If swimming with manatees isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be. This fun wildlife activity is perfect for the whole family! Here is my quick guide to get you started in planning your adventure:
To dive right in, the only place in the United States that you can legally swim with manatees is in southeast Florida. Every year the West Indian Manatee migrates to the warm waters of Citrus County Florida. There are many visiting options located here such as Crystal River, Homosassa Springs, Tarpon Springs, Blue Springs, Weeki Wachee Springs, Silver Springs State Park, Chassahowitzka River, Round Island in Vero Beach, and Merritt Island National Refuge. However, only one of these places holds the title of the “Manatee Capital of the World”—Crystal River. And with a name like that, I couldn’t resist choosing Crystal River for my own adventure.
Now for timing. The ideal manatee swimming season is from November to March, with December through February being the peak months. This tracks as I made my venture in early February, and there were a substantial amount of manatees floating about.
For your swim, you have the option to go on your own but I highly recommend using a tour company. There are plenty of tour companies in the area, but not all of them are the same so make sure to do your research! Make sure to read reviews and check out their website to get a sense of the company’s reputation and where their priorities lie to ensure the best experience
The company will usually provide the necessary equipment so all you need to bring is a few personal items like your swimsuit, towel and dry clothes to change into. If you’re like me and never been in a wetsuit before or just nervous about sizing, be sure to check in with the company. Some websites list them while others don’t. To be on the safe side, you can always call or email the company for confirmation before booking. Wetsuit sizes tend to run a size or two smaller, so keep that in mind.
Here’s some additional things to consider for your tour:
- Do you prefer a large tour or a small group experience?
- Are you interested in a private tour? Some companies offer private tours for larger groups or if you just want something private.
- Bringing kids? Most tour companies allow children as young as 3, and some even accommodate younger ones, so check the website for specific details.
For my manatee encounter I went with Gulf Coast Expeditions (GC) and I could not have been happier! The expedition is 3 hours in length. This time includes getting fitted into your wetsuit, safety and rules meeting, and travel to the boat. The price of this excursion was about $80 per person – which was well worth the money.
I highly recommend going for the early tour. Manatees are more active in the morning than in the afternoon – which makes for a super enjoyable encounter. The tour company made it super easy for us by providing the masks, snorkel, and wet suits so all we had to pack were sunglasses, sunscreen and a warm cover up for after we finished the swim.
Manatees are a protected species, so knowing the rules of interacting is important. Examples of prohibited behavior include:
- Chasing or Pursuing manatees
- Disturbing or touching a resting or feeding manatee
- Cornering or surrounding a manatee
- Riding, holding, grabbing, pinching, parking, prodding or stabbing a manatee with anything, including your hands and feet
- Standing on a manatee
- Separating a mother and calf or separating a group of manatees
- Giving a manatee anything to eat or drink
- Actively initiating contact with belted/tagged manatee(s)
- Interfering with rescue and research activities
This wildlife encounter is an extremely accessible and unforgettable experience. It allows you to truly connect with nature and connect with these magnificent creatures in a unique way. Whether you’re an animal lover, adventure seeker or looking to create memories that will last a lifetime, this is an encounter you truly don’t want to miss – plus it’s one that won’t break the bank!! So plunge into the water and start planning today!
Want to read a little more about my experience? Check out this blog!
