In February 2021, we went snorkeling and kayaking with manatees in Crystal River. We did a 10am private kayak tour with Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours. Snorkels, wet-suits, life-jackets, noodles, tour guide, and go pro photos were included in our price. We chose Hunter Springs because they let us put two kids in a kayak– since we only had three adults. My brother in law also came with us which was so fun and helpful. Our toddler had to wear a life jacket the whole time and he was fine with it on. My little people looked so cute in their wet-suits. Who knew there was a size two wet-suit.
Our guide, Bri, had to attach her kayak to mine with some rope and pull my kayak for part of the way. I could see that the rest of the party was ahead of me but I didn’t realize our guide thought I was slow enough that she needed to come back and be my tugboat. I wasn’t putting enough oomph in my strokes but I wasn’t fatigued I just was going slow. The wind was going against me but I guess our guide wanted to make sure we had lots of time to be in the water with the manatees rather than allow me to mosey along. On the way back I was fore sure giving my all to each stroke- I was not going to be tugged again. I also had the wind helping me.
When is the Best Time of Year to See Manatees in Crystal River?
The best time to see manatees is when it is cold. When it’s cold the manatees want to go to the Three Sister’s Spring to get warm. The temperature was a high of 72 degrees and the low was 44 degrees. The temperature is important because Three Sister’s Spring is 73.3 degrees year round. Since the mornings/evenings were cold the days prior to us going we were optimistic that we would see manatees. I think the day we went was one of the first warm days of the year. The last time we went it was super cold (30 degrees outside). I think online it says that technically the season for Manatees is December- March but the weather is really important. I’ve had friends who have gone in December and it was warm and they saw no manatees.
What did We Bring on the Kayak?
We should have brought a dry pack but we didn’t. The guide was kind enough to let us use theirs. I would recommend to bring a dry pack. Our tour was from 10am- 1pm. Our guide said it would take half an hour to get to the Three Sister’s Spring from where we were. We also brought snacks (Costco purchased bars, nuts and I love these Autumn’s gold grain free bars), our Go Pro, water bottles and of course our car keys. Jackets and towels were also recommended.
I felt like we were bringing so many things but so happy we brought a lot of snacks because it was in the middle of lunchtime and we needed the energy after snorkeling and kayaking with the manatees. We put sunscreen on before we started kayaking. We ended up not using the jackets or towels while we kayaked back *but our guide used hers*. Luckily it was sunny and we were able to dry off and keep warm in the sun. If it had been a little colder, or overcast we would have definitely wanted a towel and/or a jacket to keep warm. When we took the boat tour last time we got some hot chocolate on the boat afterwards (I guess we could have brought a thermos of hot chocolate to drink afterwards but we didn’t).
How Many Manatees did We See?
We saw about 10-20 manatees. We saw some babies with their moms swimming side by side. They are such gentle giants. I almost stepped on one because they quietly move through the water. It was sad to see some of the scars on the manatees from boats. Since it was moderately warm there were not any manatees in the actual Three Sister’s Spring. They were all right on the outside of the springs. But since there were none inside the springs we were allowed to swim in the Springs. The water is crystal clear and very peaceful. Our guide said that in the summer time that area is packed with people swimming in the Springs. So it was nice to swim in it with out a ton of people in the springs. It was our first time swimming in the Springs.
Did the Water Feel Cold?
Yes, the water felt pretty cold. I warmed up a little bit but one of my kids thought it was pretty cold the whole time. The last time we went it was so cold outside that the water actually felt warm. The wet-suit of course helped a lot and swimming helped keep warm as well. I did feel like I had to brace myself each time I stuck my head under the water. My toddler didn’t swim very much and I was worried about him getting cold but he didn’t complain at all during the whole trip.
Would You Recommend Snorkeling with the Manatees?
Absolutely, where else in the world can you be in the wild and see manatees. This was a different experience than our boat trip. Since we were right by the Three Sister’s Spring the photos we have of the manatees is much more clear rather than the murkier water of Magnolia Springs. It was cool kayaking and seeing manatees right next to us swimming. I liked the exercise that kayaking gave us. We will probably go again in a few years so our younger kids have the chance to experience and remember snorkeling with the manatees.
Have you been able to swim with the manatees? How cold was it when you were swimming with them?
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