and nowhere at the same time!

Can You Actually Swim with Manatees in Florida?

Yes!

But not just anywhere, and there is only one place where you can actually swim/snorkel with wild and free (uncaged) manatees in their natural habitat, that is, unless you just happen to run into one of them when swimming in spring-fed Florida rivers.  That is known to happen too!

There are many places where you can have encounters with manatees in Florida, but they are almost always caged.  The Crystal River, Florida, manatees are free, and you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with them within the protected Three Sisters Spring.  This area was recently closed from April 1, 2023, to November 15, 2023, for a full restoration project. It is opening to visitors as I write this today!

At Three Sisters Springs, there are areas that are roped off to give them space. When snorkeling along the open areas within the spring, it is very common for the manatees to swim right past you!  These authentic encounters just can’t be beaten. 

Look at this Instagram Reel where one actually came up to my GoPro and looked right at me.  I’ll never forget that moment!

So, if you want to encounter these beautiful wild animals, Crystal River is the best place to swim with manatees.  It is where you’ll want to be, and the remainder of my post will focus on that area since that is where we personally visited.

When is the Best Time to Swim with Manatees in Florida?

Have you ever wondered why sometimes you see photos with hundreds of manatees and sometimes you see photos with just one or two?  There is a reason for that!

In a nutshell, the manatees want to be where the water is warmest.  This means that most of the year, they want to be out in the Gulf of Mexico or in the warm waterways leading out to it.  However, during the winter, you will find them retreating back inland toward the springs. 

Why?  Because most Florida Springs remains a constant 70-72 degrees all year long.  Some Florida Panhandle Springs, such as Wakulla Springs, run a little cooler at 68 degrees.   In wintertime, when the Gulf of Mexico water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, the manatees huddle up near the springs to stay warm.

I do want to point out my first mistake here.  Unfortunately, I assumed that this meant all of January or February would be a good time to visit. I assumed this referred to general migration patterns.  That is not necessarily true.  Their habits can vary day by day and even from morning to afternoon.  If the weather is nice and the sun is out, they will start their morning in the Spring. Later, they go out into the waterways during the day.

Cold Weather = More Manatees

The rule of thumb is the colder it is, the better chance you have of seeing manatees. 

This is against the grain when it comes to Florida travel.  I was excited that it was going to be almost 80 degrees and sunny for our visit. However, the truth is that we would have encountered more manatees visiting the weekend prior when highs were in the low 50s.  So, if you are envisioning a warm-weather Florida vacation and also want to encounter manatees in the wild at Three Sisters Springs – it’s not going to happen!

The Crystal River manatee season officially begins in mid-November and ends in late March.  According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service website, this is when the manatee sanctuaries go into effect.   But, the best time to visit and ensure a higher probability of encountering manatees is likely mid-December to mid-February.

So, what month is best to swim with manatees in Florida?  January!   But December and February are solid options, too!

Where Can You Snorkel and Swim with Manatees in Florida?

This is a very important section to read because not all Florida manatee experiences are created equally.  It’s not uncommon to find manatee experiences throughout Florida, but the Crystal River manatees are special because they are protected.   The Crystal River Wildlife Refuge is the only wildlife refuge in the United States dedicated to the protection of the West Indian manatee.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the Kings Bay and Crystal River area and is mostly accessible to visitors by water.  You can visit the Three Sisters Springs, which provides great viewing by land but no water access.    Within the refuge, there are many areas designated with slow or idle speed restrictions for watercraft.  There are also many no-entry zones where boat and or kayak access is prohibited during manatee season (mid-November through March).

It is always best to plan your experience with a licensed operator.  They have special use access permits to provide guided manatee tours and know all of the rules and regulations.  It is so special that the public is able to experience these encounters, and we want to be respectful visitors.

Let’s take a minute to talk about the different ways that you can see the manatees within the wildlife refuge surrounding Kings Bay!

Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center

The new Three Sisters Springs Visitor’s Center provides a great opportunity to view the manatees without setting foot in the water.  This is a 57-acre property that has over 2 miles of trails and a boardwalk. It provides many opportunities to view the wildlife. 

We were very impressed with the boardwalk section that literally takes you right over the manatees.  I have seen photos taken in cold winter months where hundreds, if not thousands, of manatees are taking up this entire area.  Pure magic!  But, the day we went, it was close to 80 degrees in mid-February, and we only saw a few manatees.

Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center Location

Three Sisters Springs Center
917 Three Sisters Springs Trail
Crystal River, FL 34429

Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center Hours

 Open Daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. Please note: the last entry is at 3:30 pm.

