plantation on crystal river manatee tour

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Crystal river manatee viewing on florida's nature coast.

By Kara Franker

A hidden gem along Florida’s Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River  offering two new packages that will give you the chance to swim with West Indian Manatees in Crystal River -- the only location in North America where you can legally swim and interact with these beloved sea cows in the wild.

Prime manatee viewing season usually runs from Oct.1 - March 31, depending on temperatures. The manatees enjoy the year-round 72 degree water of Florida’s second-largest spring system.

The scene during the winter months at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.

- Kevin Mims

Starting at $230 for two guests, the one-night Swim with the Manatees package includes:

• Accommodations in a renovated garden view room
• Manatee snorkeling tour for two from the Plantation Adventure Center with all equipment needed mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit
• Breakfast for two at West 82° Bar & Grill
• Welcome bag with plush manatee toy, fun facts and manatee interaction guidelines

If you'd like to add a little more adventure and an additional night to your getaway, the resort is also offering a two-night  Swim and Dive package.

In addition to all the amenities from the manatee package, you'll receive another night in the hotel as well as a guided tour for two to one of Florida’s most pristine rivers and fourth-largest spring system in Florida: Rainbow River. The Swim and Dive package starts at $540 for two people.

The public can now watch the manatees at Crystal River thanks to a new website.

- www.MyFWC.com

If you go... Plantation of Crystal River is located at 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34426. For more info call 800-632-6262 or visit PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com. Follow the hotel on Facebook  and Twitter: @PlantationOnCR.

Crystal River

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Snorkel with Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster (Photographer) On Plantation's Our Pleasure

• Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)
• Location : Crystal River, FL
• Product code: Swim

Crystal River offers the best location to see and interact with the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, also known as gentle giants. Unlike other areas of Florida, the federal government allows for "passive observation" in the water between manatees and people in Kings Bay. This allows face-to-face interaction with manatees. We provide pre-tour education on passive observation and how to get the best experience during the tour. We also offer a hotel package including accommodations with your Florida manatee tour.

DESCRIPTION

Snorkeling tours

Swimming with the manatees and exploring the greater Kings Bay estuary and springs is extremely popular. Manatee tour experiences are best done by snorkeling while wearing wet suits, making the interaction as silent as possible. This way the manatees are more inclined to approach and get close. We maintain new suits and snorkel gear, all included in our manatee tours, as well as full-service facilities for changing. Your in-water guide will be taking videos and pictures of your manatee experience, which will be available for purchase at the dive shop. All our tour boats are fully enclosed in the winter time to protect you from the wind and cold. We provide bottled water and dry towels on every tour.

 All bookings are subject  to a 7 day cancellation policy. Inside 7 days all booking are non transferable and non refundable.

Please keep in mind when booking your reservation that babies and little kids count as a passenger. Coast guard regulates the amount of passengers we can have on the boat on our tours. They count heads not age. If you have any questions regarding this topic feel free to call us!

Summer VS Winter

Manatee tours are temperature driven. The colder it is the more manatees we see, and the closer they are to the springs. During cold days in manatee season (November 15th to March 31st) Kings Bay could have over 700 manatees. Please keep in mind that even inside manatee season we may have warm weather (summer like conditions). We see manatees in Kings Bay year round. To some this is their home and they'll stay here their whole lives. In the summer months, and anytime we have warmer weather, the temperature of the water outside the springs increments. This makes the rest of the bay more appealing to the manatees. The 20 to 40 manatees that stay here year round don't move together, so they'll spread out in the 630 acres of Kings Bay.  This is a wildlife experience determined by weather, tides, time of the day, and the behavior of all visitors. When we have "summer like" conditions you have the opportunity to see manatees in their natural habitat, and it is important to have realistic expectations. We are always happy to answer any questions about what you could expect inside or outside manatee season. 

What is the best time to go on a tour?

The best time is early in the morning before Kings Bay gets crowded, as well as during the colder periods between late Fall (November and December) and Winter (January through March). Weekends tend to get crowded so weekdays tend to be the most opportune time. Manatee tours are temperature driven, the colder it is the more manatees we get to see.

