Q&A

Can you dive in Crystal River?

Can you dive in Crystal River?

The Crystal River dive and snorkel offers something for every family member. 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.

Can you scuba dive with manatees?

Diving & Swimming with Manatees. The best experience is actually snorkelling or swimming with manatees as the bubbles created during scuba diving can scare them away, also they tend to be in water a matter of metres deep so there is no problem viewing them from the surface or free diving down.

Can you snorkel in Crystal River Florida?

In Citrus County, you can snorkel with these gentle, curious mammals– in the wild. Located on Florida’s central west coast, the County is the only place in North America where you can legally enjoy this epic adventure. Crystal River is one of the best places to see manatees.

Can you dive with manatees in Florida?

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.

How much does it cost to swim with manatees in Crystal River?

Swimming with the manatees in Crystal River and Kings Bay I can’t recommend a particular outfitter, but the wildlife refuge offers a list of licensed companies. Prices average about $60 per person, including wetsuits and snorkeling gear.

Can you dive at Weeki Wachee?

Did you know you can dive at Weeki Wachee before the park opens?

Is it illegal to swim with manatees?

Legal swimming with manatees 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.

Can you swim in Crystal River for free?

You can swim or kayak into the springs from the river. Also the only water access is through the river. There is no fee for this. There are boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals nearby you can use to get to the Springs.

How do you spot a manatee in Florida?

Look for bubbles floating to the surface of the crystal clear water. The bubbles are the oxygen from manatees breathing and lurking beneath the water! They surface for air every five minutes, so be patient.

What is the best time of year to swim with manatees?

Despite their large size, manatees cannot tolerate colder temperatures. Manatees follow warm water so they can be found in the warm water springs in Florida when it is winter in other places. For this reason, the best time to go swimming with manatees is during the winter months.

Are there alligators at Three Sisters Springs?

Three Sisters Springs is a wetland habitat and both alligators and venomous snakes live in this habitat.

Is it illegal to touch a manatee in Florida?

Protection by Law The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.”

Where do manatees go in Crystal River?

The Crystal River coastal waters are home to the largest population of manatees on the west coast of Florida. Great numbers of these gentle giants seek the warm-water springs, rivers and other waterways for sanctuary from the colder Gulf of Mexico waters.

What towns are near Crystal River Florida?

You can also look for cities 100 miles from Crystal River, FL (or 50 miles or 30 miles). 67 miles to Tampa, FL. 78 miles to Orlando, FL. 78 miles to Saint Petersburg, FL. 114 miles to Jacksonville, FL. 253 miles to Hialeah , FL.

Where is Crystal River in Florida?

Crystal River (Florida) Crystal River is a very short river in Citrus County, Florida, flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.