Manatees are one of the world's most beautiful and docile creatures, and any sight of them is a true gift that you will be sure to never forget. So, I'm here to share where and how you can experience the best manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida that are bucket list travel worthy.
In the United States manatees, also known as sea cows, are primarily found in Florida, and mid-November through March is considered manatee season. Manatees cannot survive in water temperatures below 68 degrees for long, so during those colder months they migrate into warmer waters for survival. Most common are the natural springs that sit around 72 degrees year round.
Though manatees can be found in most parts of Florida, the largest population of them can be found in Crystal River, Florida during the winter months because of its vast amount of warm springs and food sources. I had dreamed of visiting Crystal River, Florida during manatee season for years, and when that dream came true this past weekend it exceeded all of my expectations.
Aside from the best manatee encounters I could have ever hoped for, the town itself is incredibly charming with so much to do. It's a getaway you surely will not regret, and I share exactly where to stay, what to do, and how to plan it below!
Before you continue, pin this post for future reference! ♥︎
Manatee Laws and Information to Note
Heartbreakingly, the manatee is a nearly endangered species despite having zero predators in the wild. In 2017, the manatee was down listed from endangered to threatened, but they are still in grave danger of extinction.
Manatee deaths are mainly caused by habitat loss, boat collisions, and pollution. Due to the threat to this beautiful species, there are laws in place to protect them that must be taken extremely seriously. Failure to obey these laws can result in a hefty fine and even jail time. So, before you experience the best manatee encounters recommended in this article, be sure to familiarize yourself with these laws in order to protect and respect this incredible species.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy, or molest manatees. There are also regulated speed zones for water vessels to protect manatees and their habitats.
While in, on, or around the water, you must practice passive observation. You are not allowed to pursue or touch a manatee in any way. Manatees are incredibly curious and social creatures who enjoy interacting with humans, so if a manatee willingly approaches you then you can allow the manatee to touch you. However, you cannot touch the manatee.
Now that you're prepared to respect and protect these gentle giants that are a privilege to encounter, let's talk about planning your trip to Crystal River, Florida!
Things to Do in Crystal River, Florida
Clear Kayak Manatee Tour
Booking a clear kayak tour in Three Sisters Springs during manatee season is an absolute must! My husband and I booked with Paddles Outdoor Rentals and had an amazing experience with the best manatee encounters. This company also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals without a tour guide and swimming with manatee tours.
It is recommended to take the earliest tour possible as manatees are most active in the morning. However, you can encounter manatees at any time of day and will have an incredible experience regardless. We booked the 8am tour, and when we got onto the water it was so foggy we could hardly see 10 feet in front of us!
Our tour guide, Coda (who was great by the way), said he had never seen the fog quite this dense. Though a bit eerie, it was absolutely beautiful and I felt so lucky to experience the view! Plus, Coda knew exactly where he was going and I had no doubt that he would safely navigate us through the water.
The fog cleared up within the first half hour, and the sun began to shine into the crystal clear water. We saw hundreds of manatees during our two hour tour, including many mother and baby pairs! It was truly magical.
A couple things to note. First, the temperature was a brisk 39 degrees fahrenheit when we started, so dress warm. Second, there is no entrance from land into the spring, so you have to launch in King's Bay and paddle to the spring (with your tour guide of course), which takes about 30 minutes one way.
Swim with Manatees
Swimming with manatees is truly the adventure of a lifetime! Though we didn't get to this time around we were able to see others doing so during our kayak tour and it looked to be one of the best manatee encounters one could experience. As mentioned previously, Paddles Outdoor Rentals offers swimming with manatee tours. The pictures above are images they have shared of recent encounters. How awesome is that?!
View Three Sisters Springs via the Boardwalk
Are you not into actually entering the water or looking for an additional view after your water activities? The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge boardwalk offers an incredible view of Three Sisters Springs!
We headed to the boardwalk around noon, which was a few hours after our kayak tour. I was absolutely blown away by the view of the spring. It truly did not even look real! Through the crystal clear water you could see hundreds of manatees clear as day. The view and the sound of them coming up for air was so beautiful and serene I could have stayed there all day.
The view from the boardwalk was very different than the view from our kayak. Both were amazing, and I would recommend doing both due to the difference in experience.
Check Off Your Florida Springs Passport
The Florida springs are beautiful, and I cherish every visit I have to one of them. So, last year I purchased a Florida Springs Passport, which features 20 of Florida's top springs and over $30 worth of vouchers to local ecotour companies located at those springs.
Each time you visit one of the 20 springs you can mark it off in your passport and add a sticker badge of completion, which also comes with the passport. While you are in Crystal River you can check off Three Sisters Springs!
Stay in a Cute Cottage
One of my favorite parts of our weekend trip to Crystal River, Florida was the cottage we stayed in. This Airbnb rental was absolutely adorable inside and out! It is best suited for two people but could fit 3-4.
The inside was charming, and had everything you need for a simple weekend. The studio layout included a queen bed, pull out couch, and kitchenette. The yard had string lights, a fire pit with chairs, a charcoal grill, and two moveable disc golf baskets with a generous piece of land.
There was also a beautiful screen room looking over the peaceful backyard, which was my favorite part! My husband loves disc golf, so he enjoyed throwing some discs while I read in the screen room.
Get Dinner at Cracker's Bar and Grill
We had dinner at Crackers Bar & Grill, and it did not disappoint! They offer indoor and outdoor seating, but we chose outdoor. The outdoor seating sits on a beautiful patio over King's Bay with a bar and live music on the weekends.
The menu offers lots of seafood options, although neither my husband or I are seafood eaters. He chose a burger with fries, and I ordered the chicken strips with zucchini fries and onion rings. Everything was amazing!
When we finished our meal we walked to the end of the patio where there was a small boardwalk on which we watched the sunset. The service was great, the food was delicious and affordable. the atmosphere was enjoyable, and the views were amazing. We will definitely return in the future!
Walk, Shop, and Eat in Historic Downtown Crystal River
As if the manatees, views, food, and lodging weren't enough, Crystal River is also home to the most charming historic downtown with shopping, food, and live entertainment! When we arrived there was a craft market and live music happening in the town square park. We walked the local shops, many of which contained art from local artists. It was very enjoyable!
Swim, View Manatees, & Watch the Sunset at Hunter Springs Park
We stopped at Hunter Springs Park a bit before sunset and started off by spotting many manatees in the water. This park truly has so much to do.
There is a designated swimming area with a small sanded beach, a park for kids, benches, a small boardwalk over the water, and many opportunities to spot manatees. You could spend an entire day relaxing, swimming, and observing the beautiful waters.
After watching the manatees for about a half hour we watched the sunset from the boardwalk. It was an amazing way to end the evening!
Grab Dessert at Guyer's Ice Cream & Donuts
We are always down for an ice cream run. So, as soon as we saw Guyer's Ice Cream & Donuts we had to stop in!
My husband and I both ordered ice cream. He had apple pie flavor, and I chose coconut with chocolate sprinkles. Wow, they were both delicious! We will have to return again to try the donuts (and more ice cream).
Stop for Coffee at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters
I love trying and supporting local coffee shops. We stopped at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, which had so many fun flavors. There is a location in downtown Crystal River, but we ordered from the Homosassa location.
The building was decorated very cute, and there was even a drive through. My husband had a hot Milk n' Cookies latte, and I had a hot Mandarin Moo latte.