This U.S. Town Located in Florida Offers Unique Opportunity to Interact with Manatees in Water
Florida is renowned for turning dreams into reality. While many link Orlando with holiday enchantment (Hey there, Disney!), a lesser-known gem, located approximately an hour and a half northwest, offers the same level of awe-inspiring memories with less planning and hassle.
Crystal River, Florida, boasts a population of around 3,000 residents, but it's the town's marine inhabitants, particularly manatees, that give it its unique charm. Every winter, approximately 800 manatees seek refuge in the heated waters of Crystal River's Kings Bay and its 70 natural springs. From November to March, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world flood to this serene Old Florida town to mingle with these gentle giants. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, situated in Kings Bay, is one of the few places globally and the only one in the United States where you can legally submerge yourself in the waters to interact with these spud-like mammals.
In the summer months, locals and visitors alike adore scalloping, an underwater variation of a giant Easter egg hunt. The city's bustling downtown shops, tiki bars akin to Buffett, and top-notch seafood restaurants are attractions year-round.
Viewing the Manatees
There are several methods to witness the magnificent sea cows in the Manatee Capital of the World. The National Wildlife Refuge hosts numerous licensed operators who will escort you on their vessel, providing everything necessary for an outstanding encounter, from wetsuits and snorkels to skilled navigation through the manatees' preferred springs and hideouts. Tour operators like River Ventures and Crystal River Watersports offer 3-hour manatee swimming tours starting at $65. A pro tip: Schedule your tour early in the morning for the highest chance of spotting them. Manatees are most active during the early morning hours, seeking out food.
If you prefer to stay dry, a clear-bottom kayak tour of Three Sisters Springs and the surrounding area offers a close-up view of the action without the need for a towel. Get Up and Go Kayaking can assist you in embarking on an unforgettable kayaking adventure in winding turquoise canals shaded by a dense canopy of palms, ferns, and Spanish moss-covered live oaks. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, including dragonflies, turtles, fish, and ospreys, as you search for herds of manatees grazing on sea grass.
Other Things to Do in Crystal River
Go Scalloping in the Summer
Although winter is the prime manatee-spotting season in Crystal River, summer presents another enchanting opportunity: scalloping. July through September is scalloping season in Crystal River. During these months, both locals and visitors take to the waters to catch their own dinner—without a rod or reel. Instead, they don a snorkel mask and dive three to six feet into the shallow eelgrass meadows in search of tiny fan-shaped shells. Inside, you'll find delicious bay scallops. Once you've filled your bag, bring your catch to a nearby restaurant to indulge in its flavors through popular "cook your catch" programs.
Enjoy the Outdoors
For more wildlife encounters, visit Hunters Springs Park, a public park complete with a beach, swimming area, canoe and kayak launch, and a boardwalk along the waterway that's excellent for bird watching. At Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge, you can't go swimming, but you can observe manatees from an overhead perspective through a boardwalk system overlooking the beautiful natural springs.
Explore Downtown
When it's time to unwind, head to Crystal River's historic downtown. Walk along the newly opened Kings Bay Riverwalk, which connects Kings Bay to downtown's various shops and restaurants. Here, you'll find an abundance of curiosities, such as the locally owned Coastal Art Gallery and Tea House 650, an artisan loose-leaf tea shop and café. The Shoppes of Heritage Village encompass several boutiques, shops, and restaurants housed in renovated Cracker cottages.
Where to Eat in Crystal River
Crystal River might be small, but that doesn't mean it lacks excellent dining options. Kick-start your day at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters with a cup of warm brew and a breakfast sandwich, toast, or homemade pastry. Indulge in lunch or dinner with a view at Crackers Bar and Grill, a laid-back waterfront eatery where you can dine on fresh seafood and local specialties, such as deep-fried alligator bites. Weekends bring live music and plenty of drink specials. For an upscale dining experience, head to Vintage on 5th. Housed in a cozy 1940s church, the restaurant exudes old-world charm. The menu features Gulf grouper, Cioppino, veal chops, and roasted duckling, among other delectable choices. The restaurant has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for six consecutive years due to its exceptional wine collection.
Where to Stay in Crystal River
Crystal River boasts a variety of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to simpler lodgings, to make your visit comfortable and unforgettable. Some popular options include the Crystal River Inn and The Plantation on Crystal River, both offering amenities such as on-site dining, swimming pools, and easy access to manatee-watching locations. For a more intimate, budget-friendly option, consider lodging at one of the many vacation rental homes or condos available in the area.
After exhausting days on the water, you'll be craving a cozy spot to unwind at night. The Resort on Crystal River delivers, offering more than just a place to rest. Situated merely a 15-minute stroll from the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, this sprawling 232-acre estate boasts elegantly furnished rooms and private one-bedroom villas equipped with kitchenettes and living areas. The resort is also home to an outdoor lagoon pool, a 27-hole golf course, two restaurants, a poolside Tiki bar, and a spa. However, this isn't a resort that encourages isolation. Swaths of water-based adventures (snorkeling, boating, fishing, scalloping, kayaking, and manatee swimming) are readily available for embarkation straight from the resort.
If you fancy experiencing the local vibe, consider reserving one of the three rooms at the Retreat at Crystal Manatee, a quaint, family-run hotel nestled in the very core of Crystal River. This cottage-style hotel's lush surroundings evoke the soothing "ahhh" response that only vacations can provide.
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- For those interested in wildlife and nature, Southern Living magazine highly recommends visiting Crystal River, Florida, renowned for its Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and its manatee population.
- If you're seeking adventure beyond manatee viewing, consider joining an activities and entertainment tour offered by companies like River Ventures or Crystal River Watersports, providing outdoor recreation opportunities like kayaking through Three Sisters Springs.
- To fully immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Crystal River, take a stroll down the Kings Bay Riverwalk and explore the locally-owned shops and eateries, such as the Coastal Art Gallery or Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters.
