I had to restrain myself from reaching out and hugging this amazing creature. All too soon she decided to swim off for greener waters. Rachel had been orphaned as a calf and spent several years at the nearby Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park before returning to the wild. You don't have to get wet to see the manatees up close. The park features an underwater observatory where manatees and thousands of fish frolic in the crystalline spring.
Visitors can listen to manatee sounds via telephones.
A trainer interacts with the creatures twice a day, which provides a chance for visitors to ask questions. The state's largest manatee herd is a highlight of Citrus County's attractions. Nearly half of the county has been set aside as parks and preserves. As the name implies, Crystal River is indeed crystal clear and there are many shallow dive sites ideal for novice divers. The area around Crystal River began attracting tourists in the late 19th century.