Where are the manatees in Kings Bay?
Paddling to Three Sisters Spring Wildlife Refuge or along the seven mile Crystal River, is a must. Manatees are easily visible. Rentals are nearby, some will deliver and pickup right from here. Also check out Rainbow Springs, Weeki Wachee, and The Chassahowitzka which are located less than an hour away.
Can you swim in Kings Bay?
There’s only one place in North America where you legally swim with manatees, and that’s in the Crystal River area— located about 90 minutes north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida. The headwaters of Crystal River are known as Kings Bay, where the water temperature is a consistent 72 degrees year-round.
Are there alligators in Kings Bay?
There are alligators in Crystal River. They live in King’s Bay, and the surrounding canals. They are also found in Three Sisters Spring. Alligators can live in any body of freshwater in Florida.
Are the manatees still at Crystal River?
The manatee season at Crystal River NWR begins in mid-November and ends in late March. This is when the manatee sanctuaries go into effect. During the winter months, manatees come to the springs of Crystal River NWR to conserve the energy necessary to survive the cold Gulf waters.
Can you touch manatees in Crystal River?
Remember – Look but don’t touch manatees The Crystal River and Kings Bay area is the only area in Florida where swimmers are monitored around manatees.
Where can I swim with manatees in Florida for free?
Swim with manatees for free – Hunter Springs Park
- United States.
- Florida (FL)
- Crystal River.
- Crystal River – Things to Do.
- Hunter Springs Park.
Do alligators go after manatees?
Alligators aren’t a threat to manatees larger than a calf, the FWC said. Attacks on manatees by gators are extremely rare, and manatees’ large size and swimming ability (they’re speedy in the water) make it difficult for alligators to pose a significant threat, according to the FWC.
What to do if a manatee touches you?
Touching a manatee is illegal Touching manatees also may lead to a violation of the U.S. federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Ordinarily, touching a manatee is punishable under the Manatee Sanctuary Act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days.
Has a manatee ever attacked a human?
In fact, they are curious animals that enjoy human interaction and are quite happy to relate with and be around humans. That’s why it’s quite common for manatees to approach swimmers or divers for a belly rub or close contact. Manatees are not known to attack or harm anything.