Best Things to See & Do in Crystal River 2022 // How to Swim With Manatees Guide

In this episode, we're showing you the best things to see and do in Crystal River, Florida which proudly claims the title of "Manatee Capital of the World." Hundreds of sea cows are drawn to the warm spring-fed waters of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs when temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico get too chilly for them to survive. Adventure seekers from all over the world flock here during winter months not only to catch a glimpse of these endangered gentle giants but to swim with them as well. This is the only place in the U.S. where vacationers can do so legally.
If you’re looking to spend time in Florida in a spot where you can really get in touch with nature, Crystal River and the surrounding area might just be what you’re looking for.
#CrystalRiver #Manatee #Homosassa
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*List edited 11/2021 to reflect what's in my everyday carry.

[@leorasmoot6422]

I live in Spring Hill, about a half hour from Homosassa. This area is a wonderful, old Florida experience! I love the archeological site!

[@joannatassin3238]

This is a bucket-list item for me. I can't wait for an opportunity to go to the Three Sisters boardwalks!

[@helgabullabong]

Wow, such a beautiful place. Lots of great spots for enjoying nature. Florida certainly has it all! Cheers

[@joaniemama111]

I live a few miles from three sisters Springs. IMHO the Manatees love having human interaction and it is also beneficial for humans, like swimming with Dolphins. High vibration. ✌️

[@dakotahstr]

This video just popped up on my screen. Florida is now on my radar for next year. ! Was in Tampa in the 70s. Wow!

[@mariashaffer-gordon3561]

Very informative. This area is on my bucket list.

[@ninaova]

Great guide to crystal river. Just what I was looking for. Good job 👍🏼 and BIG thank you!!

[@evangelineclarke2220]

I love all your videos very helpful thank you 😊….

[@carolynknisely2383]

Great!! Thank you!!!

[@sallyeblen7032]

Thanks for sharing

[@chrischeesennancysemiretir5063]

You always have good things to share! Thank you!!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thank u!

[@cindyluwhonelson1416]

Beautiful area!

[@sarahdodd7645]

Planning on going next month! perfect timing! Thank you!

[@aeb491]

Don't expect to see all those manatees in Three Sisters if that's what you're going for. The peak times to see them are November - March. The best time is on a cold winter day (ideally, Jan or Feb).

[@honeybadgerXX]

Great info, thanks for posting.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks for watching!

[@fabiennejtravellife]

I enjoy this video! Thanks!

[@ChadGallivanter]

I'm so glad!

[@MrDrpepper44]

Great video and your narration is on point! We are looking to relocate to that part of the state and this helps dial in our search. Thanks!!

[@ChadGallivanter]

That’s great Tommy. Best of luck in your search!

[@themockman]

Nice ❤ best video ive seen for the area 😎😎

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@themockman]

@@ChadGallivanter yea definitely thanks 😎

[@themockman]

Nice

[@candacegrypstra577]

Thank you 😊 I was wondering if it would be fun to visit even if we didn’t want to swim or kayak.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Yes, great little downtown area!

[@pigybak]

If you ride, gotta check out the W Ozello Trail (CR 494).

[@RoadiewithRich]

I don’t but my sister does and she has mentioned that

[@runswithbeer]

You're not supposed to touch them though, you are supposed to wait for them to come to you.

[@aeb491]

Yes. Touching a manatee in the State of Florida is actually a misdemeanor, punishable w/ jail time and / or fines.

[@BIVESNUMBERONEFAN]

So 😍 Pretty.

[@lindasmith4810]

Are there homes on crystal river

[@terris1750]

Yes, many homes

[@terris1750]

Yes it's legal to swim with the Manatees but not to touch them!

[@johnwootton836]

Love your videos but the new special effect of the flashing in the historical portions to mimic an old film reel is kind of disturbing visually.

[@aeb491]

I agree. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I have to look away until that portion finishes.

