So you want to meet a manatee? You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve had the honor of befriending multiple manatees during my four years as a Tampa resident. Some might say I’m a manatee expert. Okay, nobody says that. But, I’ve interacted with enough sea cows to confirm that they are both majestical and cuddly.
It wasn’t until the moment that my arms wrapped around the blubbery skin of a baby manatee that I realized my entire life was building to that pinnacle event. I hugged a manatee!
I remember it so distinctly. We laid still in the murky water and just waited. I could barely see my hand in front of me, when... BOOM! A manatee appeared right in front of my face. And another and then another. A small group of manatees curiously swam around me. A baby manatee even flipped over to let me rub its belly! I smiled so hard that my snorkel popped out of my mouth and I choked on water. Worth it.
Manatees are unique animals. Not only are they intelligent creatures with a fantastic memory, but they collectively migrate in the winter to keep warm. Like humans, they hate the cold and are susceptible to cold-related-disease. During the winter months, they retreat to the warm water in Florida springs.
Side Note: Manatees sleep 50% of the day — a kind of lifestyle to be jealous of. Can you say spirit animal?
Although the winter can be a rough time for the manatees, it’s an excellent time for anyone in Florida to marvel at these fascinating creatures. It’s possible to see a manatee anytime between mid-November to the end of April. But, the best time to go is a cold morning in early February, aka NOW!
Here are some ways to meet a manatee:
Paddle down Weeki Wachee River
Weeki Wachee river is gorgeous. The bright blue water, beautiful landscape, and twisty turns keep the adventure exciting. The random manatee sightings are a bonus. On many occasions, I have ventured this river with fun as my only expectation, and to my surprise, I was followed by manatees! The manatees were extremely curious. They got so close that I was able to pet them from my paddle board. Test your luck and try to meet a manatee at Weeki Wachee.
I recommend renting from here. It's about $10 an hour to rent a paddle board, much cheaper than nearby competitors.
Exact Location:
6131 Commercial Way. Spring Hill, FL 34606.
Observe at Three Sisters Spring
At this beautiful spring, there’s a short boardwalk with viewing platforms that give the perfect vantage point for manatee observers. Three Sisters Spring provides the only land access to see the winter dwellers.
Exact Location:
123 Northwest US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Kayak at Crystal River
Now, if seeing manatees from the Three Sisters’ boardwalk isn’t personal enough for you, get closer by paddling in Crystal River. You can kayak down the river as you like and patiently wait for our blubbery friends to make an appearance.
Exact location:
1422 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429
Plan a date to snorkel with them
Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees. So, take advantage of it. There are guided tours where manatee experts bring you up close and personal with majestic sea cows. I’ve taken multiple trips with River Ventures and have had unforgettable experiences. They provide snorkels and wetsuits and take you by boat to locations they know manatees linger. This is where I was able to hug my first flubby friend.
Exact location:
498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429
Now that you know how to meet a manatee, it’s time to check it off your bucket list. Go ahead!
Please remember to be mindful at all times while visiting manatee protected areas. Although manatees are no longer endangered, they are still threatened and in need of protection. We must treat this beloved species with the utmost care and respect.
Learn more about protecting manatees here.
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