Plongée à Crystal River (Manatees) — United States

Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with endangered Florida manatees in their natural habitat. Hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters from November to March, allowing intimate snorkel encounters. It's not traditional diving, but it's utterly unforgettable.

Score
56.4
Visibilité
5–15m
Température
22–24°C
Meilleurs mois
November, December, January
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Crystal River (Manatees)
United StatesNorth America
56.4

SCORE

28.9023°N

-82.5926°E

Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with endangered Florida manatees in their natural habitat. Hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters from November to March, allowing intimate snorkel encounters. It's not traditional diving, but it's utterly unforgettable.

Swimming with Gentle Giants

Visibility5–15 m
Temperature22–24°C
Max Depth8 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$70
Best MonthsNovember, December, January, February
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML55.0CH10.0VIS50.0SV38.0TMP72.0DA30.0OP82.0TS65.0GT78.0VAL72.0CRD40.0SP85.0

Marine Life

55.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
35
Megafauna Encounters
92
Reef Fish Abundance
30
Macro Life
25
Endemic Species
50
Marine Life Diversity
55.0
Coral & Reef Health
10.0
Visibility & Conditions
50.0
Dive Site Variety
38.0
Water Temperature
72.0
Depth & Access
30.0
Operator Quality
82.0
Topside Experience
65.0
Getting There
78.0
Value & Cost
72.0
Crowding
40.0
Social Proof
85.0

Dive Types

freshwaterspringsnorkel

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

Three Sisters Springs boardwalkkayakingHomosassa Springs Wildlife State Parkairboat tours

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Crystal River Archaeological State Park
  • Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

Non-Diver Score

10/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber100 km — Tampa General Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Nearest Hospital15 km

Local hospital in Crystal River; chamber at Tampa General (1.5 hr drive)

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Crystal River Watersports

PADI

4.8
650 reviews

Plantation Adventure Center

NAUI

4.7
420 reviews