CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A hidden gem along Florida's Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River has created two winter packages giving guests the chance to swim with the West Indian Manatee in Crystal River, Fla., the only location in North America where you can legally swim and interact with these sea cows in the wild.
Starting at $230 for two guests, the one-night Swim with the Manatees package includes:
- Accommodations in a renovated garden view room
- Manatee snorkeling tour for two from the Plantation Adventure Center with all equipment needed (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit).Tours leave directly from the on-property dock at Plantation Adventure Center & Dive Shop and provide hot chocolate and coffee on the enclosed boats and a hot shower facility for those guests who already checked out or snorkelers not staying at the resort.
- Breakfast for two at West 82° Bar & Grill
- Welcome bag with plush manatee toy, fun facts and manatee interaction guidelines.
If guests would like to add a little more adventure and an additional night to their getaway, the resort is also offering a two-night Swim and Dive package. In addition to all the amenities from the Manatee package, guests receive an additional night as well as a guided tour for two to one of Florida's most pristine rivers and fourth largest spring system in Florida, Rainbow River. The Swim and Dive package is $540 for two people.
Manatee tours are offered year-round at Plantation’s Adventure Center & Dive Shop, headquarters for Florida’s best spring dives, but in the winter time guests are guaranteed to see these gentle giants. During prime manatee viewing season, which usually runs from Oct.1-Mar. 31 depending on temperatures, guests will experience the truly unique travel adventure of swimming with more than 300 manatees as they play, eat, and socialize with one another. The manatees enjoy the year-round 72°F waters of Florida's second largest spring system – relatively warm considering manatee season is in the winter.