Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, United States

5Hugh P 5:00 PM Mar 23, 2020

More than manatees (thank goodness!)
Manatees were the reason we went, lured by images of yes, crystal clear waters thronging with charmingly bewhiskered, shortsighted looking aquatic super sausages. The world’s largest congregations of wild manatees occurs in the river, around the springs and when the water warms slightly in the estuary or in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our visit coincided with perfect days, warm sun and with that glorious alternative to the miseries of a New York Winter the departure of the manatees for the sea grass feast in the Gulf. We saw some at a distance having a mating brawl a few muzzles briefly breaking surface but that was about it. But far from it! Our river cruise with the parks service yielded close up views of dolphins not just sticking their beaks out but herding mullet by the reed beds and slapping the surface of the water with their tails. David Attenborough stuff! Like many wild species dolphins are not guaranteed but if you don’t see bald eagles, ospreys and a host of pelicans, cormorants and other waterfowl you are on the wrong river. Particularly intriguing were the many pre-Columbian structures - breakwaters, burial and ceremonial mounds, even a guard peninsula all constructed over centuries out of seashells! All clearly visible from the water. The town is friendly and touristy but not too touristy, the local crab and fishing industry is super sustainable, and the seafood a treat!

5pat l 5:00 PM Feb 13, 2021

Old Florida beauty
This NWR is absolutely amazing. We visited two days into the area, both by water. We paddled stand up paddleboards in the area near Kings Bay and then we took a boat out to snorkel on another day. Riding through waterways in the refuge was so peaceful and beautiful - true old Florida! Great place for paddle sports because most boats creep along slowly without much wake due to manatee zones. Plus the beauty of the area is unmatched!