Jill_D, Dez. 2023
As an amateur underwater photographer (ref: YouTube… OBHSfoIk channel) an excursion to film the manatees of Crystal River FL, was always high on my wanna-do list. Expecting crowds, I opted to pay more for the small group tour (6 or less) provided by Natures Discovery Tours and I’m glad I did since my wife and I were the only ones booked for this particular date/time thus having the whole boat, guide, and snorkel spot to ourselves. (On this same day, some areas of the Kings Bay tributary’s were loaded with full boats all crammed into small areas watching the manatees en masse, and this was supposed to be the slow time, so, again, if you prefer quality over quantity small groups is the way to go.)
Natures Discoverys’ operation was very well organized (5 stars): You report to the shop at the allotted time and they set you up with wet suits (at 72 degs the water is a bit chilly in Dec) mask, snorkel and pool noodle (no fins). Then a 5 minute van ride brings you to the boat and out you go into Kings Bay. After a very slow (no wake) 10-minute boat ride we were into manatees about 50 feet from shore in about 4 ft of water. With our guide leading the way we climb into the water, lean on our noodles and put our face in the water to watch these relatively dormant behemoths lay on the bottom; sometimes alone, sometimes with other adults and sometimes accompanied by their calf’s.
During the high season in Crystal River (Dec-Mar) the adult manatees are primarily concerned with staving off the very real threat of death by hypothermia (which is why they migrate into the warmer bay from the Gulf) and so appear to almost hibernate on the bottom, only coming up periodically for a breath of air. Some of the calfs, were more energetic and were occasionally willing to interact with us, and on my trip, that’s where the magic occurred. NOTE: when I say “playing”, I’m not talking about the fast moving energetic swirling around like a dolphin. It was slooooow, barely perceptible movements that eventually resulted in a close encounter whereby the “little gal” would reach out and hold and rub my hand and snuggle up against my arm or press her nose into my mask. This went on for almost 30 minutes and was one of the most enjoyable water experiences I have ever had, and I’ve had many.
The key to interacting with these docile animals is minimal movement; let them come to you, make no sudden movements, no splashing, no kicking, just drift slowly with them. That 30 minutes was well worth the price of admission and the extra charge for being in a small group.
The Natures Discovery tour team (Hina the in-water guide and Jake the boat driver) were great. Friendly, knowledgeable, engaged (5 stars). I highly recommend going with them. SO, why 4 stars overall and not 5: In a word, EXPECTATIONS. ALL the ads, from every operator, depicted this excursion as occurring in crystal clear water with many energetic friendly manatees. In reality, the visibility was often quite poor, dark green and dim on this day. Apparently a hurricane last year wiped out all the sea grass in Kings Bay which was the primary filtering system for this body of water. In addition, when a manatee rises off the bottom to get a breath it stirs up a lot of silt which significantly reduces the visibility further. Of course tour operators have no influence over conditions and Natures Discovery DID inform us of the visibility shortcomings in advance so I have no beef with them but that crystal clear water with continual close contact did place my expectations a bit higher than was achieved.
Apparently, manatees are in Crystal River all year but during the summer there are far less than there are in late fall through early spring. We booked for early December which is considered a good time for manatees and a better time to avoid crowds. Our guide mentioned that from Christmas through February things get really crowded with tourists, so plan accordingly.
ANYBODY who is comfortable swimming in a placid lake can do this tour including young kids and seniors. The physical demands are minimal (climbing a ladder back into the boat is the most demanding activity). I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP FOR ANYBODY WHO LOVES TO INTERACT WITH WILD ANIMALS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.