How much does it cost to swim with the manatees in Crystal River?
Our public manatee tours start at $59.95 and go up to $65 for peak manatee season (November-April). Private manatee tours are $449 for a boat that holds up to six people, larger private manatee tours can be arranged for an additional $75 per person.
Do you have to pay to swim with the manatees in Crystal River?
The cost is $15. No parking is allowed at the preserve. You can also rent a kayak at various locations in Kings Bay. They give detailed instructions on how to deal with and approach manatees.
Can you swim in Crystal River for free?
You can swim or kayak into the springs from the river. Also the only water access is through the river. There is no fee for this.
Why is it legal to swim with manatees in Crystal River?
Simply put, River Ventures promotes “passive interaction” that abides by the rules and regulations set out by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act 1978, which states that “it is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.” In other words, don’t even …
Can you still swim with manatees in Crystal River?
There’s only one place in North America where you legally swim with manatees, and that’s in the Crystal River area— located about 90 minutes north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim with manatees?
We do require that you wear a wetsuit when you snorkel with the manatees as they help you stay warm, buoyant, and assist you in keeping your feet near the top of the water and not dangling, which often will stir up the bottom and scare the manatees.
Can you swim in the Manatee River?
That said, swimming the Manatee River is not recommended. Instead, keep your eyes on the surface and by the shore, and you may be lucky enough to spot a few beady eyes and scaly backs in the shallows. Manatee River alligators tend to sleep below the surface during the day but are often seen surfacing at dusk.
Why is touching manatees illegal?
You are not supposed to touch manatees because that can trigger a change in behavior in the animals. Manatees are already an imperiled species because of their easygoing and curious nature, which predisposes them to several risks including being mowed down by speed boats.
Can you swim Crystal River?
Crystal River is where you’re legally permitted to swim with manatees in their natural habitat. You can embark on a swim tour through the river, but only after being briefed on all of the do’s and don’ts of interacting with the animals.
Is there alligators in Crystal River?
Re: Are there Alligators?? Well, there is gators there, but, they will stay in the more swampy, much less traveled areas, not usually where you will go to swim wih manatees.
Where to swim with manatees in Crystal River Florida?
Captain Mike’s is the #1 customized manatee tour located at King’s Bay in Crystal River, Florida. Our tours lets you swim with the gentle sea creatures along the warm Nature Coast waters. Starting at just $ 45 per person, we invite our travelers to customize a variety of tours year-round.
How much does it cost to take a manatee tour?
Manatee Tour. The tour packages start from as low as $19.99 per person. Eco-Tours begin at $20 and Dinner/Dance cruise tours at $35. Along with manatee tours, we offer many other attractions, including boating trips to the famous Crystal River blue springs. Manatees love the crystal clear water, where they gather together in…
Is there a manatee encounter and snorkel tour?
Our manatee encounter and snorkel tour is world famous for a reason; there is nothing else like it! The refuge is comprised of springs and filled with unique wildlife. This tour on a covered pontoon boat allows you to see it all up close.
Where to see manatees in the United States?
In recent decades, the Crystal River river area has emerged as one of the most often visited manatee habitats in the United States. The guided tours in this region attract tourists throughout the year to watch, touch and even swim alongside these magnificent sea creatures.