Swimming with the Manatees
For those outdoors adventurers looking for a new wrinkle, I present swim with the manatees. Not exactly your X-game caliber thrill show, but it is a spectacular event that will not disappoint.
Every winter, the Gulf of Mexico, home to the manatee, cools off as temperatures drop to what passes for ‘cold’ in this part of the world. Along the West Coast of Florida, spring-fed rivers wind their way through mangroves to empty into the gulf. Interestingly enough, spring water is always the same temperature, regardless of the weather. In the summertime, the rivers are colder than the Gulf, but when the Gulf water drops below the magic number of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the rivers become de facto hot spots.
The significance of that transition is that manatees prefer warmer waters. When the Gulf cools, the manatees come in to nestle in the small rivers near the various springs. That’s when it is time to swim with the manatee in the warm waters.
Warm being a relative term, of course. A wet suit is recommended if you want to brave the 72 degree water for any length of time. I’ve been in with and without a wetsuit, and I’d definitely suggest the suit to anyone who is neither a polar bear nor a masochist.
Once you get over the shock of the cold water (even with the suit, it is a bit of a shock to the system), you can snorkel your way over to one of the lumbering behemoths. Up close, a manatee is bigger than you’d think. But they are gentle, slow moving creatures. Their attitude toward people varies from indifference to friendliness. Seldom will they take any action either to encourage or discourage your approach.
These beasts are federally protected, so make sure that you understand the rules of engagement before you approach a manatee Touching is OK; grabbing or hugging is not. Feeding is right out of the question. There are many operations in the area that will rent you the wet suit and snorkel, and even take you to the manatee hotspots. Go early in the morning when the manatee are most active. It’s an encounter that you will never forget.
