Florida Manatee
It is getting cold so the only solution is to go south and swim with the Florida manatee. The water in the bay at Crystal River stays at 72 degrees year-round. The manatee comes in from the gulf during the winter months and enjoys the “balmy” water temperature.
Kings Bay is located in Crystal River, Florida on the western coast of the state above Clearwater. The bay contains about 600 acres and over 70 springs. The multiple springs are the reason the water stays at a constant temperature.
If you have never been swimming with the Florida manatee, there is no time like the present. The manatee knows no age difference. The youngsters are as welcome as seniors. If you decide not to get in the water that is OK as well. It is exciting to see these “gentle giants” firsthand. If you are lucky, one will come up to the boat and you can reach out and stroke its back. If you get in the water, for sure you will encounter a manatee.
Everyone is Welcome
If you do not have experience with boating, I recommend that you get on a “head” boat. An experienced captain will take you out into the bay. The water is usually calm as you are surrounded by land, although there obviously are waterways from the gulf bay into King’s Bay.
You will need to be fitted for a wetsuit. Don’t forget your snorkel and mask. For the Florida manatee the water is perfect but it is a bit cold for us. Prior to getting on the boat, you are required to watch a short video about the manatee and what you can or can not do. There are protected areas you should not enter during the “season.” You also can not or should not chase a manatee. However, if they tire of you, they can easily swim faster and further than you can.
A manatee may weigh up to 1200 pounds but they are indeed “gentle giants”. Have no fear, they are vegetarians and will not harm you. Their skin is tough and has some hair growing on it. It reminds me of what I think an elephant’s skin should feel like. Since manatees are mammals, they have to come to the top of the water to breathe. However, they sleep at the bottom so constantly have to float to the top of the water for air.
Discover where you want to stay by perusing the map. If you have a car, you can choose any of the fabulous places to stay to swim with the manatee. You are in the right place as long as you are close to Three Sisters Spring as you may want to start there.
Booking.comIt is just as important to plan your trip around your excursions. Naturally, you will want to walk around Three Sisters Spring just t get a feel for the area that the manatee comes to. Choose a tour and you can swim with the mantee or just get on a boat to be a bit closer to them. They are gentle giants and will not harm you.
You Do Not Have to Get Wet
If you prefer, just walk around the Three Sisters Springs which consists of protected springs. Boats can not get into that area but swimmers can. There is a walkway around the springs and you can see the manatee sleeping at the bottom of the springs.
The water is so clear you may think the water is only knee deep but the spring is deeper than it appears. However, the average person can dive to the bottom where the manatee often congregates.
You can walk around the Three Sisters Spring or you can hop aboard a head boat and go out into the bay. There you have your choice as to whether to get into the water or not. I recommend getting into the water. With a wet suit, you can easily float. If you are proficient with boating, rent a pontoon boat, and away you go. This is one experience you will not want to miss!
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