I live in citrus county, crystal river is 15 minutes from my house. Part of the draw and why I chose to live in an otherwise boring area, is the easy access to kings bay area/rainbow springs and rainbow river. Plus the cost of living here is insanely cheap compared to the Orlando area. We're equal distance to Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Gainesville (about 90 minutes to all three), but we can kayak or swim in crystal clear spring waters with manatees every day of the week if we want. Visitors are always perplexed why I live here and not closer to the action. That's why.
I went swimming at Chrystal River yeaaars ago. At that time I was able to get in the water without guides, wet suits, etc. There were several manatee and a mama with with her calf. The baby was so friendly and wanted to play so it took my arm under his flipper. At first I was in awe until he decided to dive deeper in the water. It would have been fun if I had dive gear but with a snorkel it was a little scary. Luckily I was able to untuck my arm and get back to the top without incidence. We played a little longer then his mama came for him. I definitely have wonderful memories of that day. Still have the tshirt
I just wanted to comment and say a massive thank you for this video! My partner's father (dual Brit/American citizen) lives in Orlando so we visit every year but have no interest in the theme parks. We visited back in September 2024 and after watching your video, we went to Rock Springs which was fantastic, did the Apopka Wildlife Drive (gators up close!) and the highlight of our trip - the catboat tour at Mount Dora - What an absolutely amazing (and wet) experience! Met some wonderful people there too and Captain Dan was just awesome. By far the best thing we did on our trip. Just a shame my GoPro overheated and shut off after 15 mins :( We wouldn't have known about any of this if it wasn't for seeing video so a massive thank you!
I wish I could give this about ten thumbs ups! I especially appreciate you addressing the alligator issue in the creeks etc. That has made me worried in the past. I’m excited to check out Rock Springs. I’m spending two moths here and this was a FANTASTIC video! New subscriber! You guys have such great info and I really enjoy your presentation style. But I have to say, I love Gatorland too! 😉
They are so right about swimming with the manatees! I was the one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had! It was on my wife's bucket list. So our last trip to Disney we took a day and went to Crystal River. The water is quite a shock but you get used to it pretty quickly! But it was worth every penny!
I LOVE this video! We were thinking about doing some of these things before, but I was trying to find more information about them. I love being able to see other people's experiences. Also thanks for noting the alligators because we don't want to swim with alligators. 🤣 I'm actually concerned about big scary fish too, and I don't mean sharks.
We loved cocoa Beach stayed there in 2019 1st time I took my 3 Littles to Magic Kingdom they were excited but we all loved the beach. Stayed at beach and drove to Orlando.
Great video as always. Wondering what is your opinion on WonderWorks Orlando and LEGOLAND? Trying to find some different things to do like your video talks about.
Thanks for another great video. What are your best things to do close to this area when you have no car? Of course it is possible to use a public bus ... What are your recommendations?
Hello from England! 👋 we visited for the first time last year and loved it, can’t wait to go back and want to get out into nature. Incredible recommendations thank you! What type of sharks were the ones you swam with? I’d love to kayak but I am terrified of coming across an alligator!
"I Dream of Jeanie" was a show about an astronaut who lived in cocoa beach. The actual show was filmed in California, there are NO MOUNTAINS in Cocoa Beach.
Hi Rick and Nikki! I really want to go see the manatees when I go in a couple weeks, but I don't want to get in the water. Is there a viewing area where you can do this instead?
There is a boardwalk that surrounds three sisters springs (crystal river). You can see them by walking it. Lots of great viewing areas along the way and fairly close to where they clump together.
About the manatees you can touch them if they come up to you as long as it's not harassing to them also there is a lot of places you can swim with manatees even close by to that location like Homosassa River but yeah maybe not professional places like that but I've never looked into it
I just got back from an 11 day vacation from Alaska to Orlando, first day was at Hollywood Studios, every major ride was breaking down, my wife in a wheelchair was heckled by rude Lightning Lane jerks, next three days were Universal, absolutely perfect! Went to KSC, it was OK, still somewhat dated, not much Spacex there. Legoland was nice and uncrowded. Last day was a cold Sunday at Animal Kingdom with moderate crowds. Disney was a disappointment and Universal excelled.
