One of the best places to see manatees in the United States is Crystal River, Florida. The river is the year-round home to many resident manatees. We recommend visiting between December and March when the manatee population grows significantly due to their fondness for the local warm water springs.
You have a few options to meet a manatee— we suggest booking a tour with Manatee Tour & Dive, based in Crystal River, Florida. The two-hour manatee swim tour takes you to the easternmost section of Crystal River, King’s Bay, on a USCG-certified pontoon boat.
Tour Options
- Manatee Swim Tour
- Private Manatee Tour
- Guided Kayak Tour
- Scallop Tour
- Private Scallop Tour
Arrive 45 minutes early for your tour. For the manatee swim tour, all you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, and snacks. The tour captain and crew will provide you with everything else you need for this unforgettable experience. We highly suggest bringing an underwater camera to take photos and video.
The kayak tour is another great option that includes a guide for the first three hours of your rental. Afterwards spend some additional time in King’s Bay, then paddle over to Crystal River National Wildlife Area and Three Sisters Spring. Canoes, pedal boats, and stand up paddleboards are also available to rent.
What to Expect
Manatees like warm, shallow waters along coastal areas and bays and rarely swim in water deeper than 20 feet. During the summer months, manatees can be found along the Eastern coastline of the United States. During the winter months, manatees migrate in herds to the warm waters of Florida. The warm springs and shallow waters around Crystal River are a favorite winter hang-out for hundreds of manatees. It’s easy to be a little concerned about swimming with manatees due to their size, but manatees are not aggressive and very docile animals. This is a great experience and highly recommended for the entire family.
Check-it-Off Travel
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a winter escape to Florida, including a visit to Crystal Springs, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
