Swimming with Manatees in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Manatee swimming in Florida is a lifetime experience, offering you the chance to interact with these peaceful creatures on our paradise. Manatees are considered the gentle giants, they have a friendly appearance and take their time with slow chugghing movements which make them an inviting attraction for any nature lover or water baby. If the idea of a trip to swim with these beautiful creatures is stirring some questions in your head, here's everything you need to know.

What Are Manatees?

Quite an oversized mammal, the Manatee is a herbivorous marine creature commonly referred to as a sea cow that inhabits in warm coastal waters and rivers. Sea Lions weigh over 1200 pounds and grow to a maximum length of around thirteen feet from snout tip to tail set. Living in quiet waterways and feeding on aquatic plants, these gentle giants are notoriously docile. However, visiting manatees are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making it extremely important that visitors interact with them respectfully.

Top Spots to Swim with Manatees

There are several different places in Florida where you can swim with manatees, and each place offers a completely unique experience. The most common places to stand include;

• Crystal River- among the most popular spots for manatee interactions. Located on the shores of Crystal River, this natural spring has warm, crystal-clear water that you can swim in and observe these incredible animals from just inches away.
• Homosassa Springs: Analyze in the waterways with manatees — their likenesses and education programs serial visitors haphazardly to local position.
• Tampa Bay: Less known than Crystal River but there are several tour operators that take you on guided manatee encounters.

Best Time to Visit

As a general rule, the best time of year to swim with manatees is November through March when these creatures gather in the temperate waters off Florida. This is the time of year that you are most likely to see Manatees.

What to Expect

ManateesAverage animal welfare rating: DWhen you swim with manatees, instead of a rugged adventure, the experience is all about quiet interaction. On the off chance for you that are arranging your get away soon, here some tips to make it memorable and please, friends try not be such a asshole with our flag fallwriting prompt idea!

• Stay Calm: Manatees are inquisitive animals, but can easily be scared. Then, you just have to take a deep breath and wait for them to come.
• Watch From Afar: I know you want to get up close and personal, but make it a point not violate sustainability's space. Keep them away from you and only touch when needed.
• Avoid Chasing: Do not chase the manatees. Give room to let them come to you In turn, this leads to a more genuine conversation.

Safety Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and the manatees.

• Do not ever feed manatees, as this can relieve them of their natural behaviors and how they typically eat.
• Respect Wildlife Authorities: Always follow the directions of wildlife officers. Such as where you can dive or swim.
• Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Help protect our environments by using biodegradable sunscreen options which will not harm these ecosystems.

Conclusion

One of the most unique things you get to do while visiting Florida is swim with manatees. These gentle, intriguing creatures are always fun animals to connect within their natural habitat. As long as you stick to the guidance offered and are respectful of these animals in their natural habitat, it can be an adventure that is both safe and rewarding. So dust off your snorkel or purchase some fresh gear, it is time go meet the gentle monsters of our oceans!