We all love the manatees here in Florida, and what better place to see them, than in Crystal River.
Crystal River is the only place in the world where it’s legally permissible to swim with the manatees, and people are encouraged to use a passive approach when observing the gentle giants.
This video posted on YouTube by user Florida Girl has gone viral showing a manatee giving birth in the Crystal River area. (3:30 mark)
According to Savethemanatee.org, "On average, one calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. Intervals between births range from two to five years. A two-year interval may occur when a female, or cow, loses a calf soon after birth. The gestation period for female manatees is about a year."
For more on manatees and conservation efforts surrounding these gentle giants, please visit the Save the Manatee Club website.
PHOTOS: Florida Manatees
Where to See Manatees in Florida
While Crystal River is the only place to swim with manatees, there are plenty of natural spots throughout Florida to observe the animals from above the water’s surface.
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City (between Orlando and Daytona Beach) - Check out the park’s webcam to see if the manatees are in the springs. During manatee season (mid-November through March), the spring and spring run are closed to all water activities, including swimming and boating.
Manatee Lagoon, West Palm Beach - The 16,000 square foot education space features hands-on exhibits to learn not only about manatees who winter here, but other natural wonders in the area. Take a look at the Manatee Cam to see if manatees are in the area today.
Manatee Observation & Education Center, Fort Pierce (between Cocoa Beach and West Palm Beach) - In addition to an observation deck from which to view manatees, the center includes touch tanks, interactive displays and aquariums for visitors to learn more about the area’s ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Manatee Park, Fort Myers - Manatees are more apt to be in the park late-December through February.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach (south of Tampa) - An observation deck and boardwalk provide terrific vantage points for viewing manatees in the waters warmed by the neighboring Big Bend Power Station. Webcams to the east and west provide different vantage points, right on your screen.
Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River (about 90 minutes north of Tampa) - If you’d rather stay dry than swim with the manatees, the observation boardwalk that encircles Three Sisters provides terrific viewing areas. Though the most manatees can be found in Three Sisters and Crystal River during the winter months, a resident population of around 80 manatees call the area home year-round, providing the chance to swim with them year-round, too.
Fast Facts About Manatees
Manatees are mammals and are prone to symptoms similar to frostbite and hypothermia, called cold stress, hence the need to be in water that is 68 degrees or higher in temperature.
Manatees are herbivores, or vegetarians, and get their fresh water from seagrasses and other aquatic vegetation.
Manatees do not have any natural predators.
It is estimated that modern manatees have been in Florida’s waters for more than 1 million years.
Under the Endangered Species Act, harassing or interfering with manatees can lead to heavy fines and even jail time.
Manatee Manners
Look but do not touch – manatees are wild animals, after all!
Never enter designated manatee sanctuaries, for any reason.
Avoid making noise or splashing when manatees are nearby.
Use snorkeling gear when observing manatees; SCUBA gear may scare them.
Never feed manatees or give them water; they are wild animals.
