Discover Crystal River, Florida: The Manatee Capital of the World

Home of the Manatee

Crystal River and Florida’s Citrus County, located on the Gulf of Mexico, are an easy drive from Orlando and Tampa yet a world away from Florida’s busy theme parks and beaches. This is Florida in its natural state and nothing quite defines the natural wonders of Florida like the manatee. Crystal River and Homosassa are among the only places in the world where you can swim with manatees in their natural habitat.

More manatees gather in the waters of Crystal River and nearby Homosassa than anywhere else in Florida, giving it the name The Manatee Capital of the World. As many as 1,000 manatees — one-sixth of Florida’s manatee population–shelter in the 73°F (23°C) clear springs here each winter.

Swim with Manatee Tours and “Dry” tours—tours where you don’t get in the water–get you close to these amazing mammals on water while Three Sisters Springs Refuge and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park provide an amazing up-close view from land.

Photo: Discover Crystal River Florida

Diving for Scallops

In summer, the delectable Florida bay scallop draws hungry visitors to the Big Bend region of Florida to dive for scallops living in shallow water seagrass beds just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

Diving for scallops is often described as an underwater Easter Egg Hunt where guides provide everything you need. Afterward, you can enjoy the day’s catch at one of Crystal River and Homosassa’s many Seafood Restaurants where chefs are happy to prepare your fresh caught dinner with distinct regional flare.

Photo: Discover Crystal RIver Florida

Florida’s Cycle City

For outdoor adventure and year-round fun, the City of Inverness can’t be beat. Right at the center of Florida’s 46-mile-long Withlacoochee State Recreation Trail, the city has truly embraced a cycling ethos with the impressive Depot District knitting together the cycling Trail with three lake-front parks and the city’s lively downtown which features restaurants, pubs, and even a microbrewery.

RV Haven

With over 2000 RV spaces, Florida’s Citrus County has all the variety you could hope for in your stay. From the Gulf of Mexico to the inland lakes, the waterfront awaits at Nature’s Resort and the Crystal Isles Resort. Or choose the secluded quiet and full amenities of forested Rock Crusher Canyon. Either way, getting around here is always a breeze and fun is just a few traffic-free minutes away.

A Premier Florida Eco-Tourism Destination

Crystal River and Florida’s Citrus County stand out for a wide array of true natural Florida experiences. Whether it’s cycling, hiking, birding or fishing, you’ll find inspiring and restorative natural settings and welcoming small towns where the pace is easier and there is room to roam.

Discover Crystal River Florida.

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