Swimming with Manatees AGAIN!

Call me crazy but I just didn't get enough manatee time on our 1st visit to Crystal River. And I had to TOUCH one!!

The ultimate compliment when this playful guy barrel rolls while I'm scratching him. A sign that he liked it. Oh my gosh!! I couldn't believe I was touching his soft white belly.

This amazing guy was willing to come back here with me. He LOVES going on vacation. And it was extra special to be just the two of us.

How adorable! He was so nice and just floated while I messed with him and took his picture a million times.

I kept trying to get a shots from the front but it was surprisingly difficult.

Here's my horrible attempt at a selfie. He actually smiles!!

Their noses look hilarious from above the water.

We stayed at an airbnb right on Kings Bay in a lady's transformed boathouse.

Lunch on the deck above with a view of the manatee sanctuary.

I'm ready!! The host even provided wetsuits, a tandum kayak and all the other gear.

We paddled to another area called Hunter Springs and saw a momma and her calf!

Here's how the calf nurses.

I couldn't miss this so I jumped in off the kayak to take a closer look.

What a magical experience! Mom, Dad and babe swimming away together.

Josh and I on the deck at sunset. See the reflection in our shades?

Kidding. Here's the amazing view!!

We saw manatees around as we were paddling in the kayak but not as many as last time at 3 Sisters Spring. Our favorite encounters this visit were in Kings Spring.

The water is a constant cool 72 degrees so we were shivering after a hour or so. Josh did it with no wetsuit. A real man! Ha.

We had a nice dinner one night at a waterfront outdoor patio next door. And for lunch subs at Sea Haggs around the corner. Our host provided breakfast each of the 2 mornings.

I can't wait to come back someday. I bet this place will just get busier as more people discover it exists.

More manatee videos...

Best sleep ever, woke up to this view, looks way too cold to get in.

Thank you Mimi for taking such great care of our precious people while we were gone. The day after we got home was Benny's 10th Birthday!!

I can't believe our baby is 10. Time slow down!

Addy's art project from school, made with pen dots. So awesome!