OK, so many people ask me every year,
"When is the best time to go see the manatee [at Crystal River]"?
Besides my stock answer of absolutely never on a weekend or holiday, the answer is "following a cold front".
"But when are cold fronts"?
OK, I just did a quick synopsis of my days spent at Crystal River this last Winter season, I carefully watched the weather, etc etc and popped up there whenever I could and whenever the conditions were right, mid-week during a non-holiday time.
I also say "last" winter manatee season because essentially for me the season is over. There are still a few manatee at Crystal River but with Spring Break looming I won't add myself to the already too many people that will be in the water with the manatee around Spring Break/Easter time
For complete "stats" by date go to my website
and click on the blog on the front page and the latest blog thanking the manatee for a great season.
To make you curious I spent 17 days up with the manatee this past season - None was on a holiday or weekend and only one Friday. How many great photography days do you think I encountered out of the 17 hand-picked days?
Also next season there will be changes at Crystal River with limits on people and especially rental boats in the water with the manatee. It has gotten to be too much and hopefully the limits will work and there won't just be a blanket ban on people in the water with the manatee at Crystal River, this would be sad but it might happen as the privilege to see the manatee has been abused with aggressive operators and too many unsupervised people getting too rowdy in the water during weekends and holiday busy times. But don't worry about the manatee, they have large and choice sanctuaries to go into if they don't want to be around people. And there were plenty of days when I was the only one around many manatee and it was quiet and peaceful. It is only the busy times that must be avoided carefully.
Carol
PS, Yes I'll have my 06/07 manatee pictures posted as soon as I can. I have a pile of great manatee shots and it will be a big job to sort and edit the best ones...., but it will be fun to relive the beloved moments!!! 
C
