Yooperbrew

It’s about 65- 75 minutes, give or take a few minutes, from the Tampa airport to Crystal River. It’s up the ‘suncoast parkway’ which is a paid turnpike, but it’s all either with a transponder or bill by plate, no cash or booths on that road. It’s a little busy right at the airport, but traffic clears out quickly and it’s I think 70 mph speed limit so it’s pretty quick. I drive to the airport often, and it’s quick and convenient. As far as a larger wetsuit, the companies would maybe have one but you’d have to call in advance for sure.

When is your trip? Right now, it’s really warm so the manatees aren’t in the springs yet to warm up but soon they will be arriving for the cold weather. Manatee ‘season’ is November-April, but they are in very large numbers generally in January and February. I have several suggestions on where to stay and companies to use for the manatee swim (or kayaking). I’ve used Groupon for some of my manatee swims when my family and friends come to visit and those have worked out great. There is a lovely park on the way, about 20 minutes from Crystal River, in Homosassa Springs called the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. They have some rescued manatees as well as other native Florida wildlife like Florida panthers and black bears and it’s a nice way to spend an hour or two. You’ll want to rent a car to get to Crystal River, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from the Tampa airport.