I used to love Disney both as a kid & when taking my kids there...... No More......if I get grand children, Disney will not be part of the agenda. Grossly overpriced & now woke, nope not anymore.....sad.
@Retiredtraveler1961 oh, that's why the parks were at capacity during the holidays, because some pouting, brainless wonders are boycotting? Dude, Disney does not care about your pathetic phobias. Nor does anybody else. Magic Kingdom remains the most visited theme park in the world. Disney also had the biggest theater box office of any movie company in 2024. So, sure, they must be really upset that some retired dude isn't going to the parks.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I live in citrus county, crystal river is 15 minutes from my house. Part of the draw and why I chose to live in an otherwise boring area, is the easy access to kings bay area/rainbow springs and rainbow river. Plus the cost of living here is insanely cheap compared to the Orlando area. We're equal distance to Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Gainesville (about 90 minutes to all three), but we can kayak or swim in crystal clear spring waters with manatees every day of the week if we want. Visitors are always perplexed why I live here and not closer to the action. That's why.
I went swimming at Chrystal River yeaaars ago. At that time I was able to get in the water without guides, wet suits, etc. There were several manatee and a mama with with her calf. The baby was so friendly and wanted to play so it took my arm under his flipper. At first I was in awe until he decided to dive deeper in the water. It would have been fun if I had dive gear but with a snorkel it was a little scary. Luckily I was able to untuck my arm and get back to the top without incidence. We played a little longer then his mama came for him. I definitely have wonderful memories of that day. Still have the tshirt
I just wanted to comment and say a massive thank you for this video! My partner's father (dual Brit/American citizen) lives in Orlando so we visit every year but have no interest in the theme parks. We visited back in September 2024 and after watching your video, we went to Rock Springs which was fantastic, did the Apopka Wildlife Drive (gators up close!) and the highlight of our trip - the catboat tour at Mount Dora - What an absolutely amazing (and wet) experience! Met some wonderful people there too and Captain Dan was just awesome. By far the best thing we did on our trip. Just a shame my GoPro overheated and shut off after 15 mins :(
We wouldn't have known about any of this if it wasn't for seeing video so a massive thank you!
Massive appreciation for this video! ❤ we like to visit every year so it’s fab to try other things than just the parks. X
Wow! Really like this vid. And there really is a lot to do in Florida.
Some great ideas there. I remember watching the shark diving video and definitely wanting to do that. And I love the Dunder Mifflin shirt!
I wish I could give this about ten thumbs ups! I especially appreciate you addressing the alligator issue in the creeks etc. That has made me worried in the past. I’m excited to check out Rock Springs. I’m spending two moths here and this was a FANTASTIC video! New subscriber! You guys have such great info and I really enjoy your presentation style. But I have to say, I love Gatorland too! 😉
They are so right about swimming with the manatees! I was the one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had! It was on my wife's bucket list. So our last trip to Disney we took a day and went to Crystal River. The water is quite a shock but you get used to it pretty quickly! But it was worth every penny!
Really like your suggestions and we have spent a few days at Cocoa beach after we did a cruise in 2012.
I used to live in Ocala, visited Crystal.River and Homassa springs quite often
I LOVE this video! We were thinking about doing some of these things before, but I was trying to find more information about them. I love being able to see other people's experiences. Also thanks for noting the alligators because we don't want to swim with alligators. 🤣 I'm actually concerned about big scary fish too, and I don't mean sharks.
Water moccasins. They chase u.
@@gamelifeusa 🤣 Those don't even scare me like the fish do. GARS. Ewww.
Thanks, guys. They all look like some fantastic places.
We loved cocoa Beach stayed there in 2019 1st time I took my 3 Littles to Magic Kingdom they were excited but we all loved the beach. Stayed at beach and drove to Orlando.
