Are There Manatees at the Chaz?
Are you planning a trip to the Nature Coast of Florida and want to see those big, grey, lovable marine mammals known as the manatees? Before you book a kayak tour anywhere else, look at what the Chassahowitzka River has to offer with Get Up and Go Kayaking!
Where is the Chassahowitzka River?
The Chassahowitzka River, also known as the Chaz, is a spring-fed river that leads into the Gulf found in Homosassa, Florida. It is about 15 miles south of Crystal River and 50 miles north of Clearwater. Being a lesser-known location, it is often overlooked when people are planning their kayaking trips and adventures! However, this lends to it being incredibly peaceful and relaxing, giving you a chance to take in Florida’s natural beauty away from the tourism crowds during manatee season.
Can You See Manatees at the Chaz?
You absolutely can see manatees at the Chaz! In fact, it is one of the best locations to see manatees and be able to enjoy their encounters rather privately. Because of the collection of springs, known as Seven Sisters Springs, keeping the water around a lovely 74°F the manatees gather in large groups to keep warm during the winter months. Being only about 6 miles from
the Gulf, manatees frequently are found swimming through the river channel and other spring areas besides Seven Sisters as well!
Compared to other locations that also feature manatee tours, the Chaz is a well-kept secret that gives you the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one time with manatees away from the usual crowds. Sit back and enjoy seeing the manatees gather around your clear kayak–sometimes they’ll even press their nose against the side to try to figure out what you are!
How to Have Responsible Manatee Encounters
Manatees are a beloved, but threatened, species–so we must all do our part in their conservation! Here’s how you can responsibly observe manatees while at the Chaz: ● Don’t touch the manatees: Even though they are so cute, it is illegal to touch manatees! This can accustom them to humans, leading them to approach other vessels and possibly get hurt.
- Don’t feed the manatees: Manatees have a very specific diet, as they are herbivores, and should not eat human food! Even if you have plant material to feed them, it is dangerous to do so as they, again, may begin approaching other vessels for food but get injured from propellers or motors.
- Keep your paddles out of the water and stay in one place: When viewing manatees in a kayak, it can be tempting to try to maneuver yourself to get right up close to them–but this can spook them! Manatees are very friendly, but are still massive, so when they spook their big tail may end up flipping over your kayak!
- Take lots of pictures, but respect their space: It is amazing to get photos and videos of manatees, especially with underwater cameras! However, just like we don’t enjoy having a camera stuffed in our face, neither do the manatees! Make sure your camera stays a few feet away from them as you capture their cuteness.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy: Manatees are best viewed by finding a comfortable position in your kayak and letting them put on a show! They are very curious and love to come up to kayaks, but may not feel safe if you’re moving around a lot.
Try checking out this video to learn more about how to safely operate a kayak around manatees!
Plan Your Chaz Adventure
If you’re looking for a chance to have a manatee encounter surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty without the crowds, you’ll want to check out the Chaz! You can reserve a guided tour through Get Up and Go Kayaking – The Chaz, where our guides will take you to the best possible viewing locations for the manatees. Remember to dress warm and maybe even bring a hot drink, as the colder it gets the more manatees are around!