Crystal Lodge Dive Center

As full service manatee dive center, Crystal Lodge Dive Center provides a variety of tours to explore the waters of King's Cove and Crystal River, which boast the largest manatee population in the world. Visitors can view these gentle creatures by boat, but to get the most out of the encounter, snorkeling is recommended

Manatees migrate here in such great number because the natural spring-fed waters are so warm year round. They remain a constant 72 degrees in all seasons. Swimming with the manatees is not dangerous at all. Although they are huge, the manatees get along well with humans and like to roll on one side so their bellies can be scratched.

Apart from manatee tours, Crystal Lodge Dive Center also offers equipment rentals, SCUBA certification courses, specialty classes, check out dives, pontoon rentals, airboat rides, glass bottom kayak rentals, guided sight seeing tours, and fishing guide services. Retail items are for sale, too, from snorkeling equipment to gifts, T-shirts and souvenirs.

Crystal Lodge Dive Center is located at 525 Northwest 7th Avenue, Crystal River, Florida 34428-3805. Manatee snorkel tours start at $15 per person and are offered between 8:30am and 11am daily. Dive Center operating hours are from 8am to 6pm daily, except Christmas Day.