Swimming with Manatees

By: B.O.W. Staff

We were supposed to go swimming with the Manatees in December of last year. But, luckily for us our trip was cancelled due to thunderstorms covering the entire state of Florida. We were lucky, because it was very warm for December on our first scheduled date. The folks at Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center were nice enough to go ahead and reschedule us for a mid January date, that ended up falling perfectly after a cold front; when there were almost certainly going to be a lot of Manatees in the area.

Swimming with Manatees

Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center offers Manatee swim tours by kayak or by pontoon boat. Kings Bay is renowned worldwide for its large population of manatees during the winter months. Customers can explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge with Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center’s experienced captains and guides. We had a great pair with us the day we headed on the tour, Captain Vince and Don, who is also the Diving Manager. Both men have a lot of experience on the water and in the area. They also both know how to show their customers a great time, while “putting customers on the Manatees”, to enjoy a swim, that is sure to be unforgettable.

The tour is set up to be able to observe the wild gentle giants in their natural habitat, under water. Everything is provided for you in one price. For only $70 per person, you get a spot on the pontoon boat, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, floatation device, hot cocoa, bottled water and a snack. In our opinions at B.O.W., you just can’t beat that deal, for the fun and excitement to be had swimming with the Manatees. It is true, that Kings Bay is the only place in the United States where you are permitted to swim with these beautiful animals; that being said there are rules and local etiquette involved with having such a great opportunity. The captains and guides will be sure to go over everything with you to respect the Manatees and make sure all rules are complied with.

With many, many trips to the Crystal River area under our belts, we have never been in the wintertime before. Like many things in our watery lives, after being there in January, this is sure to change. The number of Manatees visible by boat was amazing, and truly something to take in. The number of visitors to the area was also impressive. We were told by Captain Vince and Don, that they literally get customers from all over the world, who come to swim with the Manatees. Swimming with these beautiful and gentle animals only helped bring more awareness to them for us. We have always loved seeing them and used good boating techniques, such as making sure to use a spotter even in idle speed only zones, to try and do our part. But, after having the opportunity to “play” with them and swim with them, we have decidedly found a new connection, which will lead us to be even more aware of our boating practices in the future, when in areas known to have Manatees present. Crystal River and Kings Bay are amazing and the Manatee swim trips Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center offers are truly amazing, as well.

If, you think seeing the Manatees from above is cool, don’t hesitate to schedule a trip to see them at eye level, we don’t think you will regret it! Call the folks at Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center today, to schedule your next adventure on the water, a swim with the Manatees.