Here's a fun adventure for anyone of any age. It's only 90 miles from either the resorts of Orlando or the beaches of the Tampa/St. Pete Florida Gulf. Crystal River, Florida provides an exceptional, but uncomplicated winter adventure opportunity. Take a day to swim, snorkel, or scuba in the crystal clear, spring-fed waters that are the winter home to one of Creation's unique (but endangered) creatures - the Manatee.

• NOTE: Manatees spend the winter months in Crystal River. This adventure is best from mid-November to mid-March and makes a great "add-on" to any winter Florida trip.

Called mermaids by ancient mariners, the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is an endangered species. Each winter these 1,800 pound gentle giants travel from the oceans up Florida's inland rivers in search of warmer waters. Crystal River is one of the places they make their winter home. You can enjoy the company of manatee while helping to save it from extinction.

For FAQ's about manatees and what you can do to help it, visit: SaveTheManatee.Org

What to do: There are a number of guided snorkeling tours available for Crystal River and nearby Homosassa Springs. Crystal Lodge Dive Center, Manatee Safari, Manatee Dive & Tour, Sunshine River Tours are a few - call ahead for current times and rates. But at Crystal Lodge Dive Center, Manatee Dive & Tour and a number of other shops) you can rent a fishing boat for about $8 a hour and create your own adventure. Any of the rental shops can give you quick directions to the Manatee locations.  You'll need to bring (or rent) your own mask, fins, snorkel, vest --and wet suit. While the clear spring fed waters are warm by ocean standards (72oF year round), it's still a bit cool for snorkeling.

Because manatees are protected under the law, you can not scuba dive with them. It is also unlawful to pursue the animal underwater, so you must wait for them to come to you. Depending on water temperatures and weather conditions, you could see one or as many as three hundred or more during your outing. Homosassa and the Crystal River are home to the largest numbers of wild manatee in the world in the winter. Crystal River provides a more natural, wild setting.