Thanks for the great advice, Steve.  I'll let you know how the trip turns out.
-Mark B.

At 12:01 PM 1/17/02 -0500, you wrote:
>My personal recommedation.. forget a guide service.  There are at least
>three marinas/hotels on the big lake (probably more) that rent john boats
>for the 1/2 day and day long time frames.  The price is decent.  Rent a john
>boat, and go with your buddy (or buddies).  For a few more bucks you can
>rent a pontoon boat if you have that many buddies.  I've been to the
>Plantation Marina, and another that is run by Econolodge (I think).  I can't
>remember the name of the third place, but it was actually the closest to the
>big spring.  Prices were comparable, service was comparable.  Plantation was
>one of the closer to the good sites.  If you can't find the numbers, email
>me privately, I'll dig them out of my log when I get home.  I've got lots of
>brochures and info there.
>
>They'll make you watch an informative video on the manatee.  Pay attention.
>The Florida Wildlife officers don't take lightly to people fooling around
>with the manatees.  If you do as the video says, you'll be fine.  After
>you've seen the video.. go enjoy.  Get there early.. I'd try to be on the
>water in the 8AM time frame if you can (or as soon as the Dive Shop/Boat
>Rental opens).  Once the manatees start feeding (and have had their fill of
>snorklers), they are not as sociable, and tend to shy away.  But if you get
>there early, you'll have a couple of hours of wonderful experience.
>
>Early in the morning, I've had the best luck at King Spring (the big one).
>As the day wears on, the manatees (some of them anyway) tend to get into the
>channels, and thus we've had good luck then at Twin Sisters.
>
>They'll give you a map at any of the boat rental places.  Crystal River is
>one of my favorites because of the manatee.. I hope you enjoy it.
>
>Dive Safe!
>Steve