{"id":457,"date":"2023-01-15T11:11:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T11:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snorkelvibe.com\/?p=457"},"modified":"2023-07-27T07:28:19","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T07:28:19","slug":"places-snorkel-with-manatees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/places-snorkel-with-manatees\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Places to Snorkel and Swim with Manatees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s not enough to simply snorkel in tropical waters viewing the amazing colorful fish and coral, sometimes it’s worth it to elevate the experience with beautiful and rare sea creatures like the manatees. Sure, this will make your tour as memorable as possible. Following are the best places you can snorkel or swim with manatees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defining Manatees <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we look at where exactly you can swim or snorkel with rare sea creatures, let’s first describe manatees, for those who may not have heard of them<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Manatees are unique, sea giants that weigh over 3000 pounds and grow to over 12 feet in length. Also referred to as sea cows, these sea-dwelling creatures are very common to coastal Florida waters which many call it the Sunshine State.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How
Photo of Manatee cow and calf under water (US Fish & Wildlife Service)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For decades now, the number of manatees has grown to over 6500<\/a> despite the boat strikes that had started to plummet their\nexistence. Thanks to their growing numbers, many can now enjoy water sporting\nactivities with these water-dwelling mammals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Places to Snorkel with Manatees <\/strong>Florida<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s one thing that’s clear, manatees are found in Florida\nwaters. It’s where they were first discovered and where they continue to grow\nin numbers. So if you’re looking to snorkel with them, you should take a trip\nto the ever-booming state of Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the three most common areas you will have the\npleasure of swimming with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crystal River Wildlife Refuge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is located in Citrus County, North America, on the\ncentral west coast of Florida. Just 75 miles north of Tampa and less than a\ntwo-hour drive from Orlando. It’s one of the legally accepted areas where\nyou’re allowed to snorkel with these harmless yet curious mammals. It comprises\nof over 46 acres with the waters inhabiting over 100 sea cows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manatees are found all year long but the best time to snorkel with them is as from December all through to March when they rest on the King’s bay where the waters are warm and tropical to about 72 degrees. The refuge offers a great breeding place for these manatees, hence you’ rest ‘reassured to see many of them while there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment you wish to begin your snorkeling, you will\nnotice the waters are very clear, or rather transparent enough for you to see\nthe giants without having to be inside the water. Snorkeling with these\ncreatures is indeed a fun experience as they warm up to humans and many seem\naffectionate and smitten just being in company with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the refuge, there are restricted areas that are usually marked off. They are the Manatees’ sanctuary where they get to breed, nap, feed, or even nurse a calf – young manatee. The sea creatures love to play around, swim\/ snorkel side by side, and just relax with humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the crystal river, they take the safety of the Manatees\nwith high regard, so there will be a few rules you’ll have to follow. These\ninclude;<\/p>\n\n\n\n