Meet the Staff - Captain John Baltzell

Thank you, John - for all your years of loyalty, service and providing an inspiration to thousands of animal lovers!! If Johnny B sounds like the Captain for you, it is always possible to request him when making your dreams of swimming with manatees come true! 

Summer Manatees Tour

Being an in-water Manatee Tour guide is my PASSION! It’s such a joy to meet people from all over the world and I consider it a true honor to introduce these visitors to my manatee friends. Seven days a week, all year round, not only do I get to visit with my favorite animals in the world, but I can share it with like-minded individuals that leave with a sense of wonder that’s difficult to express!

What it Means to Scallop!

Citrus County is one of those lucky spots! Scallops live for about a year, and die shortly after they spawn, so recreational scallop harvesting does not interfere with scallop populations as the season doesn’t start until after spawning has occurred, so don’t feel too bad while you suck down these tasty little morsels.

Crystal River: 8 Things You Must Do

Crystal River is a quiet, yet adventurous town off Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. I love the area so much that I went back again this year to check off some of the things I didn’t do last year! Here are some of my recommendations!

17 Best Things To Do With Kids in Florida On a Budget

From Disney World to Universal, Florida is known for its abundance of theme park attractions. Adding up the cost of entrance fees, food and accommodation, however, can add up pretty quickly when you’re planning a family getaway to the Sunshine State. Luckily for those on a budget, Florida is also home to plenty of low-cost attractions where you can escape the tourist crowds and save your hard-earned money. 

Schwimmen mit den Manatees in Crystal River

Florida wird vielfach als Musterbeispiel für künstlich geschaffene Tourismusattraktionen genannt. Kein Wunder, hält man sich die Vielzahl der Freizeitparks rund um Orlando vor Augen. Aber der US-Bundesstaat bietet auch echte Naturerlebnisse, die man sonst kaum auf dieser Welt erleben kann. Dazu zählt natürlich oft als erstes ein Besuch der Everglades und ihrer schier unzähligen Alligatoren und anderen Tierarten. Ein Erlebnis ganz besonderer Art gibt es jedoch in Westflorida nahe Clearwater in Crystal River und Homosassa: hier kann man mit den archaisch anmutenden Seekühen, hier Manatees genannt, schwimmen.