Manatees have been documented eating over 60 different varieties of vegetation including turtle grass, manatee grass, shoal grass, mangrove leaves, water hyacinth, hydrilla, and eelgrass.
Swim with the Manatees in Crystal River: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience
Crystal River, located in Florida's Citrus County, is a popular destination for those seeking to witness the gentle giants of the sea - manatees. Known as the "Manatee Capital of the World", Crystal River is home to the largest population of West Indian manatees in the United States. These friendly, slow-moving mammals flock to the warm waters of the Crystal River during the winter months which can be known as manatee season, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with these floaty potatoes.
Swim With Manatees in Florida: 5 Must-Know Tips
Can manatees live in saltwater?
Manatee Q&A: Why do manatees scar?
Since manatee bones are so fragile, when a boat's propeller comes in contact with a manatee it can result in scratching the manatee and causing them to scar. One of the ways humans have tried to avoid this is by putting propeller caps on so they can’t slice the manatee, but this results in blunt force trauma which can cause a manatee's bones to completely shatter.
Manatee Q&A: Are Manatees Friendly To Humans?
Announcing - Homosassa Heat!
It's our favorite time of year!!
Special Manatee Group Tour Package
Baby Boom
It's an exciting time here in Crystal River as the spring brings us sunshine and warmth, but also newborn manatees! So far this season we have had at least 3 babies born in the Bay, all healthy with doting mothers. One baby we are calling 'Tater-tot', the second baby we call 'Lil 'Stache' (as he has white marks that look like half a mustache) and the newest calf...
Another Summer Gone... Now Here Come the Manatees!
Manatees and Their Six Senses
Most of the life of a manatee is spent in very murky water and they are also active throughout the night in the dark. For this reason, manatees do not need to have perfect vision and are reported to be practically near sighted, however they have receptors for both blue and green wave lengths allowing them to see in color and can therefore differentiate between random objects and luscious green plants to eat.