Kings Bay Florida Manatees

We will embark on a nature cruise to kings bay in crystal river where you ll swim with manatees in the wild.

Kings bay florida manatees. As you ride along in the boat you will be able to view the wide array of nature and wildlife such as osprey blue herons tri colored herons and an occasional bald eagle. The main attraction in this area is the florida manatee trichechus manatus latirostris this system is the largest natural winter refuge for manatees on the florida gulf. The crystal river is formed by a series of springs and flows about 7 miles to the gulf of mexico. Swimming with the manatees is an experience of a lifetime and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Crystal river at kings bay. In 2001 the population survey counted 3 300 manatees and in 2011 the survey showed 4 834 manatees in florida state waters. Swim with the manatees. Come nose to nose with florida manatees during this crystal river snorkeling tour.

There are lots of places in florida particularly in the bays with springs on florida s west coast to meet manatees. Get outfitted with a wetsuit mask and snorkel and receive an educational orientation before jumping in with the giant sea creatures. In winter the manatees head into the bays and springs and rivers where the water temperature is higher. In 2012 kings bay was designated a manatee protection area called the kings bay manatee refuge.

The area is known for manatees taking shelter in the crystal river national wildlife refuge about 40 reside year round and 400. Florida manatee present in kings bay and crystal river nwr year round but highest aggregation november march approx. The 80 acre refuge only accessible by boat was established in 1983 to protect the west indian manatee. The 1991 survey count revealed 1 267 manatees statewide.

Kings bay scenic cruise from crystal river. The florida manatee trichechus manatus latirostris is a subspecies of the west indian manatee trichechus manatus manatus. Of the 30 springs along the river 28 are located in and around kings bay in the city of crystal river florida. The crystal river national wildlife refuge consists of 20 islands in and around kings bay.

Popular tours allow visitors to jump in with snorkel gear to have up close and personal encounters. Saw a manatee in. Manatee tours are approximately 4 hours long. When we arrive you are encouraged to float in the water for an up close experience with the manatees.

Again these numbers are minimum figures and don t take into account the manatees that were not visible by aircraft during the survey. Summer months approx. The captain will start the tour in kings bay looking for manatees.