Nov. 15th is when the sancuaries go up (give or take). Here are some of my ideas for a great deal in Citrus County.
Do a boat tour to the Manatees with one of many companies on the Crystal River. Hey, it's all the same thing. But we like the shops that have the boats parked in the water, not a parking lot. Our car ends up smelling funny if we have to drive from the boat to the shop in a wetsuit. Well, we look funny too, if we try changing in a public parking lot.
Try someone new. Each tour we do, we think "that was great." Each company offers a different twist of some sort so try them all. In the winter, the Manatees are almost in the way of the boats so it's not like finding them is an issue. The time in the water is.
Here's how to figure it: What time meet? What time do you get on boat (if boat needs pulling to a pier this formula won't work)? What time back to dock? Figure you are on the water by 7:00 and back at the dock by 10:30-11:00. Some give you more time.
Here are some ideas: Manatee Tour and Dive, Aquamarine, Sun Shine River Tours, Paradise Hotel, Crystal Lodge Hotel, Bird's Underwater, Port Hotel and Marina, Riverside Resorts, River Safaries, Air Tank Divers, and so on. For the smaller one or two boat operations, you have to ask around. Some are supposed to be quite good but I've not a way to help you find them.
Cost: All about the same. Be careful about paying for breakfast after a tour unless it's at an actual resturant you want to eat at. Olive Tree, Denny's, Groupers and tons others offer really decent breakfast for just a few bucks. Route 19 as you travel between Crystal River and Homosassa has many diners and they range from fancy to very basic. Do the math and see what things are costing you. Given gas prices, you want the tour companies doing the transport, if any, and you can feed yourself after swimming. The ads are starting to go up for "full breakfast $2.49..." etc. Guess they hope you'll come back for lunch. Do help out the local shops!
When booking- ASK QUESTIONS!
Gifts-be smart- pop on over to Citrus Ave. and buy your toys at Manatee Toy Company or other shops on the business district street. Regular retail and places to eat as well. Given gas prices, we need all the help we can get.
MD
Do a boat tour to the Manatees with one of many companies on the Crystal River. Hey, it's all the same thing. But we like the shops that have the boats parked in the water, not a parking lot. Our car ends up smelling funny if we have to drive from the boat to the shop in a wetsuit. Well, we look funny too, if we try changing in a public parking lot.
Try someone new. Each tour we do, we think "that was great." Each company offers a different twist of some sort so try them all. In the winter, the Manatees are almost in the way of the boats so it's not like finding them is an issue. The time in the water is.
Here's how to figure it: What time meet? What time do you get on boat (if boat needs pulling to a pier this formula won't work)? What time back to dock? Figure you are on the water by 7:00 and back at the dock by 10:30-11:00. Some give you more time.
Here are some ideas: Manatee Tour and Dive, Aquamarine, Sun Shine River Tours, Paradise Hotel, Crystal Lodge Hotel, Bird's Underwater, Port Hotel and Marina, Riverside Resorts, River Safaries, Air Tank Divers, and so on. For the smaller one or two boat operations, you have to ask around. Some are supposed to be quite good but I've not a way to help you find them.
Cost: All about the same. Be careful about paying for breakfast after a tour unless it's at an actual resturant you want to eat at. Olive Tree, Denny's, Groupers and tons others offer really decent breakfast for just a few bucks. Route 19 as you travel between Crystal River and Homosassa has many diners and they range from fancy to very basic. Do the math and see what things are costing you. Given gas prices, you want the tour companies doing the transport, if any, and you can feed yourself after swimming. The ads are starting to go up for "full breakfast $2.49..." etc. Guess they hope you'll come back for lunch. Do help out the local shops!
When booking- ASK QUESTIONS!
Gifts-be smart- pop on over to Citrus Ave. and buy your toys at Manatee Toy Company or other shops on the business district street. Regular retail and places to eat as well. Given gas prices, we need all the help we can get.
MD
