Habitat Basics:
The reason Crystal River Manatee Fun finds so many manatees on our manatee snorkeling tours isn’t just luck, but it’s because of our proximity to the Three Sisters Springs! Manatees are very sensitive animals when it comes to temperature – they cannot survive in water below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs keep Kings Bay at 72 degrees year round (even when the air gets much colder)! Manatees are often found in “estuaries”, where rivers meet the sea, as well as rivers, canals, and coastal waters. These areas provide abundant seagrass beds and aquatic vegetation, which form the primary diet of manatees. On our manatee snorkeling tours we focus on finding seagrass beds, as these areas tend to host the most manatees – with such clear water in the springs they’re really easy to spot! Because manatee habitat is so important, on our manatee snorkeling tours we make sure to bag our trash and clean up after ourselves.
VIDEO: Recent Manatee Snorkeling Tour in Kings Bay, near Three Sisters Springs.
Protecting Habitat:
Luckily, there are lots of local, non-profit groups who help clean up the river and keep the waterways beautiful in Kings Bay. We at Crystal River Manatee Fun encourage you to volunteer to clean up your local waterway! We also try to clean up the river during our Manatee Tours!
One group local to Crystal River is the Kings Bay Restoration Project – see their webpage here: HOME | Kings Bay Restoration Project
Snorkeling with manatees is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience that allows individuals to connect with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. As you glide through the crystal-clear waters of Florida’s springs or other manatee habitats, the serenity of the underwater world unveils a unique opportunity to observe these graceful creatures up close. The manatees’ slow and graceful movements create an atmosphere of tranquility, enhancing the magical encounter. Snorkelers often find themselves surrounded by the curious and friendly manatees, as these gentle herbivores display a natural curiosity towards their human companions. The encounter provides an intimate glimpse into the manatee’s world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts to protect these endangered marine mammals and their delicate ecosystems. Overall, snorkeling with manatees offers a chance to witness the beauty of marine life while fostering a sense of responsibility for the preservation of these remarkable creatures and their habitats.
Make sure to book your Manatee Snorkeling Ecotour now: Book Now