Crystal River, Florida is known as the Manatee Capital of the World. In the winter, manatees migrate to the warm waters of the Crystal River, Kings Bay and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. For some help planning a trip to see the manatees, here's a possible itinerary for a 3-day trip:
Day 1: Fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and pick up your rental car. Drive to your military accommodation (see options below). Depending on the availability, you might be staying on base or at a nearby hotel booked. In the afternoon, visit the Tampa Bay Aquarium to learn more about manatees and other marine life.
Day 2: Take a manatee tour in Crystal River in the afternoon. Most tours depart from Kings Bay Drive and are led by certified guides who will take you to spots where manatees are known to congregate.
Day 3: Spend the morning kayaking in Crystal River. You can rent kayaks from a local outfitter and explore the waterways at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located about 30 miles south of Crystal River. The park is home to a herd of manatees as well as other wildlife, such as alligators, bears, and bobcats.
Tips for Spotting Manatees:
Take a guided tour: Join a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who can help you spot manatees and provide information about these amazing creatures.
Be patient: Manatees can be shy, so be prepared to spend some time waiting for them to appear.
Look for signs of manatees: Keep an eye out for bubbles rising to the surface, which can indicate the presence of manatees.
Respect their space: Remember to keep a safe distance from manatees and avoid touching or disturbing them.
Other Tips:
Check the weather: Avoid visiting during strong winds or rough seas, as this can make it difficult to spot manatees.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you may need to walk or kayak to get to the best viewing spots.
Bring sunscreen and water: Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated during your visit.
Staying at Military Lodging or Camping:
Military Lodging:
MacDill Air Force Base (AFB): MacDill AFB offers a variety of lodging options, including single rooms, suites, and family quarters. They can be reached at (813) 828-4030 or DSN 828-4030.
Eglin Air Force Base: Eglin AFB is located about 100 miles west of Crystal River and offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. You can find availability and make reservations online at https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/eglin-afb.
Tyndall Air Force Base: Tyndall AFB is located about 150 miles west of Crystal River and offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Find availability and make reservations online at https://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/Tyndall-AFB
Military Camping:
MacDill Air Force Base FamCamp & FamCamp Annex: The FamCamp is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Tampa. The FamCamp has 120 RV sites, including 30 with full hookups (water, electric, and sewage) and 90 with electric and water hookups. There are also 10 primitive sites for tents and small trailers. Reservations can be made by calling 813-840-6919 or 813-840-6920. Find more information here: https://macdillfss.com/famcamp
No other military campgrounds are located near Crystal River. There are several private campgrounds in the area. Here are a few options:
Crystal Isles RV Resort: This campground is located on the banks of the Crystal River and offers full hookups, a swimming pool, and a boat ramp. Contact information can be found on https://www.rvonthego.com/florida/crystal-isles-rv-resort/.
Crystal River KOA: The KOA offers a range of campsites, including tent sites with electric hookups, RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewage), Deluxe RV sites with full hookups and patio furniture, glamping options, including yurts and cabins, and a heated pool is available for guests to relax and enjoy. More info can be found at https://koa.com/campgrounds/crystal-river/
Remember to respect these incredible creatures and their habitats. Enjoy your visit to Florida and your chance to see these amazing manatees!
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