How many people do you take out?

Our USCG-certified tour boats accommodate 11 to 14 people per vessel. With the use of all our tour boats, we accommodate groups of up to 48 people. Private tours can also be arranged.

What age is required for kids?

We do not set a hard age requirement for children. Things to consider include the fact that all customers must wear a full wet suit. We have child's suits down to a size six. Also, everyone in the water must remain calm and quiet at all times when around manatees. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Is this a guided experience?

Yes. On every tour we have a USCG licensed captain, and a certified and insured dive professionals guiding you on the refuge and in the water.  All our captains and dive professionals are trained in first aid, and CPR. Our in-water dive professionals are also rescue certified. All our captains and guides are all certified eco-tour guides through the Manatee Eco-Tourism Association (META). This helps us stay up to date on current manatee research, rules, as well as the hydrology of Kings Bay. The most important thing for us is your safety, followed by the safety of our manatees all while educating about our manatees and ensuring you have a once in a lifetime experience.  Our in water professionals are also taking pictures and videos of you experience, which are available upon return to the shop.

How cold is the water?

The water temperature in the spring-fed rivers ranges from 68–74 degrees. Average air temperature ranges from 40–50 degrees at night and 60–70 degrees in the day during the manatee season. Our boats are enclosed for comfortable sightseeing!

How close are you to the manatee?

"If the manatee were any closer, they would need room keys."  The manatees will dictate our experience. They could be a couple inches from you, or we'll observe them from afar while they carry on with their daily activities like eating or resting.Manatee tours take place in Kings Bay (600 acres with a two-mile diameter). Kings bay is home to the largest concentration of manatees in the world. This is the underwater interactive experience of a lifetime in Crystal River!

Are we safe swimming with the manatees?

Manatees are curious and playful when you are quiet and let them initiate interaction. We show a "manatee manners for swimmers" video before you swim, review a final manatee briefing, and get into the water to videotape and supervise your tour to ensure the best opportunity and manatee encounter for all. Manatees are sensitive to movement and sound, so we do not allow diving into the water, as the bubbles will scare them away. You cannot get underneath these surface dwellers, as it frightens them.

On tour, we are in an average of 10 feet of water, and it is against the law to pursue the manatees in any way. So if they are sleeping or eating on the bottom, they should be left alone. It is not difficult to snorkel and most people become comfortable with this diving method. We recommend you practice in our on-site pool if you have an opportunity. This will allow you to be more comfortable in the water. Free manatee literature available upon request.

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Plantation Adventure Center

Review Highlights

“ She shares with us that part of the proceeds from sales are donated to various local causes for the manatee . ” in 26 reviews

“ We would definitely recommend going out with Dustin and Mike first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. ” in 12 reviews

“ I have anxiety and was worried about feeling trapped out there but the boat ride was short and I was kept busy. ” in 28 reviews

Location & Hours

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9301 W Fort Island Trl

Crystal River, FL 34429

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About the Business

Swimming with the manatees and exploring the greater Kings Bay estuary and springs is extremely popular, and we welcome both experienced divers as well as provide diving instruction. Manatee tour experiences are best done by snorkeling while wearing wet suits, making the interaction as silent as possible. This way the manatees are more inclined to approach and get close. We maintain new suits and snorkel gear, all included in our manatee tours, as well as full-service facilities for changing, videos and pictures of your manatee experience, and more. …

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Title: Unforgettable Manatee Adventure with Captain Dave and Dive Master Ryan! Our experience with the Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center Manatee Tour was nothing short of extraordinary! From start to finish, Captain Dave and Dive Master Ryan went above and beyond to ensure that our tour was not only thrilling but also educational and unforgettable.Captain Dave's extensive knowledge of the area and its majestic manatees was truly impressive. He provided fascinating insights into the behavior and habitat of these gentle giants, making the entire excursion both informative and enriching. His passion for conservation and respect for wildlife shone through in every aspect of the tour.Dive Master Ryan's expertise added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. His guidance and professionalism instilled confidence in our group as we embarked on our underwater exploration. Ryan's keen eye for spotting wildlife beneath the surface ensured that we didn't miss a single moment of the awe-inspiring marine life surrounding us.The tour itself was a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility. From the exhilarating moments of swimming alongside manatees to the peaceful encounters with other aquatic creatures, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement. The Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center provided top-notch equipment and amenities, ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the tour.Overall, our experience with Captain Dave, and Ryan, and exceeded all expectations. Their dedication to providing an exceptional adventure while fostering a deep appreciation for nature is truly commendable. We left the tour with a newfound love for manatees and memories that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, look no further than the Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center Manatee Tour - it's an adventure you won't soon forget!

