It’s no secret that Florida’s clear blue water is home to an array of natural beauty and biodiversity. If you love snorkeling or scuba diving, and especially if you love animals, this unique activity should be at the top of your to-do list.

Check out Crystal River, a Gulf Coast treasure where you can get to know one of Florida’s most gentle and beloved natives — the manatee.

Affectionately referred to as “sea cows,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes manatees as large marine creatures that can be identified by their wide paddle-shaped tails. They range in size but can reach up to 13-feet long and weigh up to 3,500 pounds.

But don’t let their proportions mislead you — manatees are very calm, curious and graceful. They also feed exclusively on plants found in their environment, such as seagrass.

Discover Crystal River notes that manatees prefer a warm, shallow habitat which is usually found in coastal regions. Crystal River is essentially the manatee’s winter vacation spot. The area encompasses more than 70 springs, with King’s Bay being the main headquarters.

Over 2,000 manatees migrate in to enjoy the balmy water temperature, which usually stays at a comfortable 72 degrees during the cooler months.

This is the one and only place in the U.S. where swimming with manatees is legal and provides visitors with the incredible opportunity to observe these gentle giants up-close.

According to Manatee Tour And Dive, the manatee population has actually been on the rise in recent years due to local protection efforts. But the manatees still need your help to keep them safe.

Manatees are slow-moving and tend to swim close to the surface. This combination leads to a high incidence of boat collisions that can leave them with serious injuries. When swimming with them, you might even see manatees with scars from these accidents. Since they are vegetarians, protecting their food source at Crystal River is also paramount to ensuring they continue to thrive.

It is important to keep in mind that swimming with the manatees is a privilege — in order to preserve this pristine ecosystem, visitors must follow the guidelines set in place to protect the manatees so they can continue to return year after year.

When it comes to manatee interactions, they are meant to be observed, not disturbed. River Ventures outlines the best practices:

You should never touch manatees with your body or other objects like cameras

Never give manatees food

Always allow manatees to approach you on their own (they are very curious, so they most likely will!)

Float as still as possible on the surface when a manatee does approach

Try your best not to block any manatees’ path or follow them if they move away

If you spot manatees resting, please leave them alone for the time being

Of course, seeing manatees is bound to be exciting. However, not following regulations could disrupt mating herds, separate manatee calves from their mothers, or cause general disorientation that might lead to a manatee being injured. Crystal River is meant to be a haven, and we all need to do our part to keep it that way.

Discover Crystal River also says that you’ll have the best chance of seeing manatees when the population is the largest from November to April, with the peak months typically being December, January and February.

If you’re looking to maximize your encounters with these beautiful animals, it also helps if you’re an early riser. The quiet time in the morning between 6 and 8:30 a.m. is when the manatees are be most active and you won’t run into as many other people out exploring.

But don’t worry if you visit during other seasons or can’t make it super early in the morning, some manatees will be around all the time.

Most visitors choose to head out on a guided boat tour of Crystal River, which typically includes a safety briefing, rental equipment including wetsuits and snorkeling gear, and knowledgeable staff who will direct your group as you swim. This is a great way to ensure both you and the manatees have a positive experience. Some highly-rated tours include:

If snorkeling is not your thing, places like Clear Kayaking Tours offer kayak rentals that you can actually see through, offering a close-up view of the manatees without having to get in the water.

Renting a boat is another option for visitors who want their day to be more self-directed. Many local marinas and tour companies offer half- or full-day rentals of pontoon boats or catamarans. This might be a perfect choice if you have a large group of people or simply want some more freedom.

You can cruise around Crystal River without the time-limit of a guided tour, hopping in and out of the water as you please — Crystal River Sport Fishing mentions the abundance of wildlife in the area that you might want to look at, including birds, river otters and many types of fish. Here are some locations that offer boat rentals:

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the driver of the boat must have a valid boating license or complete a Florida-state approved rental course. Plus, without a guide to remind you, you must be extra diligent about respecting the rules of the river.

Curious what to pack for your Crystal River adventure? Being on the water, sunscreen is a must. Save The Reef says that opting for reef safe sunscreen when possible limits the amount of foreign chemicals that enter into the ecosystem. Keep in mind that swimming on and off for long periods of time can wash your sunscreen off much faster than a regular day at the beach — bringing along sun-protectant clothes like a rash guard and hat can help you avoid having to reapply numerous times. Sunglasses, water shoes, bug spray, bottled water and quick-dry towels will also come in handy as you enjoy the day.

Snorkeling is hard work and certainly can work up an appetite. Discover Crystal River recommends some local restaurants a bit further inland, but you probably want to start your manatee adventure as soon as possible. With that being said, be sure to eat a nutritious meal before you arrive or along your route. You don’t want hunger to get in the way of fun, so packing your group’s favorite foods in an insulated cooler or lunchbox will be much appreciated. Just be sure to properly store food and trash when you’re done, so it doesn’t become an impromptu meal for a bird or fish.

Humans have a big impact on nature — and sadly, that impact is often negative. Crystal River is the one place where visitors get the chance to swim alongside manatees in a truly free setting. The ultimate goal is to leave no trace of our presence in their home, so others can continue to visit for years to come.

So, next time you are in Florida’s Gulf Coast area, be sure to head over to Crystal River and say hi to the manatees who are waiting to greet you. Thank you to Manatee Tour and Dive for providing the amazing photos featured in this article.