Swimming with the manatees?

[robinb]

Has anyone done a manatee tour near Crystal Springs? Orlando's Groupon deal of the day (http://www.groupon.com/orlando/) is a 3-hour tour from "Native Vacations" where you get into the water and swim with the manatees for only $25 per person. We are visiting family in Tampa in August and again in December and this looks like something we might want to do.

 

[brewcrew]

I've never personally done this tour but call to make sure the manatees are there in August. I'm north of Orlando and the manatees usually just swim into the springs for the colder winter months. I'd say that December is definately a better bet.

 

[santa's surpriz]

If it is the same place, it is an awesome experience. We went to Crystal River, I cannot recall the name right now. We were just searching and found a place directly behind a hotel on the main road in Crystal River. It was a mom and pop type of place and received the best experience ever. We were the only three on the boat so it was like our own private tour. We saw a few manatees and were able to swim with them. We also chased dolphins (by boat, of course!) We ventured back to a place called 3 Sisters. It is a natural spring and it was incredible! It was wierd bc we swam back into this area that looked like it was river that went no where but then it opened up to the area where three natural springs are. If you do this be sure to wear a life jacket even if you are strong swimmer. It was a long haul and I did not expect to tire so easily. It was like looking thru a glass of water the water was so clear and refreshing. I actually freaked a little because I felt like I was going to fall it was pretty deep and you can see ALLLL the way to the bottom. Google it, there are some good photos available online. But seeing a picture is nothing compared to the real thing!

HAve a great time!!!

 

[Sonoma]

My husband and I swam with the manatees this past January. We used the Crystal Lodge Dive Shop in Crystal River but there are quite a few dive companies and they all sound about the same.

We loved the experience! Our cost was $35 (included wetsuit, snorkel, mask & fins) and lasted about 3 hours. Our guide told us that the winter months are the best time to see them but that there is a colony of manatees that live in the spring year round.

This was the first time I had snorkeled and it did take me 15-20 minutes to get the hang of things. The water (72 degrees) felt much colder than I expected. Once I got going, it was great! Manatees are HUGE! I have seen them at our zoo but being in the water next to them is totally different. It was a wonderful experience! We saw several manatee and lots of fish. We loved it and plan to go back with our kids.

 

[acc82]

I've snorkeled crystal river and did the manatee swim. I would reccomend it, however, i must warn you that it is COLD when the manatees are there. I have done it in October in the past. I wore a wetsuit and needed it - very cold water. If you're cool with it being a little chilly, then you'll be okay.

 

[Mary976]

We went with Bird's Underwater and they were FANTASTIC. We went in March (DDs spring break) and that's when the number of manatees starts to drop off. We saw plenty, but I wouldn't think you'd see many in the summer. It was COLD but everyone wears a wetsuit. The water temp is okay, but the air temp is still chilly since you go out early in the AM. If you are not a strong swimmer or have any kind of disability, some places offer those noodle things to help you out.

Mary