“Swimming with manatees in Crystal River, tubing in Rainbow River and visit to Caladesi Island State Park”
Like many Notherners our family likes to go down south for some extra sun in the winter and Florida is where we go for warmth on the beach and spend time on the water and visit our family.
The last trip we made we swam with the manatees, kayaked on the fourth largest fresh water spring in the world and enjoyed going to the voted “Best Beach in the USA”.The sunhine state is the number one destination for many families north of the Mason Dixon line. Although the major attractions and outlet malls in Orlando draw the lion’s share of family visits, just a few hours away you can experience the real Florida.
Crystal River: swim with manatees
Crystal River is a two-hour drive from Orlando or the Tampa Bay Area. It is comprised of a network of more than 30 springs that begins at the northwest end of Kings Bay and travels west for about 6 miles where it enters the Gulf of Mexico.Going to the Florida’s Nature Coast isn’t about roller coasters and water slides. It is an area of natural beauty offering numerous outdoor activities for families.
You can scuba dive, kayak, go nature watching and see what Citrus County is most known for, its large population of manatees. In the winter months when the Gulf of Mexico cools manatees come up the Crystal River to keep warm in the spring fed waters that maintains a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius all year round. The easiest way to see the manatees is to take a guided snorkel tour. They can set you up with all the equipment you need as well as give you the benefit of their knowledge on where to best find manatees and the federal and state laws regulating how people can interact with them.
One of Crystal River’s treasures is the Three Sisters Springs , it reminds me of the movie “Blue Lagoon”. It is so beautiful with crystal clear waters; if you are lucky you might see a manatee or two.It is best to schedule being there in the morning for your best chance to see them.
Tubing or kayaking on the Rainbow River
Rainbow River is located in the southwest corner of Marion County Florida, 100 miles northwest of Orlando and 100 miles north of the Tampa Bay area.
The Rainbow River is a winding river that is 5.7 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida. The headwaters are the anchor for the Rainbow Springs State Park.
It’s the fourth largest freshwater spring in Florida and the eighth largest in the world. Rainbow River is so beautiful with cedar trees, and so much wild flora and fauna to see in the crystal clear water.
Thanks to the restriction of any disposable containers, bottles, cans, plastic bags and the restriction of motorboats in the headwaters, this river is a heaven for Florida wildlife. You may rent canoes and tubes from Aquatic Wilderness Adventures
Visit the best beach in the USA: Caladesi Island State Park
I have never before felt closer to paradise, this beach and island is so beautiful.
My family discovered it three years ago and every time we are in Florida we make
a point to go there.
Dr. Beach (Stephan Leatherman) put Caladesi Island Beach on his list of the best beaches in U.S in.
The beach journey starts on the ferry a mangrove-covered shore just before your entering the Island A little walk will take you to seemingly untouched and gorgeous white sand.
Perfect for shelling and swimming. The only negative part of this trip is that you have to leave after four hours and you need to board the ferry to get back to the mainland.
If you sail in Florida or have a live a board boat you can have a sleep over on the island utilizing some of the cheapest docking fees (shore power and water included) in Florida, but you have to be careful, you might not want to leave.
When you are on the mainland it is worth a stop on Honeymoon Island, which used to be a resort for honeymooners but now is part of the Florida State Park system.
In Clearwater you will find many hotels, B&B for staying over the night.
Check out more tips and ideas about Florida
