Swim with manatees in this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Get up close to nature with the gentle giants of the sea, Florida’s manatee population, as you explore the region’s stunning ‘Nature Coast’.

Follow the path of the manatees as the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico starts to drop, and they make their way inshore to the warmer Crystal River waters. Here, nature-loving tourists will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to dip a toe in the water as they swim and snorkel alongside these amazing creatures at one of the only places in the world where this is possible.

With a series of natural springs flowing through Crystal River at 22-23°C (72-74°F) throughout the year, manatees are attracted in from the sea during the winter months, as soon as the ocean temperatures drop below 18°C (65°F). As a result, if you pay a visit to the area between January and March there will be plenty of manatees warming themselves in the spring waters! This strip of the Gulf coast is not called the Manatee Capital of the World for no reason – a state survey in March 2015 found 6063 manatees in Florida waters – with over 1000 in Crystal River’s Citrus County! Even in the summer months when the ocean temperature has risen there are hundreds of manatees enjoying the spring water, which makes it the perfect destination for visitors wanting to swim alongside these gentle beasts.

Manatees are distantly related to elephants, and like their land-dwelling kin are pretty big! On average a manatee will grow to around 3m in length, and weigh in between 400-550kg. Commonly called a sea cow, the herbivorous manatees spend around half the day asleep, and the rest of the time eating water plants!

Manatee facts:

• Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes underwater!
• Manatees keep growing new teeth throughout their life
• The average life of a manatee is 40 years
• Manatees rest for up to 12 hours a day
• Manatees only breathe through their nostrils

Labelled the state marine mammal of Florida back in 1975, the manatee is listed on the IUCN list as a vulnerable species. Although they have no natural predators in the wild, they are at risk due to the behaviour of humans; the most common cause of injury to manatees is being struck by boats and barges. Fortunately efforts are underway to help save these magnificent animals. You will learn more about this during your visit to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where rangers and volunteers will talk about how they are being protected in the wild.

Book your manatee experience with Debbie’s Villas

For an unforgettable experience that is a must for animal-lovers, Debbie’s Villas is pleased to be able to offer an all-inclusive, full day out which includes round-trip transportation from select locations in the Kissimmee, Disney and Orlando areas on Saturdays throughout the year, excluding some holidays.

To make sure that you start the day the right way, you will be provided with breakfast, before you don a mask, snorkel and fins† and take a dip in the crystal clear waters, coming face-to-face with a manatee in its natural environment. Manatees are friendly animals and are likely to come and greet you; if you are lucky they might even roll over and let you tickle them, or barrel roll next to you! Keep an eye open for the wild dolphins that also make this area their home.

After lunch you will be taken to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where many injured animals have been brought for rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. Here you will find the spectacular Underwater Observatory – where visitors can walk below the surface of the spring and gaze through the clear water as the fish and manatees swim past. The park is also home to numerous animals – including America’s oldest hippo Lu, who appeared on several TV shows in the 1960s, and has lived at the park since 1964. Other captive animals include alligators, black bears, flamingos, as well as endangered species such as whooping cranes, key deer and red wolves; all of these animals are unable to survive in the wild, so make the park their home. At the park you’ll also find three non-releasable manatees, and you will learn all about them from the knowledgeable park rangers and volunteers during one of the park’s fascinating daily manatee programmes.

This is the perfect opportunity to see the wild side of Florida, and its native residents up-close. For details of ticket prices for this all-day event, please contact Debbie’s Villas on 01892 836822. As places per tour will be limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

† Masks and snorkels are provided free of charge, but wetsuit hire is at an additional cost.