Come with us to swim with the most adorable manatees in Crystal River, Florida with Explorida. In this episode we share what we learned in the experience including the best time to visit, what to expect, and expert tips from our unforgettable eco tour experience.

If you’re staying overnight in Crystal River, here are a few places to consider: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge, Holiday Inn Express, or Hampton Inn. You can also check out a full list of hotels in Crystal River for more options.

Get a good flight deal to Tampa, FL from Thrifty Traveler Premium (use code TSP to get $20 off!)

Manatee Swim in Crystal River, FL – Episode Transcript

Hey Squaddies, Travel Squad Podcast is back with Just the Tip, our Friday mini episode where we give you quick travel stories, hacks and recommendations to set you off into the week.

0:50

And right today you have me, Jamal and Brittany as your host as we’re taking you to Crystal River, FL where you can swim with the manatees.

Manatees have the nicknames of sea cows and they are large, slow moving, herbivorous marine mammals and they’re really gentle.

1:07

They have these long long paddle shaped tails and they love warm shallow coastal waters, springs and rivers and they grow to be about 13 feet long and they weigh more than 1000 lbs.

Yeah, and distantly, they’re actually related to elephants, believe it or not, and they graze on the seagrass and other aquatic plants and must regularly surface to breathe air because they are mammals.

1:30

Now, we actually had a manatee swim booked two years ago, but when we were in Florida day before our swim, it started to storm and rain, you know, that unpredictable Florida weather.

And our tour ended up getting cancelled.

1:46

So we had to pivot and go to Saint Augustine instead.

So we were really excited to go back and be able to complete this bucket list activity.

So the swim with the manatees was actually part of a longer itinerary.

We actually flew into Tampa, we went to Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, and we also made our way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

2:04

So be sure to listen to those episodes.

Now a little bit about Crystal River.

Crystal River is a laid back coastal town in western Florida on the gulf side filled with springs, wildlife and old Florida charm.

The area is famous for its crystal clear waterways and it was one of the only places in the world where you can actually swim with wild manatees, especially during the winter when hundreds gather in the Warm Springs.

2:31

But beyond the manatees, you’ll find kayaking, paddle boarding through the spring fed rivers, waterfront restaurants, scenic boardwalks and easy access to these marine protected areas.

So we were actually invited on this Manatee swim by Explora and Explora is a premier eco Tour Company in Crystal River, FL.

2:50

So they are best known for their guided swim with the Manatee tours in the protected waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

And they were actually recognized as Tripadvisor’s top 10 bucket list experiences in the world to do their manatee swim tour.

3:07

So it’s actually located in downtown Crystal River.

They have a shop there and they have expert LED adventures that focus on safety, conservation and just having a great time in the water with these manatees.

So this is something you definitely want to do during the winter time because Crystal River, FL is kept warm around 72° year round.

3:27

And when I’m talking about warm, I’m not talking about the outside air temperature, I’m talking specifically about the water.

So around 72° really is the average.

But it stays that warm even during the winter because it is fed by over 70 natural springs within King’s Bay that come from aquifers which serve as a crucial winter refuge for the manatees.

3:49

And collectively, these 70 natural springs discharge millions of gallons of water daily from the aquifer into the river and estuaries.

So even though manatees seem to be blubberous animals, if you’ve ever seen them, if you haven’t, Google them so you know exactly what we’re talking about.

4:06

But they’re blubberous in the sense that they look like walruses, seals, or those other types of similar marine life, but they’re actually not blubberous.

They have a very, very thin layer of fat.

So they are super susceptible to literally freeze to death in open cold waters.

4:24

So these springs that feed the warm water into the rivers and estuaries that flow out into the open ocean are sanctuaries to the manatees during the winter months when the water is cold.

Well, that’s a great segue into our tip section because we’re going to start this episode with tips.

4:40

And so our first tip is to visit in the winter months because that’s where the manatees are going to be seeking their refuge primarily between November through April.

And that’s because as it gets warmer in the warmer months, they don’t need to be protected by these springs and then they can actually enjoy the open waters of the ocean outside of that time frame.

5:00

And we actually completed this in February of 2026, so right in the middle of that November through April time frame.

Next tip is to fly into Tampa, FL.

It is the closest airport and about a 1 1/2 hour drive to Crystal River.

We also believe that you should book an early morning swim.

5:17

You’re more likely to see them and there’s going to be less people there.

