7 Best Destinations to Swim With Exotic Animals

Crystal River is the only place in the US where you can snorkel with West Indian manatees — known as "sea cows" — in the wild. Prime manatee viewing season is typically Oct. 1-March 31 depending on temperatures, as manatees thrive in year-round 72 degree Fahrenheit waters of Florida's second largest spring system. The Plantation on Crystal River has Winter packages where guests can swim with the West Indian manatee.