Ready to Swim with Manatees? Only at Plantation on Crystal River!

Treat your family to an unforgettable eco adventure and swim with manatees in crystal clear waters of Crystal River. A subspecies of the West Indian manatee, the Florida manatee calls the Crystal River habitat home. Federal government allows “passive observation” of these creatures in King Bay, which means this is the only area in North America where you can experience face-to-face interaction with manatees.

Snorkelling equipment, wet suites and hot beverages are provided. High-quality photos and videos are available for purchase after the tour.

USPs of Swim with Manatees tour:

• An hour and a half drive from Tampa Bay and less than two hours from Orlando
• The riverfront resort is in Crystal River, Florida, the only location in North America where it is legal to swim alongside and interact with these “sea cows” in the wild.
• Hundreds of the slow-moving mammals are making their way from the cooler winter waters of the Gulf of Mexico to Crystal River’s network of the pristine springs, where the waters remain a constant 72°F (23°C).
• Manatee snorkelling tour departs from the Plantation Adventure Centre, with all equipment provided (mask, snorkel and wetsuit).
• All manatee tour boats, which are enclosed, provide hot chocolate and coffee, warming boat coats and towel service.
• Manatee tours are offered year-round, but guests are more likely to see more of these gentle giants in the winter months, when they seek out the relatively warmer waters of Florida’s second largest spring system. During prime manatee viewing season, which usually runs from Nov. 15 through March 31, depending on temperatures, guests can experience the truly unique travel adventure of swimming among hundreds of manatees as they play, eat, and socialize with one another.
• High-quality photos and videos are available for purchase after the tour.

Hotel USP’s:

• The eco-friendly Plantation on Crystal River is surrounded by the natural springs of King’s Bay and more than 25,000 surface acres of pristine lakes and rivers, as well as wildlife refuges and state parks