Uploaded March 2009 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
To read the entire story about swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida, go to holeinthedonut.com/2009/03/17/swimming-with-manatees-crystal-river-florida/, and if you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.
In colder months, manatees retreat to the rivers and springs because they cannot tolerate water temperatures lower than 68 degrees. Florida springs are favorite wintering grounds for manatees because the water temperature is 72 degrees year-round. Florida's Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge supports the largest concentration of these gentle giants, and Three Sisters Springs on the Crystal River is an amazing spot to swim with dozens of the curious, friendly creatures. Unfortunately, the land surrounding this pristine spring is in danger of being developed, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District has already approved the withdrawal of up to 100,000 gallons per day from the aquifer.
To read the entire story about swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida, go to holeinthedonut.com/2009/03/17/swimming-with-manatees-crystal-river-florida/, and if you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.
In colder months, manatees retreat to the rivers and springs because they cannot tolerate water temperatures lower than 68 degrees. Florida springs are favorite wintering grounds for manatees because the water temperature is 72 degrees year-round. Florida's Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge supports the largest concentration of these gentle giants, and Three Sisters Springs on the Crystal River is an amazing spot to swim with dozens of the curious, friendly creatures. Unfortunately, the land surrounding this pristine spring is in danger of being developed, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District has already approved the withdrawal of up to 100,000 gallons per day from the aquifer.
