Crystal River, home of the Manatee was our stop over point following on from TampaYbor. We chose this destination before leaving the UK as we saw there was a Manatee festival during the 22/23rd January. So interest peaked and wondering for starters what Manatees were and what they did and looked like we decided for a look around. The festival itself was a collection of stalls running the length of a few streets (blocks) and had stalls selling home-wares, charity, arts & crafts, manatee things and food stuffs including Monster burgers (which were quite tasty!). We spent and hour or two taking in the stalls and decided to have a boat ride down the Crystal River springs which were our first encounter with the Manatees. They are quite cumbersome "baby proofed" critters as described by capt. Todd, i.e. No sharp edges all blubbery and cute. They are very docile and friendly and inquisitive mammals that swim up close to the boats and people snorkelling in the river. We were hooked on em, they are just adorable. Following our boat trip, we chatted and gave ourselves a time limit to decide if to stay on a further day and go snorkelling with them.
How could we resist? 8am the next day we were in wet suits and flippers and snorkelling gear having our very own first hand interventions with them, sadly the water wasn't as clear when we went as it had been the previous day - but nevertheless we did manage to interact and stroke a few that came to say hello. It was a truly satisfying feeling interacting with them in their natural habitat and they swim right up to you and say hello !! We literally got face to face with them.
We stayed an extra night but it was worth it next stop Tallahassee. Mike & Kelly