The Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River

The Florida Manatee Festival is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Crystal River. It celebrates the gentle sea cows that spend the winter in Kings Bay, with food, live music, arts and crafts, and chances to see real manatees in the wild. For our winter guests at Quail Roost RV Park, it's an easy and fun day out.

When is the Florida Manatee Festival?

The festival is usually held in January in downtown Crystal River, during peak manatee season. It's organized by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. Dates, hours and admission change each year, so check the Chamber's website for this year's details before you go.

What to expect

• Arts and crafts vendors lining the downtown streets.
• Local food, from seafood to festival treats.
• Live music and entertainment all weekend.
• Manatee education, with displays about manatees and how to protect them.
• Manatee viewing by boat tour or from shore, when manatees are in the bay.

Seeing manatees that weekend

January is a great time to see manatees in Crystal River. When the Gulf gets cold, they move into the springs, which stay around 72 degrees all year. On cool mornings, the springs can hold a lot of manatees at once.

Book a manatee tour ahead of time if you want to get on the water. Festival weekend is busy, and boats fill up. You can also visit the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs for a land view.

Tips for festival day

• Go early. Parking downtown fills fast. Many visitors use shuttles or park and walk.
• Dress in layers. January mornings can be chilly, and afternoons warm up.
• Bring cash for some vendors.
• Give manatees space. Look, don't touch, and follow the posted rules.

More winter fun nearby

The Manatee Festival is just one stop on a busy winter calendar. Our campers also head out for golf, fishing, the Christmas parade, and the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Back at the park, there's line dancing, bingo, potlucks and holiday dinners in the clubhouse.

Stay at Quail Roost for manatee season

Quail Roost RV Park is between Crystal River and Dunnellon, so downtown and the springs are a short drive away. Winter stays run November 1 through April 30 with a 6-month minimum, and you save 5% when you pay in full.

See winter rates or read our guide to planning a Florida winter in your RV.