Manatees are not usually the most popular marine animal that people choose to swim with; that award goes to dolphins. The manatee is known as a "gentle giant" and is related to the elephant. Officially the Florida state marine mammal, they eat up to 15 percent of their body weight a day and average about 10 feet long and 1,000 pounds. Manatees need water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, so the warm waters of Florida rivers, canals and coastal areas are an ideal sanctuary. The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee and has become an icon of Florida wildlife. The mammal is on the verge of extinction. During the winter, hundreds of manatees congregate close to Florida's Fort Myers, Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. The favorite place for manatees though seems to be in Crystal River and Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.
With Rainbow River, visitors are able to see manatees up close and personal via a snorkel or dive tour. The water here is so clear, it has up to 100 feet of visibility and is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. The water is calm, and since the conditions are so mild, this is great for families with children. You board a boat to go upstream through the K.P. Hole Country Park, and as you float downriver in the water, the boat is always close by. As you drift in the water for two hours, you go over a sparkling white sand bottom with bubbling springs, bass, turtles, lush seagrass and manatees. Showers are available at the facilities, along with a snack bar, restrooms, picnic tables, a beach and swimming area. Gear is not included in the price.
Rainbow River Snorkel or Dive Tour
American Pro Diving Center
821 S.E. Hwy. 19
Crystal River, FL 34429
1-800-291-DIVE (3483) or 1-352-563-0041
americanprodive.com
Since Crystal River is one of the best places to swim and spot manatees, it is not a surprise that several daily tours are offered here. The most popular are the morning and afternoon tours. The morning tour begins at 7:30, and the afternoon tour around noon, for a swim/snorkel with manatees that lasts about 3.5 hours. Both tours include all the gear you need.
Manatee Tour & Dive
4 N.E. 5th St.
Crystal River, FL 34428
888-732-2692 or 352-795-1333
manateetoursusa.com
Watching manatees at play is a experience that few get to see. At Homosassa, the tours run from November to March and are a three-hour combination of snorkeling and sight-seeing. Perfect for families with children, the very shallow, clear water where the tour explores is just outside the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. The tour starts at 7 a.m. and includes all the gear you need, along with a complimentary hot breakfast. This area is where manatees bring their calfs to play and explore on their own, so it is normal to see several baby manatees frolicking and being taught how to swim correctly by their mothers.
Homosassa Manatee Tour
Crystal River Watersports
2380 N.W. Hwy 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
1-877-Go-DIVIN
floridamanateetours.com/homosassa-manatee-premium-tour
This tour is for sightseeing only, not swimming or snorkeling with the manatees. It is best for photographic opportunities. Around 1 p.m., the boat leaves on Crystal River to go down Indian River Waterway and Kings Bay. Not only do you experience the beautiful oceanfront homes, but also the banks of the Crystal River Indian Archaeological State Park, where native Indians lived more than 10,000 years ago. Wildlife is abundant on this tour, including wild pigs, whitetail deer, American bald eagles, dolphins, manatees and several waterway birds.
Sunshine River Tours
2380 NW Hwy. 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
1-877-Go-DIVIN
floridamanateetours.com/sunshine-river-tour
