How long is your bucket list? Because you better make room for one more item: snorkeling with manatees. Truly nothing else in the world is comparable to this experience. I know because I just did it, and it’s wild.
Bonus: Swimming with manatees will take you to Florida’s Crystal River region, the coolest destination you’ve probably never heard of. Located along the Gulf Coast, Crystal River has everything you’ve come to expect from a typical Florida coastal community—sunshine, palm trees, a laid-back atmosphere—plus some of the best opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife viewing in the country. Exhibit A: manatees. Lots and lots of manatees.
Every winter, something remarkable happens in this quiet corner of Citrus County. Hundreds of thousands of West Indian manatees flock to the freshwater springs that pepper the area, finding refuge during the colder months from mid-November through the end of March. It’s a migratory phenomenon that is unlike anything else on earth and the reason the area is called the Manatee Capital of the World.
Sea potatoes, river cows, water puppies—whatever you call them, manatees are some of the most magnificent creatures to behold in person. First, they’re massive, with some manatees weighing up to 1,200 pounds. And as big as they are, they are truly gentle giants. With no natural predators and no prey drive themselves, manatees are incredibly friendly, curious, and docile, making them amazing creatures to observe up close.
Kings Bay is one of the only places in the world where visitors can swim with these sea potatoes in their natural habitat. And while the manatees are the main draw for the region, there are plenty of other places to explore and enjoy while you’re in Crystal River.
Where to See Manatees
Dozens of reputable outfitters will take you to the best places to find manatees and guide you while you swim and snorkel alongside them. I had the privilege of taking a guided tour, and in a word, it’s magical. Tours can range from a couple of hours to a full day on the water, and guides will take you out on a pontoon boat or paddlecraft, so there’s something for varying levels of accessibility and activity. Just be sure to mind your manatee manners: Respect their space, and practice passive observation. In other words, look but don’t touch.
Hunter Springs Park is just a five-minute walk from downtown Crystal River and is a particularly good place to spot manatees all year round. (Some resident manatees are always here, but numbers swell in winter.) This is a great place to swim and enjoy the Gulf Coast weather, or you can launch your kayak or paddleboard right from the park’s beach to explore the nearby springs.
Three Sisters Springs is a breathtaking and secluded oasis that literally induced “oohs” and “aahs” the first time I saw it. You can view the springs from land via the boardwalk that winds around the refuge, or you can launch a paddleboard or kayak from the public launch in Kings Bay Park, just a 20-minute paddle to the springs. Paddling through the spring’s crystal-clear waters while giant manatees swim beneath you feels otherworldly, to say the least.
Note: Keep in mind that during the high season, Three Sisters is one of seven sanctuary zones throughout Crystal River, meaning paddling in these areas is prohibited to ensure the area is safe and accessible for the thousands of manatees that flock here.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is just a few miles south of Crystal River and is a more interactive space to learn about and enjoy Florida wildlife. There are, of course, manatees, as well as other local species, including the endangered Florida panther, red wolf, and whooping crane. With a strong commitment to conservation and education, the park is a great place to learn about wildlife protection.
Where to Stay
The town of Crystal River is a lot like the manatees themselves: quiet, friendly, and full of personality and character. After you’ve checked swimming with manatees off your bucket list, make sure to enjoy everything else Citrus County has to offer, from the food to quaint hotels to local history and charm.
The Retreat at Crystal Manatee: Nestled beneath a towering cypress tree, this family-owned boutique hotel is perfectly located—just a five-minute walk to both Kings Bay and Hunter Springs parks. Its rooms surround a lovely little courtyard patio that is an oasis in and of itself. I was even greeted at the front desk with freshly made pastries from a local bakery.
Monkey Island Riverside Resort: This aptly named abode is located along the Homosassa River overlooking the famed Monkey Island. You can lounge by the pool and watch the island’s residents, a group of rescued spider monkeys, swing around from their perches. The charm and history of Homosassa really shine through here.
Paddletail Waterfront Lodge: At this centrally located option, you can book activities like manatee encounters right through the resort. From boat tours to kayak rentals, the lodge has everything you need to make the most of a stay in Crystal River.
Where to Eat
No trip to Florida would be complete without taking advantage of the seafood. The food is especially good along the Gulf Coast, with fresh catches coming in by the hour. Here are a few local favorites that feature everything from alligator to mahi mahi.
Cajun Jimmy’s Seafood Cellar and Cafe: At this top-rated restaurant, enjoy Louisiana-style seafood dishes that are just about the freshest you can get. Feeling adventurous? Try the crawfish and alligator mac and cheese.
Crumps’ Landing: Eating here is an experience. Located right on the water in Homosassa, the restaurant offers great food, as well as live music and events, creating its own little world that feels quintessentially Florida.
The Crab Plant: This hidden gem is a classic, no-frills seafood market and restaurant that serves some of the freshest stone crab you’ll ever taste. Couple that with local beers on tap, and you have the makings of a perfect meal.
Renowned as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River, Florida, is one of North America’s premier destinations for swimming with manatees. Located on Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, Crystal River and the surrounding cities of Homosassa, Inverness, and Floral City are an authentic showcase of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Begin your adventure at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com or call (800) 587-6667.
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