How much does it cost to swim with the manatees in Crystal River Florida?
How much does it cost to swim with the manatees in Crystal River Florida?
Our public manatee tours start at $59.95 and go up to $65 for peak manatee season (November-April). Private manatee tours are $449 for a boat that holds up to six people, larger private manatee tours can be arranged for an additional $75 per person.
Can you swim with manatees in Orlando?
Crystal River, about 87 miles from Orlando, is one of only two places in the U.S. where people can swim with Florida manatees. Manatee Tour and Dive offers snorkeling tours with the sea cows in Kings Bay. Snorkels, masks and wetsuits are provided.
Are manatees at Crystal River now?
The manatee season at Crystal River NWR begins in mid-November and ends in late March. During the winter months, manatees come to the springs of Crystal River NWR to conserve the energy necessary to survive the cold Gulf waters. Manatees are not here to amuse visitors.
Can you still swim with manatees in Crystal River?
There’s only one place in North America where you legally swim with manatees, and that’s in the Crystal River area— located about 90 minutes north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round.
Do you have to wear a wetsuit to swim with manatees in Florida?
Do you have a wetsuit that will fit me? We do require that you wear a wetsuit when you snorkel with the manatees as they help you stay warm, buoyant, and assist you in keeping your feet near the top of the water and not dangling, which often will stir up the bottom and scare the manatees.
Do manatees live in Orlando?
During cold snaps, manatees migrate to huddle up in the warmer waters of the Central Florida Springs. That’s why the winter season in Orlando is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of Florida manatees at Blue Spring State Park.
Can you go snorkeling in Orlando?
Snorkeling is essentially scuba diving, but without the expensive certification course and threat of an embolism. Basically, anyone can do it and Orlando is centrally located between some of Florida’s best spots.
Where in Florida can you swim with manatees?
Crystal River area
There’s only one place in North America where you legally swim with manatees, and that’s in the Crystal River area— located about 90 minutes north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round.
Is it illegal to swim with manatees in Florida?
Their population has hit just over 6,300 animals in Florida, an increase of only 1,267 since 1991. So it is illegal to swim with manatees in their habitat anywhere in the United States except in Citrus County.
What is there to do at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge?
The Visitor Center offers a nature store, exhibits about Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge manatees and springs, and volunteer assistance at the front desk. Visitors can arrive by vehicle since the property is located off of U.S. 19.
Where can I swim with endangered manatees in Florida?
Endangered Encounter (3 hr) Enjoy the unique privilege that is exclusively ours here in Citrus County Florida by swimming with the manatees in the spring-fed King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge! Crystal River is home to the world’s largest population of endangered manatee during the winter season, and even a small population the warm months.
Why should I visit the Crystal River manatees?
Manatees are very gentle. They are curious by nature and playful at heart. You’ll be amazed at their calmness. You’ll develop a special appreciation of their struggle for existence. The Crystal River coastal waters are home to the largest population of manatees on the west coast of Florida.
What is the Manatee refuge tour?
The refuge is comprised of springs and filled with unique wildlife. This tour on a covered pontoon boat allows you to see it all up close. The high-end VIP experience, with an affordable price tag and shortened to squeeze more adventure into your day ! Our luxury pontoons aim to amp up the manatee encounter and deliver a more personal event!
