Discover Crystal River manatee season, the best months for viewing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Plan your trip with expert tips for unforgettable encounters.
Crystal River is a beautiful destination, no matter what time of year you go. Whether you are looking to snorkel in crystal clear water, see amazing wildlife or visit some unique historical parks, Crystal River is a top destination. But if you are looking specifically to see manatees, I am here to tell you, there is a better time of year to view them, and that’s manatee season!
Crystal River manatee season officially starts November 15th and ends March 31st, but as long as it’s cold outside, you are pretty much guaranteed to see them! Now, does that mean you won’t see them on a Crystal River snorkeling tour in the middle of June? Not necessarily. In the Kings Bay, there is always a chance to see manatees but it is heightened during the winter.
The Kings Bay is the main body of water, about 640 acres in total, where we see manatees! Within the Kings Bay is Three Sisters Springs. It is a gorgeous destination with see through, glass like water that is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. From the dock at Kaceys Custom Adventures, it takes about twenty to thirty minutes to paddle to. But because you are paddling through Kings Bay waters to get to the springs, there is always a chance to spot manatees. Although, like I said, it is heightened during the winter.
You see, manatees cannot handle the cold. So when the temperatures in the Gulf drop, they are forced to find warmer waters. Our springs stay a constant 72 degrees fahrenheit no matter what time of year which is a part of that Florida magic! So in the winter when the Gulf drops, they come into the Kings Bay to keep warm!
With that said, the Kings Bay is actually home to 30-40 resident manatees that never leave! Meaning, it could be the middle of July and a manatee might still pass by. It’s simply more rare and harder to find them in the warmer months. So if you are looking for the time of year with the best chance possible to view manatees in their natural habitat, anytime between November and March is recommended. See the chart below on the average manatee sighting month by month in the Kings Bay.
Month Average number of manatee sightings
| December-February (Peak Season) | 200-400 is typical for peak season |
| March | Gradual decline as the weather warms, 50-150 |
| April-May | 20-60 depending on weather |
| June-August | 10-40 due to heat |
| September-October | Numbers slowly rise as weather cools, 20-60 |
| November | Beginning of the season, 30-100 |
Keep in mind that we can never guarantee a manatee sighting, no matter the time of year, because they are wild animals that do whatever they want! We can only make educated guesses and do our best to recommend or take you to areas they are commonly seen!
There are lots of different ways to get out on the water, no matter the time of year. You can go on a guided clear kayaking and snorkel experience with Kaceys Custom Adventures, or you can take yourself and do a self guided Crystal River kayak rental. We even offer snorkel gear rentals, although snorkel gear is included with our guided tours! There are pros and cons to each option so feel free to give us a call so we can break down each experience for you and help you get booked!
Contact Kaceys Custom Adventures here!
Because there is more likely to be manatees during manatee season, if you are looking for that crystal clear water snorkeling experience, I would actually recommend avoiding manatee season. Our waterways here have multiple areas that get closed off during manatee season, preventing people from going into them. There will be ropes and buoys and such blocking you from entering specific areas, the Three Sister Springs being one of those areas. That way the manatees are able to peacefully exist during the time of year they really need to be in our springs.
All in all, it depends entirely on the kind of experience you want to have for the best time for you to visit. Not interested in snorkeling and are wanting to see multiple manatees in their natural habitat? Go in November through March. Wanting to get in the crystal clear water to snorkel with a lesser chance to see manatees? Go in April through October. You really cannot choose wrong, you simply have to choose the option that is best for you! Feel free to give us a call so we can talk you through exactly what you are looking for! The Kaceys Custom Adventures phone number is: (352)-496-9706. You can even text us your questions and we will do our best to answer or give you a call back!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best time of year to see manatees?
Anytime it is cold outside!
2. When is manatee season?
November 15th -March 31st
3. Can I go snorkeling in the springs during manatee season?
Not typically, although they do occasionally open the springs up strictly for swimming on the very warm days.
4. Where can I rent kayaks in Crystal River?
Kaceys Custom Adventures has many rental options suitable for all! Click here to view their rental pricing: Crystal River Kayak Rentals.
5. How can I go on a clear kayaking tour?
We offer clear kayaking tours all year round, simply give us a call or book through the website found here!
6. Can I just rent snorkel gear if I have my own kayak?
Yes! Kaceys Custom Adventures can handle all of your needs!
