If you have ever wondered what it is like to swim or snorkel with a Manatee on The Nature Coast now is your chance. The Nature Coast has a large population of resident Manatees that call Homosassa Springs and Crystal River their home. We offer Manatee tours to swim with Manatees, snorkel, kayak or view them from one of our boat tours.   If you have never seen one you may ask yourself what is a Manatee and what do they look like? They have a large, seal-like body that tapers to a beaver-like tail. They have two forelimbs with three or four nails on each. Manatees have thick skin, with stiff whiskers on upper lip. Color: Gray or gray-brown Size: Typically about 9-10 feet long, weighing 1,000 pound. They can grow as large as 13 feet, weighing more than 3,000 pounds. Behavior: Completely harmless and non-aggressive, they are often shy and reclusive. Vision: Depth perception may be limited. Can differentiate colors. Hearing: Manatees can hear well despite the absence of external ear lobes: directional hearing is limited. Communication: Emit sounds that are within human auditory range. They make squeaks and squeals when frightened, playing or communication, particularly between cow and calf. Breathing: Nostrils on upper surface of snout close tightly like valves when submerged. Manatees surfaces to breathe every few minutes when active; every 10 to 15 minutes when resting. Range/Habitat: Primarily restricted to peninsular Florida and South Georgia. They can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas, particularly where seagrasss beds flourish. Manatees can live in fresh or salt water. Manatee Reproduction: Normally one calf every 2 to 5 years. Manatee Population: At least 1,850 Manatees are remaining in the southeastern U.S. concentrated in Homosassa and Homosassa Springs year-round. Fortunately their number are rising and they have just been removed from the endangered list. Manatee Fact Sheet: Name: Florida Manatee Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Sirenia Family: Trichechidae Genus: Trichechus Species: Mamatus Subspecies: Latirostris    Manatees are very passive and loving creatures. Homosassa, Homosassa Springs and Crystal River have a year round population of Florida Manatees. Crystal River and Homosassa Springs are known as the homes of the largest herds of wintering Manatees that enjoy the protection of the Chassahowitzka and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuges. There is a resident herd year round but as the Manatees seek warmer water between October and March, the opportunity for Manatee viewing and “close up” scuba or snorkel encounters increases during these months.   If you would like the thrill of taking Manatee pictures or swimming with a Manatee, the Nature Coast should be your destination. Many places in Citrus County offer Manatee tours and trips. For first or second timers I suggest a guided Manatee tour on a licensed Captain’s vessel. They know how to quickly locate Homosassa Manatees. A Manatee tour Captain is also very knowledgeable and readily shares stories with patrons. Many Charter Captains offer to take underwater pictures or movies of their customers swimming with the manatees. You can also rent or bring your own boat to enjoy Manatees at your leisure. Homosassa Manatees are waiting for you. Crystal River and Homosassa Manatee Tours 352-445-2755