TRAVEL

Meet the Manatees

Swim with the manatees in their natural environment and see wildlife up close with a visit to Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

Florida’s Nature Coast lies 95 miles northwest of Orlando, a short hour and a half drive. From swimming with the manatees in the winter months to scalloping in the summer and early fall, Crystal River offers plenty of opportunities to explore unspoiled Florida at its finest. At this eco-tourism destination you can see wildlife up close while learning about how to protect the animals and maintain their homes.

Before you head out to play, drop off your bags at Plantation on Crystal River, a resort that is surrounded by the beauty of Kings Bay. Comfy accommodations with décor that mimics the natural landscape of the Nature Coast will make you feel right at home. The on-site Plantation Adventure Center is also one of the many tour companies in the area that offer up-close encounters with manatees. During both semi-private and private tours, the expert guides help you maneuver through the springs to the best manatee viewing spots.

The warm waters of Crystal River's surrounding springs become a sanctuary for the West Indian manatee from Nov. 15 to March 31 each year as they migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to escape the chilly temperatures. The air may be cold during your manatee swim experience, but the water in the springs remains relatively warm at a constant 72°F. Since manatees are an endangered species, tours are meant for passive observation only, especially when the manatees are resting at

Manatee tours get you up-close to Florida's beloved manatees.

KAYAKING: COURTESY OF VISITCITRUS.COM

the bottom. That doesn’t mean these playful creatures won’t swim straight up to you and plant a smooch right on your goggles or roll over for a belly rub. In that case, when the manatee initiates contact, you're allowed to play along. Tour guides provide all the details about the dos and don’ts of swimming with the manatees so you can be sure you’re following all state laws meant to protect the animals.

Swimming with the manatees is a sought-after experience in Crystal River; however, there is so much to explore while you're there, from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and boating. Meander along the boardwalk of Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge for a view of the crystal-clear springs and its inhabitants. While you're there, you will also get to see manatee swim tours in action from above.

Three Sisters Springs consists of vents, sand boils and clear water that feed Kings Bay, which are headwaters of the Crystal River. It is here that hundreds of manatees seek refuge during the winter. Since this area is a wildlife refuge, there is no public parking. The Three Sisters Springs Center offers shuttle service to the refuge.

Crystal River provides an easy, not so out-of-theway weekend adventure complete with a one-of-a-kind glimpse at one of Florida's most beloved mammals.