Swimming With Manatees Near the Villages of Citrus Hills
The sizable marine mammal known as the manatee is one of the most popular attractions in Citrus County.
It's almost impossible to go into a gift shop without seeing all kinds of manatee-themed souvenirs.
Manatees are a protected species found in areas throughout the Kings Bay, Crystal River, and Homosassa Springs areas – located within Citrus County.
They are attracted to the area's warm waters, especially in the winter.
From November to April, Kings Bay (about 15 minutes from the Villages of Citrus Hills) is the home to the largest manatee population in the world.
Swimming With Manatees
The Crystal River and Kings Bay area is the only area in Florida where swimmers are allowed around manatees in a monitored environment, making this opportunity highly accessible for the Villages of Citrus Hills residents.
There are dozens of manatee tour companies nearby that can help make your dream of observing these beautiful sea mammals up-close come true.
You should be aware of quite a few rules since manatees are a protected species.
You will want to enter the water quietly, without splashing when first getting into the water.
You will get the best results from swimming right at the surface level of the water and staying away from the floor.
To have the best possible experience swimming with manatees, you will need to practice what is referred to as “passive observation.”
Passive Observation is a practice that involves remaining as still as possible when you are in the water; You should always allow the manatees to discover and approach you, not the other way around.
In a nutshell, you try your best to allow the manatee to control the entire encounter.
That means that you should never confront a manatee that is resting.
It is also essential to avoid any practice that could threaten the animal, such as swimming after it, surrounding it with too many swimmers, or separating it from a group.
One of the most significant rules is never attempting to touch, grab, or ride a manatee.
Boating/Kayaking Near Manatees
Because there are so many manatees located in the waters throughout Citrus County, they can often be found in high-traffic boating areas.
For this reason, it is essential to observe all of the posted seasonal boating speed limits.
When boating in any area, you will want to be alert for idle/no-wake zones, minimum wake zones, and 25 mph speed limit zones.
Remember that you should be practicing passive observation, even if you are observing a manatee from your boat or kayak.
That means that you should never attempt to attract a manatee towards your boat or try to give a manatee food or water.
As far as dropping your anchor, ensure there isn’t a manatee resting underneath your vessel or about to pass by your boat.
If you don’t see one near, try to drop your anchor slowly, and ensure you aren’t running your propellers directly over a manatee.
Observing Manatees from Dry Land
If swimming and boating with manatees are a bit much for you, you might want to try observing them from dry land at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
There is also an underwater observation area for you to watch the manatees eat and play.
This will allow you to get close to these unique animals without worrying about hurting them or getting wet!
Whether you prefer to interact with manatees from the water, a boat, or dry land, observing them is a beautiful and relaxing experience unique to the Citrus County area.