Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees. Find out how to meet a manatee and get to know these awe-inspiring creatures better. - Did you know that Crystal River in Citrus County is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees? During the winter months, hundreds of manatees head to our bays to warm up and escape the colder temperatures throughout the Gulf of Mexico. If you’d like to see manatees up close, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing these “gentle giants.” Which months are best for seeing manatees? The peak season for observing manatees is November through April, and the local manatee population swells to its largest size between December and February. You can spot manatees in our waterways all year round, but the population is much smaller during the summer months. What time of day is best for swimming with manatees? When planning your trip, consider visiting the springs in the early morning and during the middle of the week. Local springs will be less crowded on weekdays and the manatees are most active and playful in the mornings. Where can you go to see manatees? Manatees typically live and play near the warm waters of natural springs. Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs are two of the best places to find manatees. Local tour operators and nature guides provide a variety of options for experiencing these awesome sea creatures. From swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding to snorkeling and diving, there are many ways to meet a manatee while you’re here! Can you touch the manatees? We’re so glad you asked! Thanks to our community's commitment to the health and safety of our large manatee population, US Fish and Wildlife has established a unique set of strict guidelines in Citrus County which allow visitors to gently touch a manatee on the back or stomach with one hand. Visitors must NOT approach a resting or feeding manatee, chase a manatee, kick/splash/poke a manatee, or touch a manatee with two hands for more information, we recommend watching the US Fish and Wildlife video Manatee Manners for a complete overview of the legal guidelines. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqkGwbtg62o