Swim with Manatees in Crystal River & Homosassa, FL
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Meet a Manatee

Welcome to the Manatee Capital of The World! Let an experienced guide take you through the crystal clear waters of our local springs where you can swim alongside these gentle giants!

Nowhere else will you find more manatees than here in Crystal River, Homosassa, and the waters of Florida’s Citrus County.  Each winter between 500 and 1000 manatees are drawn here by three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C).  It is the most important natural warm water refuge for manatees along the Gulf Coast of Florida.  Even in the warm summer months, up to 100 manatees remain here all year.  

It’s also one of only a few places in the world where you can have an the in-water experience of swimming with manatees in their own natural environment. It’s a privilege and responsibility we take seriously and our in-water guides are trained to make sure we and you treat this beloved threatened species with the utmost care and respect.  All swimmers on manatee tours learn their “Manatee Manners” before ever getting in the water.




Mind Your Manatee Manners

Manatee tours occur year-round. Tour companies on Kings Bay in Crystal River operate under Special Use Permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the only Refuge in the United States solely dedicated to protecting critical habitat for manatees. Between November 15 and March 31, sanctuary markers are in place near spring vents designating critical resting areas for manatees. Swimmers, kayakers and all watercraft are prohibited from these areas that are essential to manatee’s survival.

There are plenty of ways for anyone to see manatees from swimming with manatees to kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding and boat tours, to visiting the incredible fully accessible boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Refuge in Crystal River and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa.

However you choose to meet a manatee, remember to keep calm, enjoy the moment and don’t be surprised if meeting a manatee changes your life!

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Swim with the Manatees in Crystal River & Homosassa

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"Discovering Citrus County as the Only Place in the World for a Rare Manatee Encounter."

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