Swim With Manatees: A Gentle Adventure With Florida’s Beloved Giants

In Crystal River, Fl. we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of floating alongside one of nature’s most gentle creatures, the Florida Manatee. During the winter months, the manatees sneak into the warm waters of the springs in Kings Bay, as they remain a constant 72° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) year-round. These springs create the ideal habitat for the manatees to keep warm. Sanctuary lines are added around the larger springs in the bay to provide these gentle giants with a quiet place to relax and sleep uninterrupted.

In their natural setting, snorkelers and boaters can be educated to enter their realm to witness the calm actions of the manatees and connect with them in a fascinating and heartwarming manner. Everyone who partakes in the opportunity to meet a manatee creates a lifelong bond that can further protect manatees in the future. All our guests are provided the necessary education that it takes to enter the world of the gentle giants.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about manatees and what you can expect on your adventure swimming with them.

Getting To Know The Manatees!

Here are the key characteristics and behaviors of manatees that make them not only fascinating to observe but also integral to their ecosystems:

Physical Characteristics

Manatees are large marine mammals that can grow between 8 to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. They have rounded bodies covered in thick gray skin, which is often home to algae, giving them a greenish hue. Manatees are equipped with an extrasensory system of hairs that cover their rounded bodies as well as their face, which allows them to feel sound pressures and vibrations in the water column. These hairs assist in their navigation through the environment, as their eyesight is rather limited, allowing them to construct a mental image of what is around them.

Diet and Habitat

The diet of manatees helps maintain healthy marine ecosystems, as they help control plant growth and promote a balanced environment. They also prefer habitats with plenty of seagrass beds, making areas like Florida’s Crystal River ideal dwellings. These gentle giants have the potential to consume up to 10% of their body weight each day in vegetation to gain as many nutrients as possible. Manatees can be seen feasting on grass for hours each day. When they are observed grazing on the grass, like a cow in a field, they earn their “Sea-Cow” nickname.

Life Cycle and Lifespan

Manatees have a slow reproductive rate, which contributes to their vulnerability. They typically give birth to a single calf every two to five years after a gestation period of about 12 months. Twins are a rare occurrence in the manatee world, as they only occur in about 2% of total births. In the wild, they can live for 50 to 60 years, but their longevity is affected by natural threats and human-related activities.

Endangered Status and Conservation

The manatee was originally listed as endangered in 1967 due to threats like boat collisions, water pollution, and habitat loss. However, with conservation efforts and heightened boating regulations, the population has recovered and increased. Conservation efforts mainly focus on protecting their habitats, raising public awareness about their vulnerable status, and promoting responsible tourism practices.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified manatees from endangered to threatened in 2017. The manatee population was recovering, and a computer model predicted that it would double over the next 50 years!

What To Expect on Your First Swim With Manatees

Below are the things you can expect on your swim with manatees:

Orientation and Snorkel Gear Fitting

Before entering the water, you will undergo a pre-swim orientation led by experienced guides. This briefing is vital for ensuring all participants understand safety protocols and guidelines for a respectful swim. All guests are to view their designated USFWS “Manatee Manners” video, which begins the educational process of meeting the manatees.

You will be fitted with snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit for warmth and buoyancy. Swim guides will see to it that the gear fits properly, offering adjustments as needed to ensure comfort while in the water. This additional buoyancy is extremely beneficial at keeping you on the surface and ensuring the well-being of the that can be manatees below. It is our duty to be as respectful visitors to their home as possible.

Respectful Group Sizes

Tours are normally conducted with small group sizes to lessen disturbance to the creatures and enhance the personal experience for each participant. A limited number of people allows guides to provide more individual attention, ensuring everyone can observe the manatees closely.

Manatee Habitats

You will be led to designated manatee habitats, typically in warm, shallow waters where these giants are commonly found. Guides will explain the significance of these habitats, pointing out key features such as seagrass beds and freshwater springs.

Gentle, Close Encounters

One of the highlights of swimming with manatees is the opportunity for gentle, close encounters. These creatures may approach swimmers, providing a unique chance to observe their behavior and interactions up close. Participants are encouraged to remain calm and “Freeze and Float” if they feel apprehensive in the water. All guests are educated on how to perform “Passive Observation” techniques while around the manatees to ensure the safety of themselves and the manatees.

Duration of the Experience

Most tours last two to three hours, including orientation, gear fitting, and time spent in the water. This allows ample opportunity for everyone to swim with manatees and immerse themselves in their natural habitat without feeling rushed.

Post-Tour Debrief and Conservation Information

Many tours conclude with a post-tour debriefing where swim guides discuss the importance of manatee conservation and the various threats these animals face. This session provides valuable insights into the ecological challenges that manatees encounter and how you can contribute to their protection.

Book Your Manatee Tour With Bird’s Underwater Today!

Swimming with manatees is an unforgettable adventure and a chance to connect with nature. With Bird’s Underwater, you’ll experience a unique opportunity to witness manatees in their habitat while supporting responsible wildlife tourism.

Explore our manatee tours to book a trip! You may also call us at (352) 563-2763 for inquiries.