Meet Florida’s most beloved mammal
As the Gulf of Mexico cools in the winter months, thousands of manatees flock to Florida’s Gulf Coast in search of warmer waters
This makes it a great time to plan a trip to the Sunshine State – one of the only places to get up close to these docile gentle giants.
Areas such as Crystal River and Tampa offer some of the best places to encounter them.
The state has put measures in place to preserve their habitat for the future.
From banning paddle craft during manatee season and establishing protection zones, the state is committed to protecting their beloved manatees and the ecosystem that they so heavily rely upon.
So, if you’re planning a visit to see these animals in the wild, here are a few things to know.
Baby on board
A female manatee is pregnant for a whole year. When born, the calf can weigh up to 66 pounds. The calf will remain with its mother for as long as two years, learning the travel routes to find warmer waters and where to source food.
Just keep swimming
King’s Bay and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River are some of the best places in the world to encounter manatees and the only place you can legally swim with these animals in North America.
Watch your manners
Under Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act 1978, it is unlawful for any person, at any time, to intentionally or negligently annoy, harass or disturb any manatee. That means, when swimming, observe from the surface and at a distance, practicing passive observation at all times.
Family Tree
Manatees closest living relative is the elephant. Manatees have small flippers that are used for navigating the waters and help them touch, scratch, steer and even embrace!
Feeling the cold
Contrary to popular belief, manatees don’t have much blubber to keep warm. Most of their body mass is due to their large organs – their lungs can measure up to one meter in size. They’re sensitive to the cold and that’s why, each year, they migrate to the warmer springs of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Gentle giants
Manatees are the ocean’s largest herbivore. They are calm and peaceful marine mammals which pose no threat to humans. Despite their size they spend most of their day eating seagrass and other plant life.
Ray Monty
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