Here in Crystal River we have a special group of resident manatees that stay with us year round. This resident herd of manatees enables us to conduct our manatee swim tours daily throughout the year. As with every year, starting around the middle to the end of March, the manatees that make our river their winter home return to the warming waters of the Gulf of Mexico to spend the summer feeding on the abundant sea grasses along the Florida coastline. Continuing from mid March through September, manatee tour conditions can vary day to day based on factors such as the weather, and the amount of boat traffic in our bay. We encourage all of our guests to come on our early 6:15 AM tour during the warmer months for the best possible experience. By coming out early, you beat the heavy boat traffic that builds on our bay as the morning progresses. We like to make sure that everyone is clear on the facts; The manatees are not always in the clear water springs during the warmer months, and because the number of manatees in our bay is much less than in the winter time, and no one can ever predict the level of interaction you may experience or guarantee a specific amount of time that you might be in the water with them. Some days will offer an experience similar to the winter months where the manatees are plentiful and in the clear water while others may offer the normal summer experience of limited interactions in water that has less visibility. Please take these facts into consideration when booking your tour. Our captains are experienced in locating the manatees and are dedicated to making your tour the best it can possibly be. We hope that everyone remembers that these are not trained animals in a contained environment; these are wild and endangered animals residing in their own natural habitat, free to roam where they please. Common conditions in the summer months is seeing and or swimming with 1 to 3 or maybe 4 manatees. True nature and animal lovers will find the summer experience just as satisfying as it is in the winter months, realizing that seeing even just one of these endangered animals free to live in their own environment is much more fulfilling than viewing them held in captivity.