Swim with Manatees?

[Guest]

Hi guys, just asking for some advice about swimming with manatees? I love to go to SW to see the manatees but this year we are planning to make our trip completely different to what we've done previously. We're planning less parks & visiting some different places including Clearwater.
I've heard previously about swims with manatees? Has anyone done this? Any advice/tips/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[squishy]

Yes, we did one we got via Groupon - but we went in March so they were still in the springs in their winter habitat - we went to Crystal River Springs and had a boat trip. They were fabulous, amazing to be in the water with them - we took our 11 month old as well (!), were given wetsuits, noodles and masks/snorkels were available, too (you don't kick, hence the noodles!). No real tips - other than do it!

[Eeyore14]

Hi went with snorkel with manatees twice in Crystal River and loved it. I would recommend going early, then finishing your day off with a visit to Homosassa state park after wards.

[nick]

We did this at Crystal River.booked it through ATD and went in July.There weren't many manatees around but a calf and it's mum cam very close to DH and DS.It was a great day and would recommend it

[wez]

I always thought this was something to do in the winter months. Was hoping to do it in January but it was just too cold Is it worth doing when we go in late August?

[Rawhide]

Originally Posted by wez

I always thought this was something to do in the winter months. Was hoping to do it in January but it was just too cold Is it worth doing when we go in late August?

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I'd like to know this too, as was thinking about this as a surprise.

[Eeyore14]

When we went both times in August, there were still a few manatees around. Be prepared that there might not be many there as most of them head out to sea in the summer. For that reason we rang about and made sure we went with a smaller operator, so it was just the four of us on the boat. The second time DH didn't bother getting in the water as he was enjoying chilling out on the boat looking at the houses on the river. We floated about in the river much to the interest of three manatees who came over and poked DD (gently) in the belly and kept swimming underneath us and lifting our legs up.

[Guest]

Thanks everyone, sounds great. Does anyone know if Oct/Nov is a good time to go?

[Eeyore14]

I think it would be a good time yo go as the sea is cooler then, there will probably more around the springs as the water is warmer. You may actually go to Homosassa rather than Crystal River ( they are virtually next to each other travel time wise), check with the operator, they will go where ever the manatees are most likely to be found. The water at Homosassa is clearer as it's a spring as oppossed to the river. you will have a great time

[Geordie Al]

We went with Fun2Dive Eco Tours at Crystal River 3 years ago in August. Absolutely fabulous day and Captain Joe is one of the best around at finding manatees even in August.
The maximum he tends to take to 6 per boat in order to not frighten the manatees. On our trip it was only the four of us and even found us a mother and calf to be with. Cannot recommend this trip enough. However needless to say they are wild animals so it really is the luck of the draw especially in the summer months