Plantation Adventure Center offers a wide variety of fun water activities. You can swim, kayak, or just ride a boat to check out the manatees and other wildlife in the area. Captain Mark was very knowledgeable and had much experience with the boat tour. We learned that just seven years ago, there were very few manatees coming into the Springs due to lack of vegetation. They started dredging the bottom and planting greens that the manatees liked to eat. Now, there are more manatees than you can count. There were several areas restricted for boats, kayaks and swimmers to keep the manatees safe. That's why it's very important to select an adventure company that understands the federal rules and regulations. Otherwise, you may end up with a hefty fine. We saw several manatees as well as many species of birds. The area was so beautiful, and I'm glad we got to check it out from a boats view. Next time I come back to Crystal River, I want to swim with the manatees;)

See all photos from Michelle D. for Plantation Adventure Center

It's an ok adventure. The captain Aaron was unpleasant; he told me if I wanted to see lots of manatee you should come when it is not high tide. My opinion is if there are 1-2 manatee during high tide don't offer tours during those hours. I wouldn't want to go with Aaron again. His don't care attitude ruined it for me. Aaron is not a people person very rude. My boyfriend and I both felt the same. The lady Shelly who was helping with the snorkel was great, very nice, and calm.

Adventure is an accurate description of this day! Set in the tropical outdoor beauty that only Florida can offer, this experience was one for the bucket list. The set up seamless. The employees direct every step for you so there's no need for concern with details that interfere with your fun. We suited up in the wet suits watched a short 9 minute video that schooled us on the do's and do not's of the adventure. Most important near and dear to my heart was the emphasis on respect and conservation of these magnificent animals and the environment in which they live. RESPECT was important to this group. You are instructed to freeze if a manatee swims in your area or even brushes you. There is no alarm since these docile creatures will not show any aggression. I was however a little startled when one came up beside me looking back at me with the same curious eyes I was giving him. Bring your children too!!!! There were lots of little ones there A great family activity!!! Morgan was our guide. This young lady was beautiful smart and in tune with nature. She truly had love in her heart for these wonderful works of God. She shares with us that part of the proceeds from sales are donated to various local causes for the manatee. She advised $50k had been donated last year for a 'Manbulance'. Amazing adventure beautiful setting and happy to be a part of financially helping these marvelous animals. Put this on your list! You will not regret it!!! I gladly give 5 stars!!!

Michelle & Cory were great tour guides! Lot's of fun. The water was a bit murky, and we expected to see more manatees. The USB with photos and videos didn't have everyone - so wasn't worth the extra $$$ for the photography. Regardless, it was nice day in the water.

This was my first time going on a manatee tour. Captain Mark and Dive Master Ryan were a dream team! 5/5 stars! I booked the semi-private tour for the second trip of the morning. They were very thorough in instructing guests how to safely view the manatees without being disruptive. They found several areas with excellent viewing opportunities and we even had time to go for a swim in the crystal clear springs area. Mark and Ryan made the trip really fun! I absolutely plan to book another trip on my next visit.

