What is the best time of day to swim with the manatees?

Swimming and diving are favorites of aquatic tourists who like to combine recreational travel and sporting activities. For residents and visitors of Citrus County in Florida, a different thrill is provided by the presence of the docile and friendly manatees. Manatees, or sea cows, are large aquatic mammals that primarily eat plants. The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. They are said to be relatives of the elephant. In addition to being large, manatees also have the coarse wrinkly skin, which sometimes has algae growing on it. They are very passive creatures that enjoy playing in the water. Manatees are a threatened species, protected by both federal and Florida state laws. For this reason, swimming with them is only allowed in Citrus County.

Best time of day to swim with manatees

Despite their large size, manatees cannot tolerate colder temperatures. Manatees follow warm water so they can be found in the warm water springs in Florida when it is winter in other places. For this reason, the best time to go swimming with manatees is during the winter months. And the best time of day to join the manatees is the early morning. It has been said that the best day to see manatees would be early morning of the coldest day of the year.

Another good reason for an early excursion to see the manatees is that there are fewer people around. It is always good to avoid a crowded tour and the water is calm and undisturbed early in the day. More boats tend to stir up the water, making visibility less clear for spotting the manatees.

Manatees are playful in the morning. You can enjoy the chance to see them in groups, in their best mood, eating and playing.

They also are more interactive in the morning. As the swimmer adopts a passive observer’s mindset. Remember, it’s important to note that manatees often display curiosity and interaction during the morning hours. They might naturally approach the swimmer on their own accord. It is important that swimmers not try to approach manatees or touch them. However, the large creatures may come close to check you out if you are quietly watching nearby.

When planning to swim with Florida’s manatees, ensure you select a guide familiar with the area. They understand manatee behavior and preferred spots during various weather conditions. Skilled guides, like those at Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees, enhance the adventure, making it enjoyable and unforgettable. The guides are familiar with the regulations safeguarding manatees. They can assist you in having an enjoyable experience without endangering these gentle creatures. For more information on manatees and manatee tours, visit Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees website.