{"id":1669,"date":"2020-05-26T11:40:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-26T09:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.juliuskramer.de\/manatees-a-visit-to-the-gentle-giants-of-crystal-river\/"},"modified":"2025-06-05T20:31:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T18:31:52","slug":"manatees-a-visit-to-the-gentle-giants-of-crystal-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.juliuskramer.de\/en\/manatees-a-visit-to-the-gentle-giants-of-crystal-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Manatees – A visit to the gentle giants of Crystal River"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imagine: crystal-clear water, mild winter sun and suddenly a peaceful, curious creature glides right past you - a manatee. This is exactly what I experienced in Crystal River. In the winter months, hundreds of these fascinating animals gather here at the warm springs - a nature experience that touched me deeply. <\/p>\n\n

The Caribbean manatee(Trichechus manatus<\/em>) lives along the coasts from Brazil to the Gulf of Mexico. It feeds exclusively on aquatic plants - and seems so leisurely, so friendly, that you simply have to take it to your heart. I have never met an animal that is so gently curious. <\/p>\n\n

The famous Three Sisters Springs and Kings Springs are located around the small town of Crystal River, in the middle of a built-up area. Warm springs rise up here in winter - a natural wellness oasis for the manatees. And typical of the USA: the animals are strictly protected, counted, weighed and researched. Volunteers ensure that visitors adhere to the rules. Rest areas are clearly marked - but snorkeling is permitted outside these zones. And if you're lucky, you might get up close and personal with a manatee. <\/p>\n\n

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Join me on my photo tours and immerse yourself in the world of wild landscapes and unique encounters. Together we will hone your photographic skills - practical, creative and full of inspiration. Secure your place now and rediscover the magic of light and nature. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Start your photo adventure!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Photographer's dream under water<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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A manatee swims in the crystal-clear water near the surface while people watch from the jetty. The scene impressively shows the closeness of nature and man in Crystal River. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

For nature photographers like me, this is a paradise. The water is so clear that you almost forget you're under the surface. I had my Sony A6000 with the Seafrog Salted Line housing and 6-inch dome port with me - even without a flash (which is forbidden, by the way) I managed to take fantastic pictures. <\/p>\n\n

Two tour providers that I can highly recommend are:<\/p>\n\n