Citrus County offers so many opportunities for aquatic adventures and outdoor excitement that it's only natural that we receive questions about how to begin a vacation adventure here. So read the answers to our most frequently asked questions, and do not hesitate to contact us for assistance if you need additional information.
Manatees
Q: What are the laws and guidelines that govern human and manatee interaction?
A: Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy or molest manatees. To avoid harassing a manatee, follow these guidelines set forth by the Florida Fish&Wildlife Conservation Commission:
- Give food to manatees
- Use water to attract manatees to your boat, dock or marina (etc.) where manatees may be harmed
- Separate a cow and her calf
- Disturb manatee mating herds
- Pursue manatees or chase them from warm water sites
- Disturb resting manatees
- Hit, injure or harm manatees
- Jump on, stand on, hold on to or ride manatees
- Grab or kick manatees
- Block a manatee's path if one or more moves toward you
- Hunt or kill manatees
- Use your vessel to pursue or harass manatees
- "Fish" for or attempt to hook or catch manatees
Q: Where can I go have a manatee encounter?
A: There are many different ways to encounter manatees in Citrus County:
The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa cares for six manatees that are unable to survive in the wild. Visitors can see them—along with over 200 other native Florida animals—year-round by visiting the park. The park also features a manatee educational program that runs three times a day. Visitors can sit on bleachers that overlook the beautiful headspring of the Homosassa River and listen to a brief lecture on the endangered West Indian manatee, while the gentle giants swim just feet from the audience all the while;
Many manatee tour companies operate in Citrus County. Snorkeling tours allow you to get up close and personal with the manatee. The guides can provide you with a wetsuit, snorkel and mask, then take you out to where the manatees congregate to swim with the gentle giants. Other options for a manatee tour include kayaking expeditions and boating tours. These tours will allow you to encounter the manatees in their natural environment without getting wet. The only equipment you will need is a pair of polarized sunglasses so you can see past the surface and into the crystal-clear water where the manatees peacefully swim by.
Q: How can I encounter manatees in the wild without swimming with them?
A: Go to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, enjoy a boating tour or take a paddling trip. All of these are great ways to encounter these wonderful creatures without getting in the water. As an added bonus, you will also be able to explore the beauty of Citrus County. Whether from the air, water or land, the view of The Water Lover's Florida is rich in natural beauty.
Q: I know there are a lot of alligators in Florida. Is it safe to swim in the rivers and springs?
A: When you go on a manatee snorkel tour, you are out early in the morning when it is very cool outside, and you enter the water near springs where the water temperature is 72 degrees year-round. Alligators are cold-blooded, and are typically not active when it is very cool. And even in the warmer months, a group of swimmers is usually enough to deter an alligator from coming close.
Q: How much does a manatee snorkel tour cost?
A: Each tour company sets its own prices. The cost is usually per person, and will depend on the length of the tour, where you are going and whether or not you need to rent equipment. The average price is between $35 and $55 per person.
Q: What is the best time of year to see a manatee?
A: The colder the better! The coolest times of year are when you will find the most manatees in Citrus County waters. As the water temperature drops in the Gulf of Mexico, the wild manatees join the resident manatee population in seeking shelter in the comparatively warm water of our spring-fed rivers. In the early hours of the morning, you will find the manatees huddled together at the various springs in the rivers. As the day warms, the manatees disperse and begin their search for food.
In the warmer months, there is a resident population of manatees in the waters of the Crystal River. Visitors can see these manatees year-round, as well as the ones that reside at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa.
Kayaking
Q: Where can I launch my kayak or canoe?
A: Visit our kayak and canoe launches page for a list of locations. Also, our custom Google Map that shows you where each launch is located so you can plan your expedition. And be sure to check with your hotel, resort or campground to see if they have a launch available. Many of our accommodations are located on the water and have rentals and launches available for their guests.
Q: Where can I rent a kayak or canoe?
A: Visit our kayak and canoe rentals page for list of rental businesses. Click on the name of the business to see more information, such as photos, rates and more. Don't forget to check with your hotel, resort, B&B or campground, as many of our accommodations have rentals and launches available for their guests.
Q: How do I get to the springs?
A: If you renting a kayak or canoe from a business, ask them for personalized directions and recommendations. You can also check Springs Fever, a comprehensive website detailing the springs in Florida complete with photos and GPS coordinates.
Q: I know there are a lot of alligators in Florida. Is it safe to kayak in the rivers?
A: Yes, it is perfectly safe with a little caution. Alligators are not eager to approach people and will avoid us whenever possible. Never agitate, provoke or feed an alligator, as this can lead to atypically aggressive behavior. Keep your distance and be respectful, and the alligator should return the favor.
Boating
Q: Where can I launch my boat?
A: You can find a list of boat ramps here on VisitCitrus.com. Be sure to check with your hotel, resort, B&B or campground to see if they have a boat ramp available. Many of our accommodations are located on the water and have boat rentals and boat ramps available for their guests.
Q: I have a large boat. Will I have any problems navigating the rivers?
A: Boats up to 28' can easily navigate the channels in the Homosassa River and the Crystal River. Boats 28' and over should stick to the Crystal River. The Chassahowitzka River is best for paddlers, jon boats and the smallest watercrafts.
Q: Where can I rent a boat?
A: We have a list of boat rentals available here on VisitCitrus.com. Click on the name of the business to see more information like photos, rates and more. Don't forget to check with your hotel, resort, B&B or campground, as many of our accommodations have boat rentals and launches available for their guests.
Q: Will I be able to navigate the waters in Citrus County?
A: Boaters who stick to the marked channels will have no difficulty navigating our waters. Anyone who wants to go fishing in the rivers or in the flats should hire one of our professional, licensed fishing guides to ensure an enjoyable trip with a local who knows the very best fishing locations.
Camping
Q: Where can I go tent camping?
A: The best places to go for tent camping are the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Chassahowitzka River Campground. The Withlacoochee State Forest offers both primitive and developed tent camping sites, as well as special areas for church youth groups, scouting groups and other children's organizations. The Chassahowitzka River Campground is a county-owned campground with developed tent camping sites available.
Q: Where can I go RV camping?
A: There are many different campgrounds in Citrus County. Check out our Campgrounds, RV Parks&Fishing Lodges page. Click on the name of a business to see more information, such as photos, rates, amenities and more. You can also view a custom Google Map that shows where each property is located.
Visitors Guide
Q: I'm considering vacationing in Citrus County. How can I get a visitors guide?
A: You can download a guide here on VisitCitrus.com, fill out an information request form online and ask that one be sent to you or contact the Visitors & Convention Bureau directly and request a guide.
Relocating
Q: I'm considering moving to Citrus County. How can I get relocation information
A: Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a comprehensive relocation guide.