When we first got on the water, there were already people in the water and as we were leaving, you could see even more tour companies going out on the water as well.

And so you’re more likely going to see them in the morning.

There’s going to be less crowds and you’re going to enjoy the experience more.

5:35

Also pack a bag with everything you need to bring onto the boat.

Bathing suit, well you should already be wearing that but towel, flip flops, water, shoes, and if you wear glasses then wear contacts because this is a snorkelling adventure.

And do bring a warm sweater to put after you take off your wet suit if you’re prone to getting cold.

5:54

And when you’re in the water with the manatees, you’re in their home.

So just make sure that you’re being respectful.

You’re giving them space and don’t touch them.

Don’t touch, don’t feed, definitely be there if they interact with you, keep hands off.

But yes, do respect the environment that you are in.

6:11

These animals are endangered.

There’s not a lot of them.

So they are federally protected.

And our final tip, I want to say this because I do think it is the most important, while protecting the manatees is the most important tip, Second most important tip would actually be to be in Crystal River the night before and actually spend the night because again, again, we recommend doing an early morning outing.

6:34

So you want to be there in the morning, waking up, not having to drive because we had to be at Explore dot to check in, get our briefing, do all of that in the six O clock hour.

Hey squaddies, if you want to take this exact trip, we recommend flying into Tampa.

6:53

And if you want discounted flights to Tampa, we recommend signing up for the Thrifty Traveler Premium subscription.

Well, you’ll get e-mail notifications on discounted flights.

You can actually sign up for the premium membership for $20 off using the promo code TSP.

7:12

So as we mentioned in the tips, we recommend being in Crystal River the night before.

We did this on a Saturday, so we were in Crystal River on Friday night.

In the evening we got an e-mail that told us to meet 15 minutes before our tour.

The e-mail gave us information on what to expect, what to bring, where to meet, and so we had finished our adventures on that Friday in Tampa at Busch Gardens, and then from there ended up driving to Crystal River.

7:40

The drive to Crystal River is only about an hour and a half.

It’s a pretty easy drive and we got in later in the day because we had finished up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

So all we did this night was just grabbed a quick bite to eat.

My stomach was not settled because I went on roller coasters and I get motion sickness and so I just wanted something like kind of warm and hearty.

8:01

So I ended up getting clam chowder at Cajun and Jimmy’s Seafood, and it was actually so busy there that we ended up just grabbing the food to go and everyone we talked to while we were waiting was saying how amazing the restaurant is.

So if you have the opportunity to sit down and try it, that could be a great spot to eat.

8:17

Yeah, Cajun Jimmy’s is really popular.

Before we went, we even did research on places that we would maybe want to eat that night.

We just didn’t have the opportunity to take the time to do the sit down.

And of course, like Brittany said, her stomach, but she did want to try it.

So that’s why she ended up getting the clam chowder.

8:32

I wasn’t necessarily in the mood for clam chowder.

When we go to Florida, I love going to their grocery store chain, Publix.

I love their deli sandwiches.

I ended up just grabbing a simple sandwich from Publix Deli.

But that was our night before and we were so excited for the next morning to actually finally fulfill and swim with the man.

8:52

Yes.

So the next morning we got to explore to and downtown Crystal River.

At around 6:15 we were checked in and we were led to the back where she showed us the restrooms, their station with coffee, hot chocolate and water.

I definitely took them up on that offer for coffee.

9:07

It was so early in the morning and you knowed me, I love my coffee.

So after that, and we were waiting for more people that were going to be on our tour to arrive.

Once everyone was there, they gave us a video briefing on the manatees.

They told us pretty much what to expect, why they’re there, and of course, more so the regulations of how you should actually act around the manatees and what you should and shouldn’t do in certain situations.

9:33

So they give you a video for the safety briefing versus just telling you orally.

And it’s really exciting and cool to actually see the video and pump you up because it’s showing people in the water and you know you’re about to be in there yourself, and it’s just another way to get excited.

After the briefing, they go ahead and give you a wet suit, which you’ll put on in the shop there.

9:53

They have changing rooms for you, so you should already be wearing your bathing suit and then just easily put the wet suit on on top of that.

And then they take you to an area in the gift shop where you can actually take a picture and stand in front of this mural with a human versus manatee size in the background.

10:09

So puts you up to scale to that.

And then we ended up getting in a van, which was our shuttle to the dock.

