What variety of wildlife can I expect to see on the trip?

A half-day trip in Crystal River, Florida, is a wonderful adventure. Crystal River has historic attractions that will fascinate you, such as the remains of an old sugar mill, wild beaches, theme parks and an extraordinary printing museum. And with its blend of fresh and salt water, it hosts a wide range of wildlife. At the National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River the water is amazingly blue and there are plenty of creatures to see. Working with a well-qualified outfitter such as Captain Mike’s, you can make your way to the main area and enjoy a relatively unique and lovely Florida experience in the wild. A manatee tour is a great opportunity to unwind and get connected with the natural world up close.

Gearing up for the trip

Crystal River is the only location in Florida where snorkeling with manatees is meticulously monitored, permitted and legal. You get in the same water with the sea cows, not touching or approaching them in any way unless they approach you first themselves. But before getting into the water, you are fitted with snorkels and wetsuits to equip you for the experience. The suits are 5 millimeters or so thick to ensure you are warm in the chilly water and enjoy an extra level of buoyancy, which allows for a safe, quiet and pleasant interaction with manatees.

Before you depart, you watch a video about how to correctly observe and interact with the manatees in the wild. You learn that it is illegal to touch, give water, feed, approach or pursue manatees. You can float gently in the water, staying as still as possible when you encounter an oncoming manatee until the animal passes. Take note, you don’t want to startle or spook the manatee. After the orientation, you get into a pontoon boat and enjoy a serene trip through the National Wildlife Refuge, guided by an experienced and knowledgeable captain.

Observing wildlife

If you begin your trip early, you will have plenty of time to observe wildlife at every animal exhibit. You will be amazed at all the lively activity. For instance, you will see the foxes rushing back and forth, taking breaks to drink water. You can see egrets trapping their prey right before you. Crocodiles and alligators roam around. Fast-moving Mediterranean geckos, the cousins of toads and frogs, flee as you approach. As you approach, observe egrets trapping their prey right before you. Additionally, crocodiles and alligators roam around. Moreover, fast-moving Mediterranean geckos, the cousins of toads and frogs, flee from your presence.

Great wildlife adventure

Birds and animals struggle in Northeast’s harsh winter and migrate to Crystal River. The National Wildlife Refuge’s boardwalks offer amazing views of Three Sisters Springs and nearby canals. You will get the opportunity to view the beautiful springs and witness hundreds of manatees enjoying themselves in the warm waters. Crystal River serves as a vital migration point for these creatures due to its favorable climate. The boardwalks around the refuge provide an excellent vantage point for observing the natural wonders of the area. During your trip, you will most likely see green sea turtles, black bears, white-tailed deer, wood storks, bald eagles, swallowtail kites, otters, and over 200 other species of birds. You can observe these fascinating creatures and birds while on your adventure.

Captain Mike’s offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their manatee tour at Crystal River, FL. We aim to make your tour delightful and remarkable by providing you with all the information you need.Asid from that, we are your trusted outfitter throughout the entire experience. We will ensure you have an unforgettable time interacting with the manatees. For more information on manatees and manatee tours, visit Captain Mike’s Kayak Academy website.