Our family would like to visit Crystal River and swim with the manatees. Are there several different places or groups that will take you out? Which one is the best to go with. ANY info would be very much appreciated.

Sorry, I thought I was posting my message on the Florida site. Will write it there, too.

I've done this many times (I live 90 minutes from Crystal River) but have always simply rented either a jon boat with motor or a canoe and tooled around myself. I believe there is a dive shop that takes tours out but I just can't remember the name of it. You DO know the manatees are only there between about November and March, don't you? They only come in when the Gulf goes below 70 degrees or so.

One of the places I've rented boats from is The Plantation Resort. There's another place right next to it which rents jon boats and canoes, too.

Hello. We did this in Crystal River just after Thanksgiving of last year. The tours only go out in the morning and we had arrived at lunch so just rented a pontoon and wet suits and out we went. You can't miss the spot where the manatees swim and the channels are well marked so you can't get lost. Take some snacks and enjoy a pleasant afternoon. The people you rent from will tell you everthing you need to know. I think you would enjoy this more than a tour although there are several. I did a search before we went and found much information available online but am glad we just did it on our own. You can stay as little or as long as you like. But hurry you don't have much time left.

Thanks for all the info!
We plan on getting there the night before so we won't have to get up quite so early.
Is there one company you would recommend over another?
I really appreciate your help!