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Vacation LifeVacation Life

Manatees Roam in Central Florida

By Rona Gindin

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Florida is known as the Manatee Capital of the World. It hosts a sizable year-round population of the gentle giants and features migrating manatees during the winter months. In fact, wintertime is the best time to see these majestic creatures as they search for the warmer waters of the Central Florida canals.*

West Indian manatees are distinctive, giant marine animals. Weighing as much as 3,500 pounds and measuring as long as thirteen feet from tip to tail, they feature small eyes, giant flippers, wide flukes, and a gentle and fun-loving personality.

Swim Side by Side With Manatees

For a chance to swim with the manatees, head about ninety miles west from Orlando to Florida’s Citrus County along the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll likely spot dozens of manatees during the summer, while their numbers jump into the hundreds in the colder months. Crystal River and its waters are rich with springs that pump warm water (about 72°F/22°C) all the time.

A snorkeler and a manatee meet face to face under the water.
Courtesy of Discover Crystal River

Book a tour with a professional guide to get up close and personal to manatees. You’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of interacting with these amazing animals — ensuring both you and them will be safe and happy. You’ll see many bear scars from injuries caused by motorboats.

Get a Glimpse by Heading North

Manatees are slow, plodding aquatic creatures — and such fun to watch in the wild. You can also visit them about thirty-five miles north of the Orlando area in rivers, inlets, and other waterways. See clusters at a time in winter months at Blue Spring State Park, where a series of wooden platforms just over the water make gawking easy.

From April through October, you can usually swim in the springs or go tubing, canoeing, snorkeling, and fishing — even scuba diving. You can also take a narrated nature cruise. Another way to experience manatees is on kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Whether on your own or with a guide, you can grab an oar or two and work your way through pretty waterways until you reach an “aggregation" — the manatee term for a pod.

If paddling is your priority over manatee-spotting, consider renting your equipment on the Chassahowitzka or Homosassa rivers or near the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve with its mangrove islands.

Kayakers float down the Homosassa River under a clear sky.
Courtesy of Discover Crystal River

More Outdoor Fun

The Crystal River area is also a prime spot to get some of the best fresh catches. In summer, you can go scalloping in shallow Gulf waters or the Homosassa River. You’ll load up on mollusks only 2 or 3 miles from shore, where they reside among eelgrass. A local restaurant can cook your catch for you. Or you can ice your day’s bounty and prepare a feast back at your resort’s fully equipped kitchen.

If you prefer fins to shells, you can try angling with a rod and line. There’s freshwater fishing in the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, where you can rent equipment or book a charter, while the Homosassa and Crystal rivers are known for saltwater sportfishing.

Where to Stay:

By now, you’ve discovered that there’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. Vistana Signature Network® Owners and Marriott Vacation Club® Owners with Club Points can visit the city’s championship golf courses, museums, and natural waterways with a stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages.

A clear pool reflects the Sheraton Vistana Resort under blue skies. A waterfall fountain fills a rocky pool in front of a resort building.
Sheraton Vistana Resort Sheraton Vistana Villages

Or add a little magic to your vacation when you stay at Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, Marriott’s Royal Palms, Marriott’s Grande Vista, Marriott’s Imperial Palms, and Marriott’s Sabal Palms, just a short drive from the gates of the Walt Disney World® Resort. The fun options don’t stop there – you can also stay at Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve or Marriott’s Harbour Lake.

Your Concierge:

To learn more about this and other unique vacation experiences in Orlando, feel free to contact our local experts.

Sheraton Vistana Resort – 407-239-3100
Sheraton Vistana Villages – 407-238-5000
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour – 407-238-1300
Marriott’s Royal Palms – 407-238-6200
Marriott’s Grande Vista – 407-238-7676
Marriott’s Imperial Palms – 407-238-6200
Marriott’s Sabal Palms – 407-238-6200
Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve – 407-393-6400
Marriott’s Harbour Lake – 407-465-6100

Rona Gindin is an Orlando-based writer, editor, and TV personality who specializes in covering Central Florida's restaurants and attractions.

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* Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of food or services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the food, activities, events, or providers. Hours of operation and offerings of any service providers are subject to change.

Members of Marriott Vacation Club, Asia-Pacific, who purchased their Club memberships prior to 16 December 2016, must activate their Abound by Marriott Vacations memberships to be able to access this option.

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