Here is a view from one of the Crystal River manatee viewing sections along the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs.  I personally would recommend visiting here, especially if it is going to be cold.  It’s not cheap, and is kind of a bummer to pay the admission and only see a few of them.

I want to make that clear.  If it’s warm out, there will most likely only be a few manatees (if any) inside the Spring.   It was nice to see what to expect before our manatee snorkeling tour scheduled for the next day.

Remember, there is NO water access from here – this includes swimming or kayak launching.

There is also no public parking.  To visit, you will need to take the shuttle to the boardwalk from either the Three Sisters Springs Center, USFWS Visitor Center, Hunter Springs Park, South Citrus Ave., or Heritage Village.   Your Three Sisters Springs admission fee includes our trolley/shuttle to and from the refuge.  The shuttle runs continuously from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the last admission ticket of each day is sold at 3:30 pm.

Click here for ticket prices and all information related to visiting Three Sisters Springs.  

They do offer a discounted rate for National Park Pass holders, and if you have a 4th grader, you can get one of those for FREE. Read my Free National Park Pass blog post to learn now!

Crystal River Manatee Tours

Looking for the best manatee tour in Crystal River, Florida?  Well, I think that you probably can’t go wrong with any of the local vendors!

We used Plantation Adventure Center for our tour. You can check out my Instagram Reel of our Manatee Snorkel Tour to see what it was like. Most tours are around 3 hours, and a majority include wet suits.  You will definitely want those because, as I mentioned above, the natural spring water is a crisp 72 degrees!

There are a number of other companies that provide these tours, and you can click here to see a list of manatee tours.  They literally all have 5-stars, so I don’t think that you can go wrong here.

I do recommend a guided tour.  These companies are incredibly knowledgeable, provide wetsuits, noodles, and other necessities, and know the perfect places to go.  But, if you want to put in your own kayaks, you can do so at Hunter Springs Park. This park is located at 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River, and at King’s Bay Park, located at 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River. 

About Crystal River, Florida

Since I have covered almost everything you need to know about seeing and swimming with manatees, let’s talk about everything else you’ll need to know about this area!

Crystal River is located about an hour north of Tampa, in west-central Florida, not far from the Gulf of Mexico.   It’s a small coastal community (population 3200) that is quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.   You’ll quickly notice the slower pace here and see that most things center around life on King’s Bay. 

This bay is fed by the local springs and filled with water on its way out to the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, again the ONLY place in America that provides shelter to manatees year-round.

Unlike other parts of Florida, Crystal River is not a tourist trap.  The area is focused on promoting conservation and best practices for ensuring the safety of this species.   In my opinion, residents do a great job both welcoming and educating visitors.   

The area is also known for its abundant fishing opportunities!  But, unlike most other Florida coastal communities, such as 30A, it is not known for its beaches.  If you’d like to visit the beach, Fort Island Beach is located 10 miles west of town and is the only actual sandy beach in the area.

In this map, you can see just how small this community is!  It’s located approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from my home in Dothan, Alabama, making it a great Florida road trip destination! The drive from Tampa to Crystal River takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the drive from Orlando to Crystal River is about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Booking.com

Overnight Accommodations in Crystal River

As you can see in the map above, there aren’t really a lot of accommodations available in the Crystal River area, so your options are limited.  I do recommend staying in the area, though, because plans can change, and it is harder to do this outing as a short-day trip or part of a larger Florida vacation.

On our visit, there was severe weather the morning we initially had our manatee tour scheduled.  Luckily, they were able to reschedule us for Monday morning!  The weather quickly cleared, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the day, but this is one reason that I want to convey the need for flexibility when planning a trip to visit the manatees in Crystal River, Florida.

The Plantation at Crystal River

As I mentioned above, we stayed at The Plantation at Crystal River property and were overall very happy with the weekend.  There was plenty for us to do, and having the adventure center on site was a major plus!  I really enjoyed the three restaurants dining out by the lagoon-style pool and listening to live music out there in the evening.  The large-scale chess game, pickleball, and other family-friendly activities were a hit with the kids.   If you stay, I would request an updated room, and if you are a light sleeper – pack earplugs.

If you make your Plantation at Crystal River reservation through Booking.com, you can cancel up to 72 hours prior to arrival, which is a big benefit when working on manatee time.  This allows you to cancel and rebook if you notice that it will be unseasonably warm during your scheduled visit.

Plantation Adventure Center

The Plantation Adventure Center (a TripAdvisor 2022 Travel Choice award winner) is located right there at the Plantation at Crystal River Hotel. If you know me, you know that convenience and walkability is the most important thing to us when traveling.  We actually used them for three different outings during this trip! 

Please note that you do not have to be staying at the hotel to book with them.  The Plantation Adventure Center is open to the public and has a large parking lot.

