Crystal River is one of six naturally occurring warm water refuge for manatees in Florida, places with climates unaffected by outside changes.

The warm water is what attracts the large seal-like manatees during cooler weather when temperatures in open water fall. Being a tropical animal, manatees cannot survive long periods in water temperatures below 68°F. By late December, over 100 of these giant"seacows" will have congregated around the springs in Kings Bay.

The clear water, excellent fishing, and opportunities for manatee watching are major attractions to divers, snorkelers, and boaters among residents and tourists alike. Dive shops, marinas, and motels cater to the interest in manatees, parlaying it into a $7 million annual hike in the local economy.