The manatee season at Crystal River NWR begins in mid-November and ends in late March. This is when the manatee sanctuaries go into effect. During the winter months, manatees come to the springs of Crystal River NWR to conserve the energy necessary to survive the cold Gulf waters.
Where can you swim with manatees in Orlando?
Head to the picturesque Crystal River – home to the endangered “gentle giant of the sea,” the Florida manatee – where you can choose to snorkel or swim. Have a chance to interact with these beautiful creatures if you’re lucky. Have some lunch, and then enjoy a fully-narrated airboat ride.
Can you scuba in Crystal River?
Crystal River Dive and Snorkel Manatee Tour Combo
After enjoying this incredible experience with the manatee, snorkel the main spring called Kings Spring. To top off your manatee tour scuba divers enjoy the optional Crystal River dive into 30 ft. of open water to the entrance of the cavern.
Is Crystal River Clear water?
Many of the river’s springs are 20 to 30 feet deep and the water is clear enough to see a dime resting on the bottom! Coming from deep within the limestone aquifer, the spring water is 72 degrees year-round, offering a cool break during the hot summers and a natural, warm bath during the winter months.
When to see manatees in Crystal River? – Related Questions
Are there alligators in Crystal River?
There are alligators in Crystal River. They live in King’s Bay, and the surrounding canals. They are also found in Three Sisters Spring. Alligators can live in any body of freshwater in Florida.
What is Crystal River known for?
Crystal River is known for it’s world class fishing and visitors come from around the world to experience the sport on the pristine waterways. The short run to the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of fish relatively near the shore make for memorable days on the water.
Why is Crystal River so clear?
This well-documented flow decline at the Kings Bay/Crystal River springs is validated by the concurrent reduction in water clarity caused by free-floating, planktonic algae.
Does Crystal River Florida have beaches?
But what you may not know is that it’s also home to two sandy beaches. While Crystal River, Florida beaches aren’t the typical Sunshine State beaches that stretch on as far as the eye can see, they nevertheless offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, or just kicking back.
Is Crystal River worth visiting?
Boasting of warm, spring-fed rivers, abundant natural beauty, a rich history, and a remarkable number of wildlife, Crystal River is a city worth visiting. You’ll love exploring the lakes and rivers, diving in for delicious scallops, hiking through unspoiled forests, and swimming with the adorable manatees.
How far is Crystal River from the beach?
The Fort Island Gulf Beach is a little beach just 20 minutes drive away from downtown Crystal River. There is a sandy beach area you can relax and play on, a grassy and shaded picnic area, and a charming pier.
Can you swim in Crystal River without a tour?
Crystal River is where you’re legally permitted to swim with manatees in their natural habitat. You can embark on a swim tour through the river, but only after being briefed on all of the do’s and don’ts of interacting with the animals.
How do you swim with manatees in Crystal River?
Starting at just $ 19.99 per person, we invite our travelers to customize a variety of tours year-round and happily provide snacks and beverages, on some of our tours! Meet Our Team » Captain Mike’s invites you to come snorkel or swim with manatees in the Crystal River along the Nature Coast of West Central Florida.
How far is Clearwater Beach from Crystal River?
There are 65.48 miles from Crystal River to Clearwater Beach in southwest direction and 75 miles (120.70 kilometers) by car, following the US-19 route. Crystal River and Clearwater Beach are 1 hour 34 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . This is the fastest route from Crystal River, FL to Clearwater Beach, FL.
Is Crystal River close to Orlando?
But, the town is less than 2 hours from Tampa and Orlando, making it a great weekend getaway from the more populous areas in Central and South Florida. And it is a fantastic weekend. And the charming town of Crystal River, Florida makes a great base to explore the Nature Coast.
How do I spend a day in Crystal River?
- 9 Best Things to do in Crystal River, FL.
- Get Up Close with the Manatees. Our close encounter with a juvenile manatee in Crystal River.
- Three Sisters Springs.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
- Fort Island Gulf Beach.
- Explore Kings Bay.
- Meander the Downtown & Heritage Village.
- Coastal Heritage Museum.
How far is Crystal River from Disney?
We welcome our thousands of visitors each year from around the world. Only 90 miles from bustling Orlando and the magic of Walt Disney World, visitors find a different type of enchantment in Crystal River.
Is Crystal River Florida saltwater?
Each day in Crystal River fresh water from an abundance of area springs mixes with the salty seawater from the Gulf of Mexico. Nature’s magic happens in an estuary, where the fresh water and salt water meet.
Does Crystal River have sinkholes?
It’s no secret that the Crystal River area increases sinkhole occurrences. However, we also can be confident in the fact that Crystal River sinkholes are well documented and research is always being advanced in order to further our understanding ensuring that we are well-informed.