On our first day, Friday, shortly after check-in, we did the Kings Bay Sunset Cruise.  It’s only 90 minutes, but gave us a great feel for the area!  We originally had our manatee tour scheduled for Saturday morning. However, severe storms that morning led to it being canceled. Luckily, we were able to reschedule this for Monday morning.

TIP:  Schedule your manatee outing for as early in your trip as possible.  This allows you time to reschedule if needed.  

After the weather cleared up on Saturday, we rented kayaks from the adventure center.  This was probably not our best decision because while the sun was out, it was super windy, and we really struggled to get back across the bay heading into the wind, which you probably saw in that Instagram Story highlight.  So, if you plan to rent kayaks and head out into the large part of the bay, check the wind forecast first because it’s a long way back!

Our rescheduled Manatee Snorkle Tour was on Monday morning, and it was incredible.  This was truly a bucket list experience for my family, and it’s no surprise that this tour has 5 stars (out of 1500+ reviews) on TripAdvisor and is recommended by 99% of travelers!

Our tour headed out very early in the morning, so being able to walk to the boat in under 2 minutes made all the difference in the world to us!  If booking this outing with Trip Advisor, you can cancel the reservation free of charge up until the day before.  This is a huge plus!  It allows you to watch the weather and adjust as needed.  The tour included the use of wetsuits and morning coffee! They also take photos and give you the opportunity to purchase them after the tour.  The outing lasts 3 hours, and at $68, I think this is a fantastic deal and an absolute MUST-DO while in Crystal River!

Other Crystal River Hotels

I stand by my statement that overall, the Plantation is where you’d likely want to stay. However, there are a handful of other hotels in the area, including a Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Best Western, and a few others.

VRBO or Airbnb Options in Crystal River, Florida

If you have a larger group or would prefer your own space, there are a number of great vacation rentals in this area!  You can browse Airbnb or VRBO and see what is available over your dates.

Here are a few that I would love to stay at on a future visit!

Waterfront Kings Bay, Swim in Springs off the boat dock – Kayaks included

Beautiful updated 3/2 Waterfront w/ Screened & Heated Pool *Tiki Bar* *Kayaks*

Kings Bay-Waterfront Island Lodge/Bring your Boat! Large lot, very private!

Best Tips For Your Crystal River Swim With Manatees Trip

I realized that I have already covered a lot of information here, but I want to make sure to hit on a few other things that could really make or break your trip! So, if you haven’t read everything so far, at least pay attention here!

Watch The Weather Before You Try To Swim With Manatees

This is critical.  If you even want to have a shot at seeing the manatees, you need to come during the manatee season (November-March) and spend some time watching the weather before your visit.  You may very well be better off rescheduling your trip if the weather looks warm.  Your ideal Crystal River forecast should be highs in the 50s/60s.  And yes, I know it’s Florida, but the colder, the better for this adventure!

Book Flexible Accommodations & Be Flexible

Hitting on the above, you want to be able to reschedule if the weather isn’t ideal.  Isn’t it crazy that a good warm forecast is a bad thing in Florida?  If this is a bucket list adventure for your family, be flexible.   I would hate for you to get there and only see one or two.

A Last-Minute Trip To Swim With Manatees

This is one situation where booking last minute is the way to go!  I was just looking, and you can find availability for upcoming weekends.  My kids have a winter break in January and February as well. So, if your kids do as well, this would make a perfect 2-3 day road trip.

Morning Manatees Tours vs Afternoon Manatee Tours

Book early – both in the day and on your trip.  I would recommend planning your tour for the morning after you check-in.  The morning tours are great because not only is it cooler, but it’s significantly less crowded – with people, that is.  More manatees. Fewer People. That’s the goal!

Making your manatee tour reservation earlier in your visit allows you to reschedule it if needed.  This is especially important if you have a large group tour or a small group of 4+.

Bring A Go Pro When You Swim With Manatees

I was so glad to have my GoPro with me for my trip!  If you have one, make sure to pack it.  Otherwise, you always have the option to purchase photos from the tour guide if your tour offers that.

Plan Other Things To Do on Your Trip to Crystal River

This is one of those trips where things may not go as planned.  Don’t hold yourself to a strict itinerary, but have a list of other things that you would like to do. This allows you to plan around the weather and fill those gaps in the day, especially if your manatee tour needs to be rescheduled.  Here are some options for you to consider!

