Help Choosing Manatee Tour In Crystal River

[Scubagirlfl]

Hi, I just booked a weekend in Crystal River (Best Western hotel) for the "Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival" and I thought I'd try snorkeling with the Manatees while there. Does anyone have a preference between "Birds Underwater" & "Crystal River Dive Lodge"? Or can you suggest another operator?

TIA:winky:

 

[I Dive]

Birds seems well liked by anyone who has used them. Personally, I would avoid American Pro, I can't stand them and I know of other people who feel the same.

 

[adurso]

My family had good experiences with Bird's. We have steered friends there who report good experiences as well.

 

[JamieS]

I have snorkeled with the manatees twice. Both times my wife and I rented a boat from one of the dive shops. The dive shop right at the Best Western rents them. This allowed us to go at our own pace and spend as much time as we wanted with the great critters. There are two main places to find the manatees and they are both easy to find. (the dive shop will show you how to get there and even give you a map) Whatever you decide, it is a great experience.

 

[deepstops]

Bird is the word.

 

[Salmonboy97]

I have heard Birds is very good, although I dont have any experiences with them.
I have rented a boat from Crystal Lodge Dive Center and had a VERY good time. Not too expensive and you can take you time and see what you want to see. This is the dive shop behind the Best Western. Their link is: Manatee tours, manatee swim, manatee dive, manatee snorkeling at Crystal Lodge Dive Center in Crystal River Florida
If you feel comfortable operating a boat by yourself or someone in your party I would recommend the Crystal Lodge Dive Center, if not go with Birds. At CLDC they will give you instructions for interacting with the Manatee and maps of the river so you know where to stay out.

 

[moneysavr]

Birds underwater ! I 5th!
Great shop, book early as they fill up quick,last March on our way north we called a week in advance and March is about the end of the good season and wow was surprised the A.M.Charter were full.They go out real early best time!!!!!!
There are some good opps and some not so good opps in the Crystal River area and some bad ones too-I had the privilege to be out with Rudy from BUW and could see his main concern was not to disturb the Manatee and a real Eco lesson was had by all! If all the operators did this it would be great.

Oh so since time was short we rented a boat as I am familiar with the area from The Port Motel Dive shop and got my sons with 5 manatee in area that was away from the cattle boats= we sat in the water and these graceful giants of the sea came to us and checked us out PRICELESS ,after a 1/2 hour we got back on the boat and pulled anchor and drifted out of the area and motored back to the dive shop.
I don't suggest renting boats to those unfamiliar with Florida laws pertaining to boating and safe operation in areas with manatee or interaction with manatees.
Just my 2 cents,
Brad

 

[deeper thoughts]

Birds underwater ! I 5th!
Great shop, book early as they fill up quick,last March on our way north we called a week in advance and March is about the end of the good season and wow was surprised the A.M.Charter were full.They go out real early best time!!!!!!
There are some good opps and some not so good opps in the Crystal River area and some bad ones too-I had the privilege to be out with Rudy from BUW and could see his main concern was not to disturb the Manatee and a real Eco lesson was had by all! If all the operators did this it would be great.

Oh so since time was short we rented a boat as I am familiar with the area from The Port Motel Dive shop and got my sons with 5 manatee in area that was away from the cattle boats= we sat in the water and these graceful giants of the sea came to us and checked us out PRICELESS ,after a 1/2 hour we got back on the boat and pulled anchor and drifted out of the area and motored back to the dive shop.
I don't suggest renting boats to those unfamiliar with Florida laws pertaining to boating and safe operation in areas with manatee or interaction with manatees.
Just my 2 cents,
Brad

Are there any buoys or do you have to anchor everywhere?
Thnx

 

[trigfunctions]

Crystal Lodge Dive Center is great. You can stay at the Best Western for reasonable rates and walk to the shop. I would recommend going out on a tour the first time so you understand the area and the manatees, but after that you can rent little boats from them cheap (around $15/hour) and explor on your own. We just went a couple weeks ago (for the thrid time) and it was incredible!

 

[Goindrinkn]

To keep with Trig's line of thinking, we go up often in the cooler months, and I would second the the fact that exploring on your own is the way to go. My wife and I started by renting kayaks, there are a few places up there. A short paddle over to the Three Sisters area (a sping where you're sure to find a herd of manatee) and you're easily in the water and up close and personal. (There are areas where it is shallow and some rocks to stand on for easy entry back into the boats. - You Cannot get on the shore in this area.)

But regardless, getting there on your own is the way to go for insiders. The tours all start around 8 putting the people in the water at 8:45ish. They are out around 10 and the next round gets to the spings around 11. The reason to get your own ride is to get there early, and enjoy that 30 / 45 minutes when there's really no one there.

No matter how you do it, it is one of the most amazing expierences imho.

One last bit of advice, Don't rule out the EconoLodge just up the street. If you have to drive a block, you might as well drive the mile and a half and save almost 50%. Accomidations are extraviant, but in the dozen or so times we've stayed there it's always been nice and clean, and it will be in the $65 dollar range when the one's down the street are $119. (That's a steak dinner and some drinks for me!)