Florida can lay claim to a lot of things – weird and wonderful things at that. We’re talking about being one of the few places you’ll see a Key Deer habitat, one of the smallest deer in North America. Or how about the fact that it’s the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico?! Pretty cool stuff, right? But there’s another thing that Florida can claim that nobody else can – it’s home to being able to have a supervised swim with manatees in Crystal River. If I’ve piqued your curiosity, read on if this is an experience you’d like to check off your bucket list.

Crystal River is along the western coast of Florida.
Google Maps
Crystal River is a delightful coastal city where guests can legally swim supervised with manatees in Florida.
Flickr Steven Martin
Many people might not realize that Crystal Springs is considered to be the Manatee Capital of the World!
Flickr Steven Martin
Kings Bay in Crystal River is fed by springs that stay the same temperature year-round - between 72 and 74 degrees. This means that come wintertime, manatees in Florida flock to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to stay comfortable in the warm waters.
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife
Every year, between 500-1000 manatees, come to Crystal River to escape cold waters. In addition, up to 100 manatees remain in the area throughout the year as well.
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

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Visitors can swim with manatees in Crystal River. This spot in Florida is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with these lovely animals that are sometimes referred to as sea cows.
Flickr U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
So, if you want to know, "Can I swim with manatees in Florida?", the answer is yes! This is both a responsibility and a privilege and Crystal River takes swimming with manatees very seriously.
Flickr FotoFloridian
In-water guides are trained to make sure that this beloved species is treated with care and kindness in the water.
Flickr USFWS Endangered Species
All swimmers who participate in these manatees in Florida tours will be led through instructions before even entering the water - everyone needs to learn their “Manatee Manners” before swimming.
Flickr/David Amsler
Guests looking to take these year-round manatee tours can find touring companies who operate with a special use permit. Even if you don’t want to swim with manatees but just want to see some up close, you can head over to the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Refuge in Crystal River.
Flickr Florida Fish and Wildlife

Have you ever been to Crystal River before? Did you ever swim with manatees there? If so, feel free to share your experience in the following comments section. I also encourage you to check out Discover Crystal River for more information that’ll help you plan your memorable excursion.

Aside from getting to swim with manatees in Crystal River, how about checking more experiences on your bucket list when you’re in Florida? For ideas, take a look at this piece about Florida bucket list destinations.

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Swim with Manatees in Crystal River

Marla S. | June 08, 2023

What are some unique facts about the Crystal River in Florida?

Here are some unique facts about the Crystal River in Florida:

  • About 3,100 residents live in this coastal city.
  • The city has a hydrological spring that pumps approximately 30 million gallons of water on a daily basis.
  • Hunter Spring Park in Crystal River is a popular spot for families to enjoy a day of play in the sun.
  • There are plenty of quaint shops to explore in the downtown area.
  • Of course, this is the place to go when you ask, "Can I swim with manatees in Florida?".

 

What are some fun facts about manatees in Florida?

Take a look at the following fun facts about manatees in Florida:

  • Manatees tend to spend April from October enjoying the warm weather around Florida.
  • Manatees are marine mammals that come up for air about once every 5 minutes.
  • Both elephants and manatees share a common ancestor. Hence, the unlikely resemblance between the two animals.
  • Manatees are herbivores that eat approximately more than a 10th of how much they weigh on a daily basis.

 

To learn more about these charming creatures, take a look at this piece about manatees in Florida.

What are some fun and free things to do in Florida? 

In addition to going for a swim with manatees in Crystal River, here are some fun and free things in Florida that I think you'd enjoy with your family too:

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Crystal River, FL, USA