Other Things To Do Near Crystal River, Florida

Hunter Springs Park

We visited Hunter Springs Park on our first day, but only for a few minutes. Located at 18 NE 2nd St, Crystal River, FL 34228, this park seems like a great place to be on warmer days.  It has a small beach for freshwater swimming, a kayak launch, a playground, and BBQ grills.  It’s a great place to enjoy a sunny day or let the kids burn off some energy if you are arriving in Crystal River before check-in.  It is located in more of a residential area.

King’s Bay Park

We also stopped by here during our stay, and I really enjoyed it.  This park has a great view of the bay and is a wonderful place to watch boats come and go from the marina.  King’s Bay Park is located in the center of town at  268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34428.   This park also has a playground, grills, picnic shelters, etc, but also has a large fishing dock/pier and a handicap-accessible kayak launch.

Three Sisters Springs

I went into detail about Three Sisters Spring above, but I would definitely add this to your list if the weather is chilly.  If you have grandparents with you or a member of your group not planning on doing a manatee tour, this is the best opportunity for them to see the manatees.

Crystal River Archeological State Park

We did not make it here on our visit, but it was on my list as we are big fans of the Florida State Park system!  At the Crystal River Archeological State Park, your family can explore the pre-Columbian routes.  Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre Native American site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden.  Click here to plan your visit!

Book a Boat Tour

Whether you enjoy fishing or sunsets, there are many opportunities to get out on the water in the Crystal River area.   This is a great way to spend a few hours!

Homosassa Springs State Park

This was a highlight of our trip!  The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446.  It feels like a zoo, but it’s not.  The animals are all here with a unique story and are unable to survive in the wild on their own.

The history of Homosassa Springs is par for the course when it comes to Florida history!  This area was once home to quite a few early 1900s roadside attractions.  You can still find the remnants of a number of them on Roadside America –that’s how we came across this guy!

Back to the state park, here is an excerpt from the Florida State Parks website sharing more about this beautiful park!

Excerpt via Florida State Parks

Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish, and spring water.  On a 1924 visit, Bruce Hoover of Chicago called it “the most beautiful river and springs in the world.” In this regard, Homosassa Springs hasn’t changed much. 

An astounding number of fresh and saltwater fish still congregate in the natural spring bowl — large jacks, snapper, snook, and others. A unique underwater structure, the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim about. Gaze down into the depths of the first-magnitude spring and perhaps catch a glimpse of fish and manatees in their natural habitat.

The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity. The native wildlife that resides in the park serve as ambassadors for their species, providing visitors with face-to-face connections with the animals and their habitats. Each with a unique life story, all of the animal inhabitants are here for the same reason – they are unable to survive in the wild on their own.

One of the other highlights of this past is their Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory.  Located in the main Spring, this allows you to see manatees from above.  Since the theme of the trip is manatees, you don’t want to miss that!

Give yourself a few hours here at the state park, and then head into Homosassa Springs for lunch!

Monkey Island in Homosassa

We had lunch at the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, and I really liked this area!  There was a lot of action, with boats coming and going – including airboat outings.  People were dining along the water at various restaurants, and  I would enjoy going back there on a future road trip.

So, what’s Monkey Island?

Across from Florida, Cracker Monkey Bar is an island inhabited by three spider monkeys.   They play out there all day as the boats pass by on one side or the other

Well, I should have said that it usually it is usually inhabited by monkeys! In 2023, its residents (Ralph, Emily, and Ebony are spending their time in Hernando County while the island undergoes some renovations.  This news article shares more about the monkeys and the plans for the upgrade. As of November 2023, it sounds like they are close to returning home!

Here are a couple of photos from our trip in early 2021!

Weeki Wachee

What pairs well with Florida manatees?  Mermaids!

At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, you can catch a real-life mermaid show!  This just may be Florida’s roadside attractions at their finest.  I love Florida’s history, especially when it comes to tourism.  If you do as well, make sure to check out my favorite books about Florida blog post!

You could easily plan a full day visiting the Weeki Wachee area.  Activities include swimming or kayaking in the crystal clear water at Buccaneer Bay, hopping on the river boat cruise,  or paddling the waterways.  This park is home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States and is such a unique place to visit in Florida!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

And, just in case it ends up being too hot or your manatee tour gets canceled, you can always save the day and re-route to Busch Gardens.  It’s just about an hour south, and what kid doesn’t love a theme park?

Questions about Planning a Crystal River Manatee Trip?

Man, that was a lot of information!  Somehow, I sat down to share a few photos and give you some tips and ended up with almost 5000 words here.  I sure hope that you found it interesting, and if you have any other questions, make sure to leave me a comment on this post! 

And if you would like to hear more about our adventures in Florida, I have an entire section on my blog dedicated to family travel in Florida! And let me know if you plan a trip to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida!

PIN My Swim With Manatees In Crystal River, FL Blog Post