There are many tour operators that offer scalloping in the Crystal River area, and all provide generally the same experience. Off you go, looking for the next, and before you know it you’ve been in the water for hours, consistently telling yourself that you’ll get “just one more” before getting out. The process is fun and addicting - you might go five or ten minutes without finding one, and then, bam, you spot one and feel that rush of excitement, diving down and grabbing it and putting it into your bag. Wake and Wander MediaĪ trained eye (such as our guide) could collect dozens in less than a hour for me, spotting the clams amongst the grass and sand was a challenge, but even as a rookie, I was able to collect nearly thirty in two hours. The Plantation Inn offers a cook-your-catch special at its Tiki Bar and restaurant. I wouldn’t fault anyone for wanting to go in high season - I too would like to experience it some day - but don’t sleep on low season, as it does have its perks (not to mention, rates are lower!). In fact, what we experienced that day was perhaps more in tune with the true personality of a manatee and the Crystal River area - a relaxed, up-close-and-personal interaction, slow-going in nature, peaceful in its energy. While the experience certainly wasn’t as otherworldly as it might be to see hundreds of manatees in the water, I was happy not to see hundreds of other people, and having one-on-one time with the manatee was a treat you probably wouldn’t get in high season. This will provide the best outcome for both you and the manatee, she explained. Our guide, Courtney, told us there were a handful of manatees in the bay at the moment, and before long we found ourselves in the water with one, floating above it as it munched on sea grass, oblivious (or seemingly so) to our presence.Ĭourtney offered us some sage advice as we got into the water: “To see the manatee, you have to be the manatee.” That is, don’t rush up on the animal instead, mimic its relaxed behavior and simply float above it. In the summer, there are less manatees, but also less people trying to see them.įrom the Plantation Adventure Center, we hopped aboard a manatee snorkeling cruise. Here, an obvious tradeoff exists: If you come during the winter, there will be a lot of manatees, but also a lot of people. But, the gentle giants can still be found during the summer, and although initially skeptical, I found the experience to be plenty rewarding. With my trip planned for July, I knew I wouldn’t see the hoards of manatees I’ve seen in the photos. One of the main natural attractions of the area is the manatee migration that takes place every winter, beginning in November and going through March.ĭuring this time, hundreds of manatees visit Crystal River’s fresh water bays, where they rest, re-coop, and escape the cold waters of the Gulf winter. Low Season Snorkeling: ‘To See the Manatee, Be the Manatee’ The onsite Tiki Bar serves fresh seafood, and with other attractions within a bike or kayak ride away, it’s a shrewd location for a homebase. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.The Plantation is an active marina for tour boats and private vessels, and the grounds have lots of green space and huge live oak trees, perfect for sitting out and watching the boats come in and out. IDX information is provided exclusively for personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. This data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. This information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, and it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Listing Information presented by local MLS brokerage: Zillow, Inc - (407) 904-3511 The listing broker’s offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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