Epic adventure!!! Such a memorable encounter with all these manatees wow! And Captains Dustin and John couldn't have done a more fantastic job! I was especially impressed with how they went above and beyond to make sure the manatees were safe and comfortable while still being able to give us such an amazing experience! Captain Dustin is a manatee conservationist - which I found very impressive - love how they protect these wonderful creatures! Making reservations online was very straightforward and easy. The office and launch point for the manatee trips is located in the grounds of the Plantation Inn on Crystal River - and since we booked a morning trip, we stayed at the hotel there and it made it so convenient! We just got up and walked over to their office/dock! But there's plenty of parking if you're not staying at the hotel. They easily found our reservation in their system and got us all set up. Since it was winter, they gave us wetsuits and we had our own water shoes. Captain Dustin took one look at us and gave us the correct size wetsuits on the first try haha!! He has a great eye lol! He also helped us put them on properly which was so helpful bc those things are hard to get into. We watched the safety video and learned about the rules we needed to follow to keep the manatees safe and happy. And then we got to hop onto our boat for the day woohoo!! A very comfortable pontoon with plenty of room for everyone. They provide the snorkel gear and even had prescription goggles for those with glasses - near and far sighted!! Above and beyond service!! Our fabulous captains kept us entertained in and out of the water - good laughs and great fun! Everyone in our small group got to have a personalized experience thanks to John and Dustin! They drove us all over the Crystal River to make sure we had maximum manatee exposure! We swam with so many gentle giants - what a day! Be prepared to get up close - bc the manatees aren't scared and they are quite curious! And apparently they love to chew on wetsuit strings and hair to "floss their teeth" haha! They're so gentle though - even though they're huge creatures, it's not scary at all. Such sweet beasts honestly! Absolutely adore them! And if you're not the strongest swimmer, don't worry - the wetsuits are super buoyant and the captains also have noodles to help. I brought my own GoPro but Captain Dustin also had his and did a fantastic job of grabbing photos and video as well! And you have the opportunity to buy a flash drive with ALL the footage from your trip afterwards and it's a very reasonable price - totally worth it! When our time in the water was up, the captains handed us large, soft towels and they even had hot drinks waiting for us!! We had a choice of hot cocoa, coffee, or a "manatee mocha" which was half cocoa half coffee lol...what a perfect end to a perfect adventure! I'd do it again in a heartbeat- such an amazing adventure!! Can't wait to come back and do it again! Huge thank you to Dustin and John for the incredible journey!

See all photos from Hannah S. for Plantation Adventure Center

Did the manatee boat tours with them and would highly recommend. The guides are great, very patient and informative. My group wasn't a large one was it was a very one on one experience with the manatees. Love the respect for them that they showed also. Great experience

Went swimming with manatees and it was a perfect experience. I have anxiety and was worried about feeling trapped out there but the boat ride was short and I was kept busy. Ryan was great at getting us to stay together and had a very calm voice when giving instructions. I'm not used to snorkel breathing so there were some moments I was freaked out.

Best manatee experience around. The customer service and guide experience far surpasses any other adventure company in the area. John & Leon were the best guides possible. Everyone got ample time to see manatees. We never felt rushed. Price was right. Bathrooms on site. Drinks & sunscreen available for purchase. Merch too. Wetsuits were top notch & absolutely worth it. The entire experience was phenomenal. John went above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe, felt comfortable and was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. Our guides knew exactly where the manatees were and their knowledge made our experience incredible. Anyone can do this- from the super experienced to the brand new adventurer. 10/10 stars!

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My Guide to Booking the Best Manatee Tours in Crystal River, Florida

Not far from the maddening crowds of Florida’s theme park epicentre Orlando, a natural world of hidden treasures awaits those with the desire to detour from the well-trodden tourist trail.

Defined by the mangrove laden tributaries of its namesake the Crystal River, during the chilly winter months (November to March), this unassuming coastal enclave plays host to the largest population of manatees anywhere in the state .

Nicknamed the ‘Manatee Capital of the World’, the gentle aquatic herbivores that inhabit the 70 or more natural springs which feed Crystal River’s Kings Bay have become the region’s main attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Planning a visit to Crystal River and looking for travel advice and itinerary suggestions?

Here’s my guide to booking the best hotels and best manatee tours in Crystal River Florida ; I can assure you that like me, you’ll leave with manatee fever.

When to visit Crystal River to swim with manatees

On the basis that most travellers who read this are planning to visit Crystal River to meet the wild manatee population I thought I’d better start with the best time of year to plan your trip.