There was seven of us in our group, including us and our guides were Kerry and Captain Dom.

And so when they put us in the shuttle, I mean, Explorerda is very close to the water, literally.

10:26

I don’t think it was more than a 3 minute drive.

It was very, very close.

We get to the dock, we get on the boat and then we start searching for the man for good manatee swim spot.

So obviously the guides do know particularly where a lot of the manatees like to congregate.

10:42

But of course it is wildlife.

So it’s never 100% for sure.

But realistically, around this time there’s only so many main springs really where they’re going to be hanging out.

So when we got there, of course it was still early in the morning.

People from other tours were already in the water.

10:58

Thankfully not a lot, but there was an area where they wanted to go first, saw lots of people and then opted against it.

And then we went to another area where they decided, hey, this is going to be the spot where we’re going to get out and swim and start searching for the manatee.

11:14

While you’re on the boat, they go ahead and give you the snorkel gear that you’ll need, as well as a pool noodle to help keep you afloat.

They recommend that when you’re in the water with the manatees, not to make a lot of noise or splashes because manatees are almost blind, but they have whiskers and can feel the vibrations of the water and so you don’t want to disturb them.

11:36

And that’s half the reason for the pool noodle is an extra layer of support to keep you buoyant.

Obviously the wet suit helps keep you buoyant, but the pool noodle under you, like on your chest and waist really helps keep your legs up so that you are almost like flat with the surface of the water.

11:54

So really they only want you doing doggy paddling to move around in the water, because of course if you kick your feet and swim that way then you’re really going to disturb the manatees.

So we got into the water, it was definitely chilly but tolerable and was really glad to have those wet suits.

12:09

I got in second.

So there was someone that got in before me and then Jamal got in after me and immediately after we both got in I put my head in the water with my snorkel mask and I immediately see a big manatee swim by.

By the time I got in, Brittany was trying to tell me, hey, did you see it?

12:25

And I did not see that one.

But luckily they were abundant and all around.

And I just want to say how thankful I was to have the wet suit because of course, when we got in, it was an initial shock.

It was cold.

I know I said earlier what the average water temperature should be, but when we were here in February, it was an abnormally cold time for Florida, well below its seasonal average.

12:49

So outside, like in February in Florida, it should still really be warm.

Not hot, but warm.

But it was actually cold.

So then to get into more cold water, I’m so thankful I had the wet suit.

It’s an initial shock, but honestly, once it takes about 20 seconds to kick in, the wet suit works as it’s supposed to, keeping that water layer between the suit and your body, which your body heat warms it up, and we really became acclimated to the water rather quickly.

13:15

I was super pumped because one, we went in the middle of the time frame that you’re supposed to go in November through April 2.

We went early morning, so you’re more likely to see manatees.

And three, it was extra cold for Florida, meaning the ocean water was going to be cold.

So chances are manatees are going to be in the springs.

13:33

So Brittany saw that manatee first.

I missed it.

Our guide, Carrie, once everybody was in the water, told us to swim away from the boat to a certain spot that was a little bit closer to 1 of the springs that flows into Crystal River and this estuary area.

13:49

And then immediately we saw several more manatees, a lot of them this early in the morning that they were swimming, don’t get me wrong, but some of them were sleeping.

And I never really thought to myself, well, how do manatee sleep?

But it was really cool to actually see because they just keep their bodies flat on the ground, their face in the sand.

14:09

And then of course, being mammals, they do need to breathe.

So every once in a while, they’ll get up, take a breath, go back down and just kind of like lay on the floor.

So sometimes you could watch them really doing nothing.

And then other times, of course, they’re going to come swim by you, almost even touch you.

14:25

Of course, please do not touch them.

But we got a good mix of seeing Mamas and calves swimming by and being active.

We also got to see them be lazy and sleep, then pop up for air.

So really cool right off the bat.

Once we kind of really swam away from the boat close to the springs, then we started to really see the manatees coming from all around.

14:45

And you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

Like we would be sitting there and just kind of watching a manatee at the bottom and out of nowhere, the manatee can actually swim under you.

And the guide will just tell you not to move, keep your legs up and just to stay still and kind of just like guide you through the process.

15:03

Because again, they’re almost blind and they’re they’re docile and they’re kind of friendly and so you can’t touch them, but they may touch you.

Yeah, a couple times our guide, Carrie, she had to tell me, hey, don’t move.