Great video as always. Wondering what is your opinion on WonderWorks Orlando and LEGOLAND? Trying to find some different things to do like your video talks about.
I live in crystal River glad to see you guys enjoy stuff here
I really would love to do the manatees, we are just never there early in the year. But I'm definitely thinking on checking on the Rock Springs!
Me and my wife are going there in October can't wait to see Orlando
I love it. Thank you guys for what you do!
Great video idea!
This is very helpful, thank you!
Thanks for another great video. What are your best things to do close to this area when you have no car? Of course it is possible to use a public bus ... What are your recommendations?
Thanks for this video!
Hello from England! 👋 we visited for the first time last year and loved it, can’t wait to go back and want to get out into nature. Incredible recommendations thank you! What type of sharks were the ones you swam with? I’d love to kayak but I am terrified of coming across an alligator!
Do you guys recommend somewhere close to Orlando for ultimate pamper like day spa et
Thanks for the cool video
How far are all of these places from disney and universal in orlando? I might go there as extra along with those 2
"I Dream of Jeanie" was a show about an astronaut who lived in cocoa beach. The actual show was filmed in California, there are NO MOUNTAINS in Cocoa Beach.
Well, I'm glad you got something out the video. I wouldn't say it was the most important thing, but it's something.
We see the manatees sometimes in the st johns river in jax.
Hey adopted cousins! lol I love you Rix Road Trips!!
Hi Rick and Nikki! I really want to go see the manatees when I go in a couple weeks, but I don't want to get in the water. Is there a viewing area where you can do this instead?
There is a boardwalk that surrounds three sisters springs (crystal river). You can see them by walking it. Lots of great viewing areas along the way and fairly close to where they clump together.
@@turret_sindrone Thank you so much! This is so helpful. I really appreciate it!!
I see them in the summer too.
I imagined having a crocodile in the river very fear 😢
About the manatees you can touch them if they come up to you as long as it's not harassing to them also there is a lot of places you can swim with manatees even close by to that location like Homosassa River but yeah maybe not professional places like that but I've never looked into it
Do you have to know how to swim to go swimming with the manatees?
I would advise it, yes
Manatees Yay 😁❤
If i get close to a manatee i cant not touch, its impossible lol.
I just got back from an 11 day vacation from Alaska to Orlando, first day was at Hollywood Studios, every major ride was breaking down, my wife in a wheelchair was heckled by rude Lightning Lane jerks, next three days were Universal, absolutely perfect!
Went to KSC, it was OK, still somewhat dated, not much Spacex there. Legoland was nice and uncrowded. Last day was a cold Sunday at Animal Kingdom with moderate crowds. Disney was a disappointment and Universal excelled.
I see aligators all of the time and mantees all year around.
hi rix flix😷
Super. Thanks. Really cute suggestion. I'll be going to Disney World.
Those are some good manatees
I would say peppa pig play land would be fun for kids who like that
💖
i hear theo von 😮
Harry Potter gryffindor
If you have young children take them to Legoland.
So you pay to be shark bait at the end of a rope? Haha I think I'll just go in that glass tube at SeaWorld
lol i know right
I used to love Disney both as a kid & when taking my kids there......
No
More......if I get grand children, Disney will not be part of the agenda. Grossly overpriced & now woke, nope not anymore.....sad.
Totally agree with you more than ever I use to go for years but after this trip it’s going to be final. Rude foreigners workers look miserable…
Absolutely nobody cares whether or not you go to Disney again.
@@davidutnik Disney does! No patronage from us & many many others
@Retiredtraveler1961 oh, that's why the parks were at capacity during the holidays, because some pouting, brainless wonders are boycotting? Dude, Disney does not care about your pathetic phobias. Nor does anybody else. Magic Kingdom remains the most visited theme park in the world. Disney also had the biggest theater box office of any movie company in 2024. So, sure, they must be really upset that some retired dude isn't going to the parks.