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Captain Mike's Swimming with The Manatees
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They may not be as agile as dolphins or as strong as whales, but manatees are large, adorable and harmless creatures that are delightful to interact with. And with their curiosity, you’re never going to have a more remarkable animal experience than swimming with manatees. The wrinkled, slow-moving creatures glide slowly toward you. They use their paddle-like tails to propel themselves up and down, steering their 12-foot-long bodies gracefully through the water. So as they spin up and around you, snuffling and going about their in-water rounds like massive zeppelins with whiskers, just swim and enjoy the moment allowing the animals to do what they want to do.

So where can you swim with the manatees?

Although manatees are found all over Florida, the only place you are legally allowed to get into the water and swim with them is Citrus County. Situated on the Gulf Coast, Citrus County is approximately 2 hours northwest of Orlando and 90 minutes north of Tampa. The county hosts a substantial population of manatees, playing a pivotal role in its economy through manatee tourism. Even with environmental protection laws that otherwise prohibit swimming with the sea cows. Citrus County allows getting into the water and snorkeling with the animals.

Manatee encounters are offered in two Citrus County towns — Homosassa and Crystal River. Kings Bay serves as the headwaters of Crystal River, maintaining a consistent water temperature of 72 degrees throughout the year. During winter, over 400 manatees migrate to Kings Bay to seek refuge from the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Some of them do stay in the bay through the summer months. Crystal River is also home to Three Sisters Springs, a natural spring known for its clean water. Manatees gather in this spring during the coldest months of the year. You only need to kayak or take a boat tour of the springs to see these lovable creatures.

What time of the year should you embark on a manatee tour?

January and February are the best months for a manatee tour, but you also can take the tour at any time in fall (November and December) and winter (January through March). Due to the absence of blubber and their inability to thermo-regulate, manatees actively seek warmer water. They do so when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico falls below 64 degrees. Citrus County has hundreds of natural springs such as Kings, Jurassic, Magnolia and Hunter springs that feed the bay. From November to April, the highest concentration of manatees in the world is attracted to Citrus County. About 850 manatees out of the statewide population of 6,500 gather in Kings Bay during this period.

How should you conduct yourself in a manatee habitat?

One of the most remarkable animal experiences you can have is swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Fla. To be able to snorkel with these incredible animals up close is wonderful. However, regardless of your actions or level of excitement, always keep in mind the three golden rules for swimming with manatees. Always, reduce splash noise and move slowly. Chasing, harassing, and riding the animals are also prohibited.

You should embark on a swim with manatee tour only after mastering the rules of interacting with the animals. The sea cows receive extensive legal protection. And, understanding manatee encounter rules and tips guarantees avoiding substantial fines and enjoying an optimal experience. Manatees are naturally social and curious. They will initiate interaction with you, so the rules will not diminish your experience. Swim and enjoy the moment while allowing the manatees to do what they want to do.

At Captain Mike’s, we offer manatee encounter and snorkel tours designed to deliver the most delightful and memorable experience. Everything begins at our full-service tour facility. This is where we provide manatee education, passive observation tips, and the ins and outs of snorkeling with the animals. From the outset, you’ll treasure the fact that you are able to learn more about them, their environment and the right way to interact with them.

You’ll wear a wetsuit and be transported to the dock to embark on your trip in a pontoon boat. Throughout the journey, the estuary with its numerous birds, fish and wildlife will amaze you. You have the option of going on a private, semi-private or public tour. We also offer kayaks and canoes you can rent if you want to guide your own tour. For more information about manatee tours in Crystal River, Fla., visit Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees website.

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