A manatee’s coming from behind you, and they swam right under me.

15:19

One of them actually even brushed me.

Another time, it was barely under me by several inches, just missing me completely.

So when I’m looking at a manatee ahead and you can’t see behind, and then all of a sudden one comes from under you and then you can see it.

That’s such an exhilarating experience in and of itself.

15:39

Obviously, I know how to swim, but there are times where you’re viewing A manatee and, like, the water just kind of drifts you closer to them, but you’re trying not to make any vibrations in the water, but you’re also trying to give them your space.

So Kiri will come by and she’ll help move you out of the way so that we’re protecting the manatees and giving them space.

15:55

Yeah.

Because even as we were drifting towards them, obviously you can try to paddle and push away, but even if you’re close enough, that paddling sends vibrations through the water which can actually disturb them.

So it’s helpful if somebody can pull you, but it was like really hard because as you’re drifting close and you’re closer and you don’t really want to disturb them.

16:15

Couple times I found myself with my arms tight up on my chest.

That way they weren’t out and hitting them because we got really, really close to them.

So we saw plenty of manatees, got really lucky I feel, and we probably spent about 45 minutes to about an hour in the water with.

16:30

Them and like I said, we saw some sleeping, we saw some swimming, the Mama and the calf.

There were even 2 that were nuzzling each other and showing love at the bottom autumn and being slightly playful, but it was a great experience.

One of the other groups though, I will say they were closer to 1 of the other springs, one of the larger springs in there and it was really interesting because like I said, you do get acclimated to the water and it’s not freezing, but you could definitely be warmer.

16:57

And so our guide kept us in one spot.

And of course, you don’t want too many groups, especially mixing together and so many people around manatees to disturb them.

So we didn’t really go until this area until later.

But there’s a spot where you could swim right over one of the largest springs.

17:15

And when we were not near it, you can actually see the steam from the warmth come off of the water in that one spot where the spring was.

So I remember distinctively at one point in time too, when we’re swimming back to the boat, we passed through the spring and it was just unbelievably warm.

17:33

And then it’s deeper there too, more deep than the area where the manatees are because they do like shallow waters.

But we saw a ton of fish that were swimming and keeping warm in that area as well.

So you are going to see other wildlife and there are lots of schools of fish and different fish too to keep you entertained.

17:50

But clearly the highlighter of the manatees.

Yeah, after our manatee swim, I feel like I could sufficiently cross that off my bucket list.

It was such an amazing experience and I’m so glad we went with Explorada.

So after we were done with our swim, we got back on the boat.

18:07

We stripped off our wet suit because we were cold.

Once you’re out of the water, the wet suit doesn’t really work how it’s supposed to, doesn’t keep you warm anymore because you lose that water layer that’s between you and the suit and you start to really get cold.

So you do want to strip it off in order to actually warm up.

18:25

So of course, all of us had our bathing suits on under our wet suit.

So then we were left in our bathing suits.

We did have our towels in our bags and we use that to warm up.

Some people had sweaters and of course, like we said, just bring layers too because you may want to add something more on than that.

18:43

But after a minute had passed, after I had my wet suit on and I had my towel, I stayed warm enough.

Again, could be warmer, but definitely warmed up.

And it helped a lot, that Explorer to provide you with hot chocolate afterwards as well.

So that was a nice treat to also help warm up after the swim.

19:01

So good and it makes you nice and warm and cozy while you’re on the boat ride back because it still is chilly.

We went first thing in the morning.

It was sunrise when we originally went, so it was a really pretty morning on the water too.

But we went back to the Explorer to shop to change and while you’re getting changed and ready, they start uploading the photos and videos because Carrie, our guide did take photos while we were in the water.

19:24

And then there is an option that you can purchase the photos and videos.

Yeah, and I really love that they take the photos for you.

Obviously some people on our tour did bring their cameras, whether it be their phone in the waterproof casings that you could take pictures with, or even a GoPro.

19:43

I didn’t even bring our GoPro, nor did we actually bring the for our phones to bring in the water because we do have those.

And so it was nice because of course our guy took photos of us, everybody else on the tour, photos and videos of the manatees actually swimming.

19:59

But what I really appreciated about not.

Taking the photos myself is a lot of times when you travel or doing an activity and you have your camera or your phone, you’re taking the photo and you lose yourself and aren’t really in the moment because you’re focused on taking the photos.

But Brittany and I didn’t have that experience because none of us brought anything.