Manatees actually much prefer to be out in the Mexican Gulf feeding on sea grass, however when the water temperature drops they have to seek shelter in warmer coastal waters. As such, the highest population of visiting manatees arrive during the winter months of November through until mid-March when they seek shelter in the warm water of natural springs like those in the Crystal River.

The best time to see manatees in Crystal River is late January/early February when the waters in the Mexican Gulf drop to their coldest all year.

The best manatee tours in Crystal River for active eco travellers

The main take-away from my time in Crystal River was the sensitive nature of manatee tourism .

Crystal River is the only region in Florida where you can legally be in the water with manatees, and as such, the local council and tour operators have an ongoing responsibility to make sure that tourism does not have a negative effect on the behaviour and well-being of the visiting manatee population.

With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when booking a manatee tour:

• Read Tripadvisor reviews and check social media channels before booking. Make sure the reviews and images online reflect ‘passive observation’ , not display images of people touching and harassing manatees.
• All operators are required to show guests a video entitled ‘manatee manners’ which outlines the correct in-water behaviour to minimise the impact of your visit on the animals. Make sure you get to see this, and be mindful of these rules when in the water.
• If you can, discuss with the tour operator which sites they plan to take you to . Some areas can become crowded at times and although less-popular, alternative locations with fewer people in the water can offer a more intimate experience.

If you have your own vehicle ( I picked up a Hertz rental car from Orlando Airport on arrival ), I would highly recommend booking your manatee tour on the neighbouring Homosassa River.

Just a few short miles from the Crystal River (and still part of the Crystal River region), the Homosassa is lesser known, and with fewer operators you’ll find you’re one of only a handful of people in the water at any one time .

Best manatee tour guide: review of Mellow Mangrove Charters

My best manatee tour experience was during a private tour with Captain Sean Daugherty of Mellow Mangrove Charters ; setting out at around 7:15am one Sunday morning we were the only boat on the water for at least an hour. Slowly making our way to a secluded spring around a 15 minute ride from the dock, I spent 90 minutes in the company of five different manatees who seemed very happy to have me hang out with them in the shallows.

Captain Sean clearly knew the river like the back of his hand, and spoke passionately about his commitment to protecting the integrity of manatee tours on the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers. He impressed upon me the importance of remaining as still as possible when in the water, and ensuing that any interaction was initiated by the manatee , and not by me touching or stroking the animals.

Check out this video of one of the interactions I was lucky enough to experience. This was filmed on my GoPro 5 with a dome port lens attachment and a selfie stick.

Cuddly manatee in the Homossassa River That moment when a manatee gives you a cuddle and your heart just melts 😍😍😍During my stay in Crystal River, Florida, I spent a lot of time in the water with manatees, and travelled with local guides and people who dedicate their lives to protecting this magnificent species. Because Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees, I was conscious of the current conversation regarding whether swimmers should be allowed to touch the manatees, or whether passive observation would be a more positive way to co-exist with these amazing mammals. Because of this I was always conscious of not touching the manatees, but floating silently beside them, watching them as they made their way around the springs. However, one morning, very early, I went out to swim in the Homossassa River, and I was fortunate enough to meet a male manatee who was clearly as fascinated by me as I was by him. Making sure that I didn't harass him, I floated beside him, and watched as he acquainted himself with me, nudging my arms and investigating my snorkel and mask. After around 45 minutes of swimming alongside him, he seemed to reach out to me, and take my arm toward his chest, to simulate a sort of hug. I feel incredibly privileged to have experienced such an intimate moment with a wild animal, and encourage everyone to respect the boundaries between man and the wild. #DiscoverCR Posted by Wanderlusters on Friday, 9 February 2018

Best hotels in Crystal River

Crystal River boasts a range of accommodation options with everything from budget to high-end. When planning my stay I knew that I wanted a comfortable option that offered value for money , and was close to most activities and a range of restaurants and eateries.

As such I chose the Plantation on Crystal River , and I wasn’t disappointed.

Review of the Plantation on Crystal River

A relaxed waterside resort, the Plantation offers Floridian charm in abundance . Set aside the banks of the river and boasting a traditional elegance, the resort’s amenities are second to none, and their restaurant serves up the best brunch buffet I’ve ever eaten.

