Crystal River in February, when hundreds of manatees come into the warm springs. Plus the mermaids of Weeki Wachee, still performing after seventy-plus years.
Every winter, when the Gulf turns cold, hundreds of manatees move into the spring-fed waters around Crystal River, where the temperature holds steady at 72 degrees year round. February is the heart of the season, and it is one of the great wildlife experiences in the country.
Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you are legally permitted to get in the water with them. If that is not your thing, do not worry for a second. The glass-bottom boats and the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs give you a spectacular view with dry feet.
We are also going to Weeki Wachee Springs, where the mermaids have been performing in an underwater theater since 1947. It is charming, it is a little bit surreal, and it is exactly the sort of place that reminds you why old Florida was worth loving.
We fly in and out of Tampa and travel by motorcoach from there. We are running this one two ways. There is a ladies-only departure, just us, and a departure open to everyone so you can bring your husband, your partner, or a friend. Same itinerary either way. Tell me which you want when you reserve.
Peak manatee season
Hundreds of manatees gather in the warm springs through February. Get in the water with a guide, or stay dry on a glass-bottom boat or the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk. Both are unforgettable.
Mermaids since 1947
The underwater mermaid theater has been running since 1947 and is now a Florida state park. Seated, air-conditioned, and genuinely delightful. A slice of old Florida that somehow survived.
Fly into Tampa, where the motorcoach is waiting, then north up the Nature Coast to Plantation on Crystal River, your home for the next five nights. A wine and cheese welcome reception this evening, then dinner together.
The heart of the trip. A Crystal River wildlife cruise, the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs, and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Get in the water with the manatees if you would like, or stay warm and dry and see just as much.
The famous underwater mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs, running since 1947 and still charming. Another day brings Tarpon Springs and the Sponge Docks, with Greek food and shopping along the waterfront.
A Dolphin Island adventure cruise, Tom and Jerry's airboat ride skimming across the Florida wetlands, a stop at Ferris Grove for citrus, and a tour and tasting at Whispering Oaks Winery.
A last Florida breakfast, then the transfer back to Tampa for your flight home.
We are based at Plantation on Crystal River for all five nights, so you unpack once. Day order may shift with tides, weather, and boat schedules. Full detailed itinerary available on request.
You choose. We run two departures on this one. The ladies-only departure is just us, and the open departure welcomes husbands, partners, and friends. Both follow the same itinerary, and you tell me which you want when you reserve.
Absolutely not. Plenty of our travelers stay dry and watch from the glass-bottom boat or the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk, and they see just as much. It is entirely your call.
No. The in-water experience is done in a wetsuit with a flotation device and a guide, in shallow, calm, clear water. You float more than you swim. If you are still unsure, call Frances and talk it through.
No. You book your own flights in and out of Tampa, so you can use miles or fly from whichever airport is easiest. Call me and I am glad to help you sort out flights.
Light to moderate. Boardwalks, short paths, and seated attractions. This is one of our easier-paced trips.
Pleasant. Days generally 70 to 75 degrees, mornings cool. The springs stay at 72 degrees year round, which is exactly why the manatees show up.
$500 per person, due August 15, 2026. Final payment is due December 21, 2026.
Email Frances using the Reserve button, or call 931-801-9900. You can also reach Debbie Wilson at 931-801-5716 or debbie@musicbydebbiewilson.com.
Pricing per person, land only. Airfare into Tampa is not included.
$500 deposit due August 15, 2026 · Final payment by December 21, 2026
Button not opening your email? Write to frances@tripsunlimited.com or call 931-801-9900.
Booking is handled securely through our Trips Unlimited reservation system. Prefer to talk it through first? Call me.
Fully refundable until final payment · Questions? Frances 931-801-9900 or Debbie Wilson 931-801-5716.
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