Nature Coast

Covering 980,000 acres and nine counties, Florida’s Nature Coast is home to 19 endangered species: its brackish creeks and lakes perfect for the West Indian manatee. Keep a sharp eye and you also may spot a Florida black bear, bald eagle, Florida sandhill crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise. Add to this abundant, somewhat untamed flora, and you’ll see why this coast gets its name. Its crystal-clear springs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Photo by Roberto Gonzalez

Orlando magazine’s dedicated editorial team is taking the guesswork out of your next coastal trip! Check out these important facts:

☀ BOUNDED BY: Holliday to Panacea and encompassing the Waccassa and Apalachee bays.

⚑ COUNTIES: Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla.

⚐ MAJOR CITIES/AREAS: Crawfordville, Horseshoe Beach, Suwanee, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Homosassa, Port Richey, New Port Richey.

♜ HIGHLIGHTS: Rich in archaeology, wildlife and untamed wilderness.

☸ HIDDEN GEMS: Fanning Springs State Park (swim in clear, crisp, 72-degree water), Weeki Wachee Springs (with live “mermaid” shows), Cedar Key (where oysters are available year-round).

☺ OVERALL VIBE: Biodiverse and untamed.

Crystal River Preserve State Park ©Visit Florida

Crystal River

Less than two hours from Orlando, Crystal River feels exactly how it sounds—pristine waters with sandy bottoms fed by warm springs, and light breezes make for the type of day that’ll make you want to curl up in a hammock and bask in the sun. But before you do, there’s much to discover, and the city’s relaxed pace is perfect for exploration.

Before all else: Manatees. Crystal River is the manatee capital of the world, and animal lovers will find this gentle creature irresistible. The best months for viewing manatees—or better yet, embarking on a manatee encounter—are November through April, when the population heads to Kings Bay to escape the winter’s colder ocean waters, rear their young and conserve energy. This difference in water temperature is enough to prevent hypothermia and offers a wonderful opportunity for winter watersport: swimming with manatees.

©Visit Florida

There’s nothing like the joy of zipping up a wetsuit, taking a boat onto the water, and becoming one with nature as you submerge yourself in Crystal River’s shallow waters for interaction with the sweet-tempered manatee. While you can’t make first contact, as the endangered species are protected by law, you can return contact if the manatee engages you—and these curious creatures certainly will, brushing up against you in an embrace that feels like a hug or, in some instances, a kiss.

If you don’t want to get into the water, there are many other ways to view manatees. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only wildlife refuge dedicated to protecting the West Indian manatee and cares for the threatened Florida manatee. It preserves Three Sisters Springs, the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay. Jacques Cousteau rehabilitated “Sewer  Sam,” the first documented rescued Florida manatee, here in 1972.

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