With an onsite golf club, spa pool, and water sports team who offer manatee tours and sunset cruises , this is the ideal destination for a five day stay in Crystal River.

Check their latest availability now, then take a look at their river cam for a real time view of happenings at the Plantation.

Best adventure activities in Crystal River

Although best known as the home of the Florida manatee, Crystal River boasts a varied array of outdoor activities , including kayaking, scuba diving, bird-watching, and fishing.

Having spent five days exploring the region, here are some suggestions for your itinerary:

Meet a manatee at the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk

If you’re not inclined to get in the water to meet a manatee, the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk is the place to go. Set around one of the most popular manatee hangouts in the Crystal River Region, Three Sisters is like the manatee equivalent of a day spa ; they come here for a little rest and relaxation.

During the peak manatee season you’re guaranteed to find a least a handful of manatee chilling out here, and thanks to the gin-clear water of the spring, you get a great view of them from above the waterline .

Go Kayaking on the Chassahowitzka River

Affectionately known as ‘The Chaz’ the Chassahowitzka is a spring-fed river that wends its way through five miles of Citrus County’s most unfettered terrain, and for those with an active interest in the natural world a kayaking excursion is a must .

Offering the opportunity to catch sight of a veritable menagerie of species, the headliners of which are the bald eagle, the manatee, and the iridescent kingfisher, a day on the Chaz is full of unexpected surprises.

I booked a three-hour guided kayaking tour with the team at Hunter Springs Kayaks and highly recommend their chilled-out, eco-friendly approach.

Try paddle boarding in Kings Bay

Perfect for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a paddle board rental offers the opportunity to avoid the main river traffic and head to some of the more secluded spots in the bay.

I launched my board at Hunter Springs Park and during my two hours on the water I saw lots of manatees including a manatee mummy and her baby, and a pod of dolphins who came into the bay to feed just before sunset.

Take a sunset cruise to the Gulf of Mexico

As part of their activity suite the Plantation on Crystal River offer a sunset cruise which offers the opportunity to see some of Florida’s outstanding Nature Coast, and an uninterrupted view of the sun setting into the oceanic horizon of the Gulf of Mexico .

Meet Lu the hippo at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Lucifer, or Lu as he is known, is the Crystal River resident hippo that you simply have to meet . The only hippo in the world to be granted Floridian citizenship, yes you read that correctly, Lu lives in the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park just a short drive from Crystal River.

Although not native to Florida, the residents of Crystal River petitioned for him to remain in the park after the state decide to house only endemic species at the facility. He’s actually become one of the park’s main attractions!

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s underwater manatee viewing station , as well as the opportunity to visit a whole host of endemic Florida wildlife such as black bears, snakes, alligators, and crocodiles.

How to get to Crystal River, Florida from the UK

By far the quickest route from the UK to Crystal River is to fly from London Gatwick to Orlando, and then pick up a rental car and drive the two or so hours on to Citrus County. I flew Premium with Norwegian and can highly recommend their service .

Over one metre of legroom, a premium meal service, and two checked bags of 20kg come as standard with the ticket price. Not only that, their new state-of-the-art aircraft are faster, greener and help reduce the effects of jet lag .

QUICK FACTS

Norwegian fly a year round direct service between London Gatwick and Orlando International Airport

• Flights are operated by a fleet of brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with two cabins – Premium and economy

To book visit  www.norwegian.com/uk  or call 0330 828 0854

Planning a self drive Crystal River itinerary

Regardless of where you’re visiting from, a self drive Crystal River itinerary is ideal for the active and adventurous traveller. I was able to book a comfortable rental car with Hertz for just 37USD per day and it gave me the freedom to explore the region at my own pace.

It also meant that I could book a private manatee tour and be out on the water before anyone else, something which afforded me the opportunity to have a more intimate encounter on the Homosassa River.

You can pick up a Hertz rental car from both Orlando Airport and from a depot in Homosassa (a five minute drive from Crystal River).

• A large selection of vehicles are offered at all locations – check options here
• Bookings can be amended up to 48 hours before collection
• Rental helpline is open 7 days a week

To book visit  www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/reservation/

INSPIRED?? PIN THIS POST TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS!

