Have you ever wanted to swim with manatees?
There are very few things that will get me up at 4am in the morning and into frigid waters…one of those being the chance to swim with some friendly “mermaids!” This is definitely the experience of a lifetime, and there’s nothing quite like being “kissed” by a manatee as it comes up to inspect you, and brush you with its nose!
Read on to find out how to swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida!
What is a manatee?
Manatees are a marine mammal (not to be confused with the dugong) that live in shallow coastal waters, usually around rivers and springs—where they can huddle up and stay warm during the winter months. These docile herbivores have no natural predators, and are also sometimes known as sea cows.
I was told that while dolphins are the “jocks” of the sea (they’re popular and work out), manatees are the stoners of the ocean, spending their time hanging out in underwater gardens and munching on sea grass!
Where can I swim with one?
One of the best places (and the only legal spot in the US) to swim with wild manatees is in Crystal River, Florida. Located on the western edge of the state, Crystal River’s Three Sister Springs is a world-famous spot for swimming with manatees, due to the abundance of these creatures, and the clear waters that give the area its name. As of 2015, over 1,000 manatees live in the area! For those in the United States, this is also a trip relatively close to home.
How do I get to Crystal River, Florida?
Crystal River is located in Citrus County on the Gulf Coast, right on the western edge of Florida State, approximately 1.5 hours west of Orlando, or north of Tampa, Florida. If you’re coming from out of state or further away, I recommend flying into either airport and renting a car to drive over.
When is the best time to swim with manatees?
During the winter months, surrounding waters drop below 65 F / 18 C. Unlike whales and seals that have blubber, manatees are just like humans—their bodies are susceptible to surrounding extreme temperatures. To avoid hypothermia, manatees flock to the springs to seek shelter from the cold, where waters hover at a relatively constant temperature. Basically: the colder, the better.
Season: Though you can see manatees year-round in Crystal River, the season is approximately November to April, with January/February known to be the best months. I went in early March, and was actually afraid the warmer temperatures would mean we wouldn’t get to see any manatees. The crazy thing? Due to our strange world and global warming, it was actually so cold there during March that they ended up closing Three Sisters Springs due to the high number of manatees! When they congregate in such large numbers, waters can turn muggy, and it can be disruptive to have humans swimming around.
Time of week: Weekends tend to get pretty crowded, so try to book a weekday if you can!
Time of day: The best time to go is definitely earlier in the morning, before the sites get crowded. We loved Birds Underwater, as they offered the earliest tour possible – 6am, while other operators will mostly start at 7am.
Is it safe?
Manatees are herbivores, docile, and totally safe! If you remain still, they will often come up to check you out, and may even give you a gentle manatee kiss.
Most operators will show you a safety video before the excursion that highlights “passive observation” and instructs you on how to properly swim with manatees. Remember to please adhere to these rules—I saw WAY too many people from other tours touching, hugging, and overall just disrupting the manatees! It may be tempting to do it for the photo, but always remember to respect the wildlife.
Are kids allowed?
Kids are definitely allowed! This is actually a pretty great experience for children to learn about proper interaction with wildlife, and marine conservation. The recommended age is 6+, although younger kids who are sufficiently mature and comfortable in the water may also do the tour. Check with your operator to confirm.
What skills do I need?
Only a certain level of comfort in the water. Operators will provide you with a wetsuit to stay warm, and a little foam sausage to help you stay afloat (this also prevents frantic kicking, which scares off manatees).
How cold is the water?
From my experience? Pretty darn cold. Average water temperatures are around 68-74 F but operators generally provide you with a wetsuit for warmth. The crazy thing though is that early in the morning, air temperatures are anywhere from 50-70 F in the mornings, so oftentimes it actually feels good to slip into the water—which is warmer than the air!
What is the tour like?
Specifics vary between operators, but generally the tour goes something like this:
- Wake up super early (e.g. 4am)
- Meet at the operator before sunrise
- Depart and go searching for manatees
- Spot manatees – they look like underwater torpedoes or passing submarines!
- Swim with said manatees
- Return just in time for breakfast
How much does it cost?
Costs vary, but we went with Birds Underwater. Prices start at around $60 USD per person.
What do I need to bring?
- Swimming suit
- GoPro or underwater camera. I used my Canon EOS 5D Mark III with Nauticam housing (for a full list of camera gear, click here)
- Towel
- Warm clothes (to wear before you get into the water, and right after!)
- A change of dry clothes for the ride back to your hotel
Operators will generally provide you with a wetsuit, snorkel/mask, and foam sausage. Fins are usually not permitted/recommended, as they disrupt the surroundings.
How long do I need?
2-3 days is the perfect length of time! I would recommend doing 2 morning excursions, and spending the rest of your time exploring the surrounding area—there are numerous fantastic diving spots around Crystal River.
Where should I stay?
My friends and I stayed in an AirBnb, but there are several options in the area for accommodations.
Are manatees endangered?
Recently, manatees have been down listed from “endangered” to “threatened” status. This is overall great news, but should still serve to emphasize the importance of conservation efforts on wildlife and their natural habitats.
