Where to Stay and Snorkel in Crystal River, FL

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It wasn’t until I moved to Florida that I discovered the amazing experiences like Crystal River, FL. Everyone knows Florida’s hot spots but thanks to a recent getaway from one of Florida’s sprawling cities, I found another place to add your Florida vacation list. A place where you can relax, be on the water AND interact with one of Florida’s beloved native animals (the Florida Manatee)!

Hoping to escape the city for a weekend and take advantage of Florida’s wildlife, Crystal River, FL seemed like the perfect place. This Citrus County town is the only place in the United States you can be in the water with manatees legally while viewing them in their natural environment. They are fervently looked after and protected in this region as they migrate here to take warmer refuge. Each winter they swim to the temperate waters of Three Sisters Spring and King’s Bay when the Gulf becomes too cold. Lucky for us visitors, we are able to passively observe them and their families.

January and February may be the high of the Manatee season, but you still can view them year round. Although these massive, gentle mammals get a lot of the town’s fame – fishing, scallop season, kayaking and many water activities all draw people to this beautiful area.

Where to stay in Crystal River, FL

Staying at the Plantation on Crystal River is a no brainer. You will find southern elegance on the outside, and beautiful up to date facilities on the inside. Their rooms are clean, modern and a perfect spot to relax from being on the water.

You are able to dine, rest your head, fish, kayak, rent a boat and swim with manatees all in one location. Your stay really is a one stop shop for all things Crystal River. Reserve a room on the water, grab a drink at their river side Tiki bar or relax in their spacious heated pool. Continue your time at this eco-friendly resort with a full spa and 27 hole golf course as well.

When planning a trip to a location that protects their environment as much as Crystal River, it is important to choose a place who shares in those values. The Plantation on Crystal River is a part of the Green Hotels Association as well as a member of the Rues selection of Eco-friendly hotels. The resort is constantly taking initiative to update their practices to be energy efficient and protect the environment they reside in!

Plantation Adventure Center

After a delicious dinner at the in-house restaurant of West 82 Bar and Grille and a wonderful night sleep at the Plantation on Crystal River you can wake up with the sun in time for your pre-reserved snorkel tour. A short walk from your room to the adventure center and they are ready to fit you with a wet suit and prepare your water exploration with an informative video of how to interact with the manatees. The certified captains take you through the famous springs with ease, and elevate the experience in every way.

If you plan to check swimming with manatees off your bucket list make sure to book one of their Manatee swim packages. This will provide you with a night stay, manatee tour, free breakfast and gift bag starting at $149. Making Plantation on Crystal River be your home away from home for the weekend will be the easiest and best planning decision you make! Your snorkel experience and the post exploration hot cocoa will have you planning another boat trip in the future.

Want to see our snorkel tour in action? Check out our video below!

Swimming with Manatees

City and See received a discounted rate for this collaboration, but as always all opinions are my own! Thank you Plantation on Crystal River!