[@jordanvegas7945]

you never said how to get into the water and actually swim w the manatees

[@maggyfernandez9125]

Hello everyone I live in New York on my life Florida from my health and my grandchildren ended up in Crystal River place called Meadowcrest believe it or not I'm here only a year and I missed New York very much yes Crystal River is a beautiful place but for some reason I'm a New Yorker and I'll always be a New Yorker New York I miss my friend I miss my job Crystal River is more for a retirement person and a non acting person I like to play dominoes I like to have company over and play music I'm up to all hours of the night I like my community very nice Community before I came to Crystal River it was called Citrus Springs that is a dead area and I felt like Little Red Riding Hood in the woods but like I said I moved here from my house and my family my grandchildren are here had no one else in New York but if I had the chance to go back to New York I would

[@mamacitabambi3558]

My daughter and her family, moved to Crystal River, too. I haven't been there, and I wish I could go visit. It looks so nice there. It can be difficult to move away from your home town.

[@maggyfernandez9125]

@@mamacitabambi3558 yes it is different than my hometown which is New York I wish your daughter all the luck in the world I'm in Crystal River and I wish if your daughter was lonely maybe we could hook up how long has she been in Crystal River

[@mamacitabambi3558]

I think they've been there for about a year and a half now? She's very active and busy, and she does a lot with her family. She really hasn't ventured outside of her family with activities. How long have you been there? I'm sure its completely different than NY! A whole new culture, I would imagine. I would think The Springs and manatees would be amazing to go an be around? Do you have a raft you can float down the rivers? They have festivals! I understand tho, it's hard to adjust to another type of life style.

[@maggyfernandez9125]

@@mamacitabambi3558 I've been here for almost a year my daughter lives in Florida she is about half hour from me with my grandchildren I moved here for my health and for my grandchildren and my daughter I had a girlfriend for 35 years with my best friend she was like a sister to me and it's been very😢 depressing not having her with me I really miss New York very much I can't feel Florida at all my husband loves it here he loves his job thank God everyone's been trying to make me feel comfortable and make this be home it's just me being depressed and I am in a community called Meadowcrest which is very nice I was in Citrus Springs before I was in Crystal River and I was in the woods and I didn't like it there you don't put a girl from New York in the woods LOL it's hard to make friends here because people are not the same I like to play dominoes I like to take walks I like to do things but here in Florida people like to keep themselves and I'm a very sociable person but I wish you all the luck in the world and your daughter as well and I hope she continues to like Florida hopefully someday I can go back to New York and visit all my friends God bless🙏 and take care you can always keep in touch if you like I wouldn't mind cuz I'm very lonely😢 here

[@mamacitabambi3558]

@@maggyfernandez9125 I think it can take a few years, after a move to a different place, to really get established and make new friends. I found that volunteering or getting a job helps. Ive been told, Crystal River is much like a bedroom community, because its safer and has more of a retirement population, and that it's quieter. But, it really is close to other areas where there's more action and things to do. I came from a good sized city, to one with a population of around 750ish? I actually miss going to Walmart and Costco, a lot! I was able to go to different places, at any hour I wanted to go, really! Haha! For me to hit up a Walmart now, I have to drive a little over an hour, lol! I miss having access to stores where I could shop for clothes, and malls that have all sorts of different stores, and the variety of restaurants was great in a big city. But most of all, I miss all of the wonderful friends I left behind. I talk to them over the phone, but its not the same as driving over to their house or meeting them for a girls session. But, I really do love the small town charm, and the quietness and safety of the neighborhoods here. Its safer for children in schools in smaller towns. People are very friendly and kind here. And, when there is crime, it's not the same as a big city. I'm getting older now, and have slowed down, but I do miss some of the things a city has to offer. Well, actually I miss a lot of things! I didn't play dominoes, but I did have other interests that I miss. Maybe you can research online, if there are any groups that play dominoes in that area? Or, once you get more established and meet more people, maybe you can get a group of players there? "You can take the girl out of the state, but you can't take the state out of the girl." I heard that years ago, and its true. You can move, but your heart will always be somewhere else.

[@gregorystiller975]

The steps over the mound is unethical.

[@nameisprivate5429]

Govt needs to keep the gators out of there.