Swimming with Manatees Crystal river

Nazzer · 26 Jan 20, 09:04 PM

Hi, we go in august. The last 3 weeks. We're looking at the Manatees experience in crystal river. Has anyone any recommendations or hints tips? Is it good time of year for Manatees? Thank you

Princess Alison · 26 Jan 20, 09:13 PM

We went at a similar time of year last year - it's the off season for manatees but we still saw about 6 including mums and their calves.

I'd advise going early morning - which means an early drive out- but it's an easy drive.

We went with fun2dive and they were great.

It was an amazing experience. I was the last out of the water as I loved it so much

Sue F · 26 Jan 20, 09:26 PM

Really fancy doing this and maybe staying up there the night before. Anyone got any Hotel recommendations for Crystal River?

katiec68 · 26 Jan 20, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by Sue F

Really fancy doing this and maybe staying up there the night before. Anyone got any Hotel recommendations for Crystal River?

We did this a couple of years ago but we just drove out from Orlando the same morning - was an easy drive - we thought Crystal River itself looked a bit rough - not sure if Id really want to stay there

Princess Alison · 26 Jan 20, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by katiec68

We did this a couple of years ago but we just drove out from Orlando the same morning - was an easy drive - we thought Crystal River itself looked a bit rough - not sure if Id really want to stay there

We were there last year and I don't think it looked at all rough so maybe it's changed ? I wouldn't have minded staying there and we visited a little bakery / craft shop after our swim - was lovely - Amy's on the avenue

lesley1960 · 27 Jan 20, 04:42 PM

We were in Crystal River this new year , I wouldnt say it was rough , we stayed in an AirBNB place , its just a typical Florida town ...one fast road road through and a few restaurants off it and the 'Historic Old Town ' for the tourists
We didn't swim with the manatees ( not sure I am comfortable with wildlife interaction ) we saw loads , but that is because the water is warm and they need it in the winter . Not sure their will be any there in August though , they should be out in the gulf

**Reunion** · 27 Jan 20, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Princess Alison

we visited a little bakery / craft shop after our swim - was lovely - Amy's on the avenue

We went there too - i'ts lovely.

We've visited in early September and per the post above, although it is not peak manatee season we did see a few. We booked a private tour with Fun2Dive both times (the second was in November when we saw a lot more). It's a great day out - for our August trip we just left early in the morning and booked the earliest available time (which I think was 8am).

27 Jan 20, 04:42 PM	#6
	27 Jan 20, 04:42 PM lesley1960 Imagineer
lesley1960 Imagineer Join Date: Sep 04	We were in Crystal River this new year , I wouldnt say it was rough , we stayed in an AirBNB place , its just a typical Florida town ...one fast road road through and a few restaurants off it and the 'Historic Old Town ' for the tourists We didn't swim with the manatees ( not sure I am comfortable with wildlife interaction ) we saw loads , but that is because the water is warm and they need it in the winter . Not sure their will be any there in August though , they should be out in the gulf

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