Have any questions about booking the best manatee tours in Crystal River, Florida? Leave a comment below!

That animal looks so big, but the pictures are great!

Wow! Such a spectacular experience, Charli. I would love to go on a manatee tour one day and enjoy the dive! Florida, here I come! 🙂

Great suggestions! I have been to Florida but I haven’t heard of Chrystal River before. I would love to swim with the manatees but apart from that, your sunset shot was pretty awesome!

For those wanting information about guiding yourself to see manatees in Crystal River (or to check your guide), we developed this free mobile app to help you out. It is for use on a GPS enabled mobile device. It will show you where to go, how to spot and what to do when you see a manatee. It is free of advertising and emphasizes passive observation.

I went to Crystal River as a kid. It’s beautiful! Great post!

I grew up in Florida but have never done this! I’m going for the first time in a few days and I cannot wait.

What we are interested in is a guided kayak tour to, possibly, see manatees on the Crystal River. Seeing all the other flora and fauna sounds great also. But, my bucket list includes seeing a manatee, up close, in a natural environment. Is a guided kayak tour something I could arrange through Wander Lusters? Please let me know if this is possible and the cost of this adventure. BTW I have never been in a kayak though my husband has kayaked on a small lake. Thanks

Thank you for getting in touch. I can offer a full trip planning service however I do not book single tours. If you already have your accommodation and itinerary organized I can highly recommend going direct to Hunter Springs Kayaks – http://www.hunterspringskayak.com/ – I booked a three-hour guided kayaking tour with the team at Hunter Springs during my own visit to Crystal River and highly recommend their chilled-out, eco-friendly approach.

Safe travels, Charli

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Crystal River Manatee Adventures

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Enchanting manatee tours in Crystal River, Florida, where our expert-guided excursions offer up-close encounters with these gentle giants.

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• We had a wonderful time. The kids keep talking about the manatees and made us promise to come back again sometime. A big thank you to all of you! Ann M.
• Just letting you know that our family really enjoyed the tour. We're so glad we went with you and we hope we come back to Crystal River again soon! Paul A.
• A sincere thank you for making special arrangements for our group. Everyone had a great time and the kids had a blast. The pictures we took turned out fantastic and we plan to do it again in a few years. Thank YOU! Andreas W.

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Swim With Manatees at Plantation on Crystal River

By Chris Karel

Where is the best place to swim with Manatees in Florida?

Even in a state overflowing with fun things to do and breath-taking places to see, Crystal River stands out for its unique combination of natural beauty, small-town charm and plethora of outdoor activities, including swimming with manatees. Families journey here from all over the southeast to dive for scallops, hike and bike the area’s hundreds of miles of trails and enjoy the shops, art galleries and restaurants along the city’s quaint main street. It is truly a wonderland for families who love nature adventures. 

However, Crystal River’s main claim to fame is the manatees who inhabit the city’s springs and waterways. While there are other places around Florida where you can see manatees, Crystal River is the only place in North America where you can swim with them. Not only is being on the water beneficial for the mind and body, but a close encounter with these huge, aquatic teddy bears nourishes the soul.

How Much Does It Cost To Swim With Manatees?

Splashing around with the manatees isn’t cheap, however, with tours starting at $275 for a family of four. And while Crystal River has many great things in abundance, hotel rooms are not one of them. All but one of the city’s handful of hotels are basic 2.5-star establishments, and the influx of visitors during the winter months — when the population of manatees in the area swells — can push room rates over $175 a night. 

All of this makes the Swim with the Manatees package offered by Crystal River’s lone luxury resort, Plantation on Crystal River , that much more enticing. For $549, four guests get overnight accommodations in a garden-view room, a manatee snorkeling tour with all equipment provided, breakfast at the resort’s West 82° Bar & Grill, and a welcome bag with a plush manatee toy, fun facts and manatee interaction guidelines. Another advantage of the Plantation on Crystal River’s package is that the manatee tour is provided by the resort’s own adventure center and dive shop. When you’re ready to depart on your tour, you just stroll down to the on-site facility — no need to drive anywhere.

