Browsing: Crystal River Florida

Cruising Life
By

Ten Best Places To Snorkel: Watch for the Spotted Eagle Rays in Belize

Here’s a great list of the ten best places to snorkel from Coastal Living, starting with Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island in the Bahamas (see the picture, above). All of these would quality as cruising destinations in their own right; on the other hand, you may just want to spend a few extra days at one of them if you’re cruising in the area. They all look too good to miss. Dean’s Blue Hole, for example, was created when the ceiling of an ancient cave system collapsed into the ocean. Here you can swim from the beach and watch…

Cruising Life
By

For Something New, Head for Crystal River, 70 Miles North of Tampa, and Swim with the Manatees

If you’re looking for a new cruising destination, or just something fun to do, head for Crystal River, Florida, about 70 miles north of Tampa, and swim with the manatees. About six miles up the river, you’ll find a system of 40 bubbling springs that stay a constant 72 degrees all year long. Because of the warm water, the area is the home of the largest manatee population in the U.S., and it’s the only place in North America where swimmers can legally interact with them. Here’s a great story from Southern Boating that gives details about how to get…