CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Ever wanted to swim with a manatee? Today marks your chance.
Manatee season is officially underway at Crystal River, "the Manatee Capital of the World."
From now until March, hundreds of West Indian manatees will be making their way to the warmer spring waters in and around Crystal River, according to a news release from Discover Crystal River Florida.
"This annual influx makes it easy to experience manatees in their natural environment, observe them at Three Sisters Springs and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, and catch a glimpse while kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding throughout Kings Bay or the Homosassa River," officials stated in the release.
This year's manatee season will last from Nov. 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Officials said Crystal River is one of North America's premier locations to swim with manatees. Located about 75 minutes north of Tampa and 90 minutes west of Orlando, the area's "pristine, spring-fed waters" provide an ideal spot for visitors to see the mammals up close.
"On a guided eco tour, visitors can enjoy an up-close encounter while the city’s certified local guides ensure that this beloved, threatened species is treated with the utmost respect, using responsible passive observation techniques approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," officials stated.
Those looking to make the most of their fall season in Florida can take advantage of local lodging packages, giving you a chance to save and swim with manatees, officials said.
In addition, the newly renovated PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge is offering packages featuring numerous accommodations complete with manatee swim tours.
However, those looking to swim with manatees should be aware of certain guidelines, as they are a protected species.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), those guidelines are as follows:
- Look, but don't touch manatees
- Don't feed manatees or give them water
- Do not pursue or chase a manatee if you see one while you are swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling or operating a boat.
- Never poke, prod or stab a manatee with your hands, feet or any object.
- If a manatee avoids you, do not chase the animal for a closer view.
- Give manatees space to move. Avoid isolating or singling out an individual manatee from its group and do not separate a cow and her calf.
- Keep hands and objects to yourself. Don't attempt to snag, hook, hold, grab, pinch, hit or ride a manatee.
- Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee appears nearby. The manatee may be resting and may surface without being aware of your presence. Noise and activity may startle the animal awake, which may put it in harm’s way if it is frightened and leaves the area.
- If the site you visit allows in-water activities near manatees, use snorkel gear and float at the surface of the water to passively observe manatees. The sound of bubbles from SCUBA gear or other devices may cause manatees to leave the area.
FWC added that the Crystal River and King's Bay area are the only locations where swimmers are monitored around manatees.
"Please respect the directions from manatee volunteers and law enforcement officers who are looking out for the best interest of manatees in this area," FWC officials said.
For more information, click here.
