manatees - The Hull Truth

mlclambo · 10-03-2009, 12:04 PM

Anyone know a good place to swim with them around Crystal River. Went last year vis was not so good. Would like to find better vis. Mike

Prop Blast · 10-04-2009, 08:53 PM

What time of year? Manatees are spread out all over FL from April to early Dec. Once the weather gets cold in Dec, they start to hang out at warmer water points:
- Powerplants with warm water discharges
- Freshwater springs (water's always 72 degrees).

Your best bet is to go with a "guide" up in Crystal River. They know where the manatees are from day to day. More importantly, they know the laws regarding mantee interaction and can save you huge $$$$. Drive your boat too close, BAMM, fine. Go into a mantee safe zone, BAMM, fine. Drive too fast, BAMM, fine. There are folks (in plain clothes) that monitor the manatees, along with the Florida FWC (Fish & Wildlife Comm).

There are several "dive shops" in Crystal River that specialize in Manatee excursions, just Google them. Price is reasonable.

PB

billinstuart · 10-06-2009, 05:45 AM

DON'T do what I did and ask for fried baby manatee at a local restaurant..................

salt_shaker · 10-06-2009, 08:32 AM

blue springs was good in the winter. i've gone in feb, but they dont let you swim with them anymore. i guess a few years ago some kids tried to ride them...

Prop Blast · 10-06-2009, 09:15 AM

If you want better viz in the water, don't go on the weekends -- just too many people flailing in the water, kicking up sediment. Go on a weeday -- Thur/Fri. Less people = clearer water and more relaxed manatees.

PB

Beer Run · 10-07-2009, 01:36 PM

mlclambo - In Kings Bay (Crystal River), head up into Three Sister's Springs. Put in at Pete's Pier (off of Kings Bay Dr.), hang a left around the boat docks, and another left to go underneath the bridge. Continue straight and you'll run into 3 Sister's Springs. There will be several boats anchored up just outside the entrance to the springs. I can get the GPS coordinates if you need, but it's really as easy as it sounds above.

Currently they are not "huddled up" at the entrance to the Springs (like they were in March), but I imagine they will be as the water cools down. If they aren't there yet, you'll still have a good time snorkeling around in the springs (crystal clear all the time).

Have a good trip.

r.waddill · 10-07-2009, 01:58 PM

Bring a power head with you it makes them much easier to deal with and they won't rock up on you. I use a 458 win mag myself.

rudeskawn · 10-07-2009, 07:32 PM

Yup 3 sisters is the place to go. The water up in there is amazing. Keep your eyes peeled all along the canal on the way their also.