While some areas of the country get butterflies or crows migrating there for the winter, we are lucky to live in a state that gets some real gentle giants. If you’re on or near the west coast of Florida and you want to witness something truly magical, then you need to head to Crystal River during the winter months. Not only will you be able to see some true natural beauty, but you also will be able to see hundreds of manatees in the place they call home. Take a look at the manatees in Crystal River, Florida…
Every winter starting from around mid-November and lasting through February or March, up to 500 manatees invade the city of Crystal River in order to find warmer waters to spend their time in.
Facebook Discover Crystal River Florida
Otherwise nicknamed as “sea cows,” these gentle moving creatures are graceful and slow, often eating aquatic plants and hanging with their friends.
Facebook River Ventures Swim With Manatees
Because the waters in Crystal River tend to remain around a constant 72 degrees during the winter months, manatees migrate here during the winter seeking some respite from the cold Gulf waters.
Facebook River Ventures Swim With Manatees
There are some places where you can visit in Crystal River that allow you to see these gentle giants up close.
Facebook Discover Crystal River Florida
For instance, through River Ventures, you will likely be able to swim with manatees on a guided swim tour.
Flickr Lee Hendrickson
Or, if you’re looking to just watch these cows of the seas swim and float lazily, then we recommend checking out Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.
Facebook Discover Crystal River Florida
Just remember, these gentle creatures call this natural habitat their home, so it’s best to just view and appreciate from afar.
Facebook River Ventures Swim With Manatees
The crystal clear rivers of the area make this a prime manatee sighting area, especially since manatees only surface every 3-5 minutes to catch a breath before diving down deep again.
Facebook River Ventures Swim With Manatees
Head on over to Crystal River during the winter and see for yourself the beauty of these creatures as they invade the area every winter.
Google Maps
Have you ever seen the hordes of manatees in Crystal River before?! Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you know of other spots to take a glance at these gentle creatures, keep us in the loop.
Facebook Discover Crystal River Florida
Facebook River Ventures Swim With Manatees
Flickr Lee Hendrickson
Google Maps
Also, here is some more information about taking a River Ventures Manatee Tour to see the manatees up close. Or for more information about Three Sisters Springs, check out their website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Crystal River, FL, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Manatees In Crystal River October 11, 2020 Marisa Roman Is Florida a good place to visit in the winter? Florida is probably one of the best places to visit during the wintertime because the temperatures are still warm and there will hardly be any snow. For many people throughout the country, visiting Florida during the wintertime has been a tradition in order to escape the snowy conditions throughout the rest of the United States. Visiting Crystal River in Florida during the wintertime is ideal, but you can also visit the river throughout the rest of the year to have a different experience each time. For example, visiting during the summer will allow the chance to get some solid swimming in! What’s the most beautiful spring in Florida? If you’re looking for where to see manatees in Florida, then you should check the springs. There are beautiful springs in Florida that bring about an entirely different side of nature. Looking for the most beautiful spring? It might be hard to choose because each offers different amenities. But if you want to see one that is truly stunning, then check out this natural swimming hole in Florida that you might have all to yourself. What is the most popular river in Florida? There are quite a few unique things to do in Florida that don’t involve visiting the ocean. For instance, visiting the rivers will be just as lucrative, as long as you know the right rivers to visit. Crystal River is obviously one of the prettier rivers in the state, but which is the most popular? Some may say that Saint Johns River, clocking in at 310-miles in length is the most popular. This river also happens to be the longest in the state. Meanwhile, Suwannee River is a good option too, with so much to do along the shoreline.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Manatees In Crystal River
October 11, 2020
Marisa Roman
Is Florida a good place to visit in the winter? Florida is probably one of the best places to visit during the wintertime because the temperatures are still warm and there will hardly be any snow. For many people throughout the country, visiting Florida during the wintertime has been a tradition in order to escape the snowy conditions throughout the rest of the United States. Visiting Crystal River in Florida during the wintertime is ideal, but you can also visit the river throughout the rest of the year to have a different experience each time. For example, visiting during the summer will allow the chance to get some solid swimming in! What’s the most beautiful spring in Florida? If you’re looking for where to see manatees in Florida, then you should check the springs. There are beautiful springs in Florida that bring about an entirely different side of nature. Looking for the most beautiful spring? It might be hard to choose because each offers different amenities. But if you want to see one that is truly stunning, then check out this natural swimming hole in Florida that you might have all to yourself. What is the most popular river in Florida? There are quite a few unique things to do in Florida that don’t involve visiting the ocean. For instance, visiting the rivers will be just as lucrative, as long as you know the right rivers to visit. Crystal River is obviously one of the prettier rivers in the state, but which is the most popular? Some may say that Saint Johns River, clocking in at 310-miles in length is the most popular. This river also happens to be the longest in the state. Meanwhile, Suwannee River is a good option too, with so much to do along the shoreline.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Florida is probably one of the best places to visit during the wintertime because the temperatures are still warm and there will hardly be any snow. For many people throughout the country, visiting Florida during the wintertime has been a tradition in order to escape the snowy conditions throughout the rest of the United States. Visiting Crystal River in Florida during the wintertime is ideal, but you can also visit the river throughout the rest of the year to have a different experience each time. For example, visiting during the summer will allow the chance to get some solid swimming in!
What’s the most beautiful spring in Florida?
If you’re looking for where to see manatees in Florida, then you should check the springs. There are beautiful springs in Florida that bring about an entirely different side of nature. Looking for the most beautiful spring? It might be hard to choose because each offers different amenities. But if you want to see one that is truly stunning, then check out this natural swimming hole in Florida that you might have all to yourself.
What is the most popular river in Florida?
There are quite a few unique things to do in Florida that don’t involve visiting the ocean. For instance, visiting the rivers will be just as lucrative, as long as you know the right rivers to visit. Crystal River is obviously one of the prettier rivers in the state, but which is the most popular? Some may say that Saint Johns River, clocking in at 310-miles in length is the most popular. This river also happens to be the longest in the state. Meanwhile, Suwannee River is a good option too, with so much to do along the shoreline.
