Has Anyone Swam with Manatees in Florida?

I had the oppurtunity to swim with the Manatees during a senior trip in high school. I loved it, although it was on the same day as one of the most embarassing moments in my life, which I will discuss in a different forum. The manatees were beautiful and extremely gentle, reminding me of the kind of animals you meet at a petting zoo. I'm wondering if anyone else has swam with manatees.

If you are wondering, this took place in Crystal River in Citrus County.

 

Dude, I first went to Crystal River back in the early 80's to swim with the manatees. I have been a fan ever since and go back at least once per year.

It's funny how so few locals around here have ever taken the opportunity to connect with nature like this. These seacows are scary HUMONGOUS and as gentle as a pet bunny lol.

I would highly recommend this little adventure to anyone visiting Florida between the months of October and March; truly unforgettable experience.

 

Sorry for taking so long to reply.

I agree. The tourists who flock to Disney World are missing out.

 

I've never done it, but I heard it's awesome as fuck! I would so do it.

 

has anyone asked the manatees what they think?

 

I hope that you can make it some time and am sure you would dig it.

 

They appear to eat it up, allow you to pet them and luv the attention.

When they becomes tired of you then they retire to a protective "sanctuary" that the park rangers have established with ropes & buoy's; no humans allowed.

 

Sounds like fun, where can you do it at?

 

OMG! I swam with the manatee's in Crystal River as well! The town was very quaint but most of all the manatess were awesome! I went in late september. I went on a tourist boat that took us to a protective area that had a spring that had 15+ manatees there. We weren't allowed to cross the ropes but they were all outside the ropes, as well i got to cool off from the florida heat right over a spring were i could see the water coming out of the earth in crystal clear water which was incredible in its own right. The manatees, well, AMAZING! I would hold on to one and drift at their own slow pace. i see how they got the name sea-cow. It was sad how many scars they had from boats hitting them. Most of the waterways have warning signs though... I can't wait to do it again.

 

That sounds like an awesome experience. I have always loved manatees, but unfortunately have never seen one up close. If I make it down to Florida, I now know where to go

 

swam with a manatee all the time when my ex got in the water oh that was sour.

 

I know over in FT Peirce they always come in to that one place cant remeber in Ft P though. You should see all the crazy shit in the water sometimes when you paddle out surfin unreal sometimes

 

yes just yesterday i had a swim with a 12footer.they love to come into canals