I'm planning a trip for next winter from SoCal to Crystal River to swim with the manatees (a life-long dream for my wife). It looks like it's best to use a guide service. Can anyone make a recommendation? Also, looking for recommendations for RV parks. Is there a lot to see in that area that would warrant a full week stay? I understand the best time to go is January or February. We also plan to go to the Keys and to St. Augustine while in Florida. Many other things to see and do along the way but I'll save that for a post to the Roads & Routes forum. Thanks to all who can share their experiences.

I was there 3 years ago and stayed for 3 weeks - SENSATIONAL........You don't need a guide - we rented kayaks and paddled across the river/bayto the spring where the Manatees hang out. We did not swim with them but stayed in the kayak and saw then swim right under us in crystal clear waters.Lots of things to do if you are outdoors types, An hour north is Cedar Key - funky little "town" with a great beach. Rainbow Park (?) - swim with the Alligators !!!!. Ride a bike along the railroad path, visit the "zoo" in Homasassa (?). Went to a few different boat ramps along the coast and kayaked around - Airboat rides, a few nice state parks in the area and Orlando is only 90 minutes away.Gerry

Funny story...I lived in Cocoa Beach,FL and loved to go to the Indian River to take sunset pictures. I waded into the river waist deep to get away from the shorea edge. While composing my picture I didn't see a manatee swim up to me. I guess I wasn't giving him/her the attention they wanted and he grab my leg with his flipper. Let me tell you Jesus is not the only one who can walk on water, I did that evening. The manatee just looked at me standing on shore with the where did you go look. The are awesome creatures. Very loving and gentle. Just remember they are endangered and really should not be bothered in the wild.Enjoy your trip you'll love the springs and seeing the manatees.

I heard that the State is cracking down on the swimming with manatees activity. You can't approach one closer than a set distance (50 ft?). The fines are serious.

I used these folks last March, very pleased. They provided mask, snorkel and wet suit (you will need one). riverventuresI would use them once and after that you may want to rent a kayak and go on your own. The guides also take a lot of pictures and will sell you a cd as you leave.Here's a pic from last year.P.S. Crystal River is one of the few places where you can interact with the Manatees. The educational film at the tour office explains the laws.

Most of the waters of Crystal River is a Federal Wildlife Refuge for the protection of Manatee. Not controlled by the State of Florida. Swimming with the manatee is allowed.http://www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal_river/ I would rent a kayak, the time of year your going you will find manatee all over. By suggestion for a kayak rental isCrystal River Kayak. You paddle a short distance from there docks and you at Three Sisters Springs. There you can paddle into the springs and get out of your kayak and swim with them. The average count last winter was close to 600 manatee in the Crystal River Refuge.http://crystalriverkayakcompany.com/

Crystal River Manatees | Good Sam Community

agesilaus
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2015
I heard that the State is cracking down on the swimming with manatees activity. You can't approach one closer than a set distance (50 ft?). The fines are serious.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Jul 07, 2015
Funny story...I lived in Cocoa Beach,FL and loved to go to the Indian River to take sunset pictures. I waded into the river waist deep to get away from the shorea edge. While composing my picture I didn't see a manatee swim up to me. I guess I wasn't giving him/her the attention they wanted and he grab my leg with his flipper. Let me tell you Jesus is not the only one who can walk on water, I did that evening.

The manatee just looked at me standing on shore with the where did you go look. The are awesome creatures. Very loving and gentle. Just remember they are endangered and really should not be bothered in the wild.

Enjoy your trip you'll love the springs and seeing the manatees.
fitznj
Explorer
Jul 07, 2015
I was there 3 years ago and stayed for 3 weeks - SENSATIONAL........
You don't need a guide - we rented kayaks and paddled across the river/bay
to the spring where the Manatees hang out. We did not swim with them but stayed in the kayak and saw then swim right under us in crystal clear waters.

Lots of things to do if you are outdoors types, An hour north is Cedar Key - funky little "town" with a great beach. Rainbow Park (?) - swim with the Alligators !!!!. Ride a bike along the railroad path, visit the "zoo" in Homasassa (?). Went to a few different boat ramps along the coast and kayaked around - Airboat rides, a few nice state parks in the area and Orlando is only 90 minutes away.

Gerry

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