Manatee capital of the world
Why Pay More for a Manatee Tour?
Florida Is Known for Manatees
Florida is known for its sunshine, warm weather, nature escapes, and incredible wildlife with Florida manatees being among the most well-liked wildlife for locals and tourists alike. There are manatee populations on both coasts throughout the state, with a few areas that are well-known for their manatee tours and adventures. Crystal River, Florida is one of those places, and known as “The Manatee Capital of the World.”
With one of the largest populations of manatees in a concentrated area, the springs in and around Crystal River give up close and personal viewing with these gentle sea cows, and numerous companies offer tours and ways to see them. When considering a manatee life, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t allowed, and what the difference is between tour prices, group size, and what companies, guides, and captains are (or are not) doing to help preserve these threatened mammals.
Many people ask if it is safe to swim with manatees not just for the humans, but for the manatees as well. The short retort is, yes, however there is more to understand. While swimming with manatees in C
Discover Crystal River Florida
Discover Florida’s spirit in our warm Gulf fluid, spring-fed rivers, gentle manatees, superb fishing and bountiful lakes. Paddle with the manatees, explore our lakes and rivers, reel in Florida’s best fishing, taste fish-to-fork cuisine, play great golf courses, take a hike through unspoiled forests, dive for scallops, cycle on one of America’s top-rated trails, and discover our parks and attractions.
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Learn MoreCrystal River
Manatee Capital of The World
Located about an hour and a half from Tampa and Orlando, Crystal River is known as the “Manatee Capitol of the world.”
Nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s “Nature Coast”, Crystal River and nearby Homosassa are home to some of the largest concentrations of Manatees in the entire world – and are the only places in the U.S. where it is legal to swim with these gentle creatures.
More Than Manatees
In addition to Manatees, Crystal River has lots of other things to discover: world class golfing, fantastic dining with some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. There are unspoiled forests with lots of hiking and bicycling trails such as Floral City’s “Avenue of the Oaks.
Blessed with over 70 fresh water springs including Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge and King Springs . Crystal River is a premier destination for boating, fishing, scalloping and water sports. Expect great boating, diving, snorkeling, scalloping, kayaking, floating (or tubing) and fantastic fishing.
Crystal River trademarks ‘Manatee Capital of the World’ as popular local business expands operation with fresh facility, hotel lodging
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A popular Citrus County business is expanding its operation.
Paddletail Waterfront Adventures has called Crystal River “home” for close to five years.
The shop is just one example of how businesses are thriving in a growing tourism industry in what’s known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.”
What You Need To Know
- Crystal River business leaders are celebrating their trademarking of the "Manatee Capital of the World," unveiled at the monthly Partners in Tourism event
- Paddletail Waterfront Adventures is expanding its operation, with a brand-new state-of-the-art facility and hotel lodging
- According to Discover Crystal River, an impact visitor report for 2024 found that 1.7 million visitors spent close to $526 million throughout Citrus County
- The new Paddletail facility is expected to reveal during the second week in July
Excitement is mounting in Crystal River. Business leaders are celebrating their trademarking of the “Manatee Capital of the World,” which was unveiled at the
Crystal River, Florida: The World's Manatee Capital
Planning a getaway on Florida's west coast? Make sure Crystal River on the Gulf of Mexico finds its way onto your itinerary.
Planning a getaway on Florida's west coast? Make sure Crystal River on the Gulf of Mexico finds its way onto your itinerary. With its translucent turquoise waters, it's a cherished sanctuary for some of nature's most fascinating creatures: manatees!
It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Tampa and a 1.5-hour ride from Orlando to reach this hidden gem for Canadian Snowbirds.
When and How to See Manatees in Crystal River?
These marine giants, nicknamed "sea cows," are simply irresistible. The best time to swim with them is between November and April.
During these months, manatees flock to the passionate waters of Crystal River, and you'll have the chance to see them while kayaking, swimming, or walking along the trails of the only national refuge dedicated to their protection.
For a small fee of $12.50 per person in the summer and $20 in the winter, you can access the park and walk along the trails, where these curious herbivorous marine