20:16

But you do want something afterwards.

So the price that they charge for the photos and the videos I would say is well worth it.

And since we’ve been back, we’ve definitely looked at them several times to just like really reminisce because it was such an amazing and cool experience.

And the price is per group, so it’s not per person.

20:33

And so if you are going with a group of people, you guys could just split the cost.

And then so once we arrived back, of course, like you said, they that’s when they start uploading the photos.

While we’re actually changing back into our normal clothes, you do have the opportunity to grab more coffee or hot chocolate.

And again, at Exploreda, there is a gift shop, but then also in the back is the briefing area, changing rooms, etcetera.

20:55

So we had some coffee and hot chocolate.

We’ll be waiting for the photos to upload.

Change you can explore by souvenirs, but then our guide also did give us suggestions for places to eat and things to do in the area.

So overall our experience with Explorer, it was fantastic and we did a lot of research beforehand and they came up highly, highly rated and after us experiencing it first hand.

21:18

We would absolutely recommend them.

Everything went smoothly and loved everything about our experience.

Yeah, it was a fantastic time.

On the boat ride back, Jamal was mentioning that Carrier Guide was giving us suggestions for things to do in the area.

She suggested if we wanted to get a bite to eat and it was breakfast time, she suggested the biscuit barn, the crab plant, or a place called Abound.

21:41

And then we asked her is there any other activities you would do in the area?

And she suggested going to the Ellie Schuyler Homosus Spring Wildlife State Park.

And it’s a really beautiful Florida State park where you can see native Florida wildlife up close in the natural spring setting.

21:59

So they actually do have wild manatees in the area, but they also have 3 protected manatees and a lot of the wildlife here is protected because they’ve been injured before and they’re rehabilitating them.

Yeah.

So again, this is in a natural estuary area where they have the State Park, but it’s almost like a zoo, but not a zoo because around the estuary you can see native Florida wildlife that have been injured.

22:26

And he, again, like Brittany said, this is where they are rehabilitating them.

So we saw Florida black bears, Florida Panthers and Cougars that they have.

They’re all sorts of other wildlife just as well, alligators, river otters, birds.

So that’s really cool.

22:42

And again, being that you are along natural springs, manatees are their wild ones.

But in the water, of course, they do have a caged area where they keep the manatees that they are purposely rehabilitated.

So it’s on a boardwalk and then there is also an underwater observatory called the Fishbowl.

22:58

We went down there twice because it’s actually really cool to go down there and then and walk around and see all of the fish that you can see through the glass.

There was like hundreds of fish when we went down there.

And at times you can actually see the manatees down there.

There were not manatees around when we went into the so-called fishbowl, but they are known to swim in that area and people can see them in there.

23:20

We didn’t get lucky to see them when we were down there, but of course we just came off of the manatee snorkel.

So we had a much cooler experience.

But again, as we’re walking around, we did see manatee that we’re swimming in the area and other little estuaries just kind of hanging out.

23:35

There must have been a spring on the other side because we saw at least 7 manatees by a portion of the boardwalk.

So then after we were done, we wanted to grab some lunch.

We went to dance Crab Stand and this was another place that was highly rated that was on our personal list of places that we wanted to try.

23:55

Brittany actually wanted to get stuff from here the night before when we arrived, but they closed earlier than Cajun Jimmy’s Seafood, so we made sure to stop here for lunch before we headed on to Orlando.

We ended up ordering clam strips and clam chowder just as a little light snack and it was just fantastic, Absolutely delicious.

24:16

That clam chowder was so good.

I’m still thinking about it.

Yes, definitely worth a stop at Dan’s crap stand.

And it was absolutely busy in there for lunch as well, so this is a local favorite.

And of course, tourists frequent this place just as well.

But after we were done with lunch, we drove on to Orlando because the next day we were going to be going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World.

24:38

So that pretty much sums up our time at Crystal River and our experience with the manatees.

And I would say it was well worth it.

Kind of sad that we had to wait two years to finally fulfill it after the first time being cancelled.

But in a way I’m actually glad because we had such a good experience that I don’t know how the first one would have turned out.

24:58

It could have been bad, it could have been a bust. You don’t really know, but we had it so great when we were here with Explorada. Yes, so Squaddies, stay tuned for episode on Orlando. We’ll be going over everything in Animal Kingdom.

And thank you so much for tuning in to Just the Tip!