A manatee swims in King’s Bay, headwater of Florida’s Crystal River. Shallow springs here keep the water the ideal temperature for manatees year-round. (Photo: Explorida Manatee Swim Tours) The ...

Florida’s natural springs are another reason to visit the Sunshine State, in addition to its sunny beaches, theme parks, and ...

This year's manatee season will last from Nov. 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Officials said Crystal River is one of North America's premier locations to swim with manatees.

In 2017, manatees were downlisted from endangered to threatened after their numbers swelled to over 6,000. The most recent count, in 2024, showed a Florida manatee population of 8,350.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge exists specifically to protect these endangered gentle giants, making this the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees in ...

Outfitters like River Ventures and Crystal River Watersports offer 3-hour swim with manatee tours starting at just $65. Pro tip: Book your tour for early morning for the best chance of spotting them.

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. Captain John Spann picked up a trace of motion on the surface of the water and suspected it was evidence of manatees just returned from a summer off the Carolinas or Louisiana ...

Up to 600 manatees winter in Florida Kings Bay and Crystal River from November to March, but the population drops to 30 manatees the rest of the year.