Manatees are extraordinary creatures that are wonderfully preserved here in Citrus County, FL.  As a result of the Endangered Species Act, the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan has been a huge success since its installment in 1989.

When it comes to their preferred habitat, manatees love shallow, slow-moving bodies of water such as rivers, bays, and coastal areas. They stick to these areas due to the seagrass beds and vegetation that grow for food. Manatees are a migratory species which stay located in Florida during the winter, but can then venture out as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts in the summer months.

Manatees are very gentle animals and are very slow-moving. They prefer to spend their days eating, resting, and traveling. Though they are mostly herbivores, they can consume some small fish and invertebrates along with their regular diet.

Since they are mammals, they do need to come to the surface to breathe. They will usually come to the surface every three to five minutes, but when they are exerting more energy, it can be as frequent as every thirty seconds. Manatees can rest underwater for up to twenty minutes and can also swim up to 20 miles per hour if necessary.

If you are looking to swim with manatees in Citrus County, FL, Bird’s Underwater offers exceptional manatee tours. Rent one of our waterfront properties and join us for a scuba diving excursion of a lifetime!

Planning a vacation with children opens up a variety of fun travel options. If you are looking for a trip that will be both exciting and educational for your family, come swim with manatees in Citrus County, FL!

At Bird’s Underwater, we are located directly on the water and offer exciting manatee tours, scuba diving lessons, kayaking, and more for families looking for an aquatic getaway. Not only is swimming with Florida manatees a once in a lifetime experience, but it can also be a great way to teach your child about the ocean and the animals that live within it.

All of our captains hold Coast Guard Master’s licenses, and our in-water guides are dive professionals. When you choose us for a manatee tour, our staff will provide informative information on the wildlife and their habitat every step of the way. Everyone loves a relaxing beach vacation, but if you are looking for a more exciting way to spend time with the family, look to Bird’s Underwater for our manatee tours.

We understand how important a child’s education is and have a variety of manatee information at our storefront. From brochures and local maps to books for children and adults, we are always working to make sure your tour is as educational as it is exhilarating. We even offer a gold seal “Manatee Awareness” wall plaque for children after they complete our tours.

For more information on everything our manatee tours have to offer, contact Bird’s Underwater today at (352) 653-2763.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time with the family, why not plan a trip to swim with manatees in Citrus County, FL? Bird’s Underwater offers a fantastic manatee swimming experience that is exciting for people of all ages. Citrus County is the only place in the United States where you can swim with manatees, and we work hard to ensure your experience with Bird’s is the best you’ll ever have.

We offer a variety of family-fun activities, from manatee tours to scuba diving lessons that everyone from the kids to the grandparents can enjoy. We also provide vacation home and kayak rentals, so you can spend the day scuba diving or relaxing on the porch of a waterfront home. There’s a variety of additional lodging and food options available for an extraordinary family vacation. Whether you’re escaping the winter months or are looking for an out-of-town getaway, sunny Crystal River is the perfect place to book your trip.

Bird’s Underwater provides a variety of activities, including scalloping tours, where you and your family can hunt for dinner in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore of Crystal River, Florida. Grandparents can take the children fishing while the parents enjoy a relaxing day kayaking on the open waters. We guarantee you’ll come home with memories that will last a lifetime!

To book your trip to swim with manatees in Citrus County, Florida, give us a call today at (352) 563-2763.