How long does a Manatee Tour Last?

The manatee tour lasts around 3 hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the other sites and activities the area has to offer. If your manatee tour leaves you hungry for more time on the water, Plantation on Crystal River’s adventure center also offers sightseeing cruises, guided scalloping and fishing charters and even boat rentals. 

Further afield, the resort is just a 2-minute drive from Three Sisters Springs and Hunter Springs Park, and just 5 minutes from Citrus Avenue and its art galleries, restaurants and shops. Or travel 12 minutes in the other direction to Fort Island Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Last but not least, Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a can’t-miss attraction. The U.S. National Historic Landmark is one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida, a ceremonial complex that was a gathering place for Native Americans for over 1,600 years. 

Whether you opt to get wet or stay dry, to immerse yourself in the here and now or take a trip back in time, Crystal River has something for every member of the family. If you’re planning a visit to see and interact with the area’s star attraction, though, there’s no better way to do it than with the Plantation on Crystal River’s Swim with the Manatees package. After a weekend of family-friendly outdoor fun, your body, mind, soul — and hopefully even the kids — will thank you.

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Top 8 Experiences at Plantation on Crystal River

Explore the top attractions and activities at plantation on crystal river in florida..

The Plantation on Crystal River is surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay and more than 25,000 surface acres of pristine lakes, rivers, wildlife refuges, and state parks. The property has 196 comfortable and spacious rooms as well as 12 villas offering extensive amenities. Don’t miss these exciting outdoor activities, nearby shopping boutiques, and exquisite restaurants during your stay!

1. Swim with Manatees

Get up close and snorkel alongside manatees at Plantation on Crystal River, the only place in the country where people can swim with manatees. Those that prefer to stay dry can admire the gentle giants on a guided kayak tour.

2. Relax at the Spa

Unwind and enjoy some pampering and customary treatments at The Spa Bleu , an Aveda© Spa. Guests will be treated to ultimate relaxation with facials, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, and a full hair salon.

3. Hit the Links

Step-up to the tee box on the 18-hole Championship Course lined with native oaks, palms, and pines, as well as water views. There is also a 9-hole course designed for junior-level golfers.

4. Get on the Water

Explore the more than 25,000 acres of waterways by renting canoes, kayaks, jon boats, and pontoon boats at the Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center . Spend the day paddleboarding on calm canals or kayaking to Kings Bay.

5. Cast a Line

Hook a largemouth bass, snook, grouper, or redfish when you book a trip on a fishing charter with the Adventure Center & Dive Shop. Or, snorkel in the shallow saltwater grass flats to hunt for scallops on the bottom of Crystal River.

6. Enjoy Recreational Sports

Enjoy the numerous outdoor activities available at Plantation on Crystal River. Swim in the lagoon-style swimming pool, try your hand at tennis on one of two tennis courts, enjoy a match on the sand volleyball court, or play croquet on the regulation size court.

7. Sip & Savor

Visit the restaurants at Plantation on Crystal River for mouthwatering plates and expertly crafted drinks. After a round of golf head to The 19th Hole for classic American fare. Snack on shareable plates while sipping Manatinis and lounging by the pool at the Plantation Tiki Bar. In the evening make your way to the West 82⁰ Bar & Grill for exquisite meals crafted from local ingredients.

8. Spend the Afternoon Shopping

Take a five minute trip to The Shoppes of Heritage Village to stroll through the historic homes and cottages housing unique boutiques, cafés, and wine and tea bars.

With one-of-a-kind experiences and abundant activities, Plantation on Crystal River is sure to have every guest leaving fulfilled and refreshed. Book your stay today!

The Plantation on Crystal River is a 50 year old, 232 acre eco-friendly full service Resort style destination. The accommodations offer an old Florida charm, and Plantation is surrounded by the...

The Plantation Adventure Center is the BEST waterside full-service marina and dive shop facility offering charter options with some of the area’s best Captains for manatee tours, fishing, birding,...

Experience authentic, finely prepared, Florida cuisine at the West 82 Bar & Grill and Tiki Bar at The Plantation on Crystal River. All our entrees are prepared with the finest natural and...