Tips for Manatee Swimmers and Divers

Key takeaways

  • Manatees are amazing to see in their natural habitat and swimming and snorkeling with them can be a delightful experience.
  • It is important to maintain a respectful distance from the manatees and avoid any behavior that may disrupt their natural behavior.
  • Visitors should remain calm and allow the manatees to take charge of the interaction and not chase after them if they move away. Keep off designated manatee areas and use snorkel gear to float seamlessly on the water surface and observe the manatees.

You love snorkeling and swimming. And you love manatees, too.

So if this describes you, kill two birds with one stone by going snorkeling and swimming with the manatee in Crystal River, Florida.

The gorgeous, majestic creatures are amazing to see in their natural habitat. And you can be sure that diving, swimming and watching them up close will be a delightful experience.

Besides, manatees are unique, playful creatures that treasure human company. You may even be lucky to have some of them approach you for a kiss or belly rub!

At Swimming with the Manatees, we encourage swimmers and snorkelers to go on excursions that respect both the animals and their habitats. That is why we provide information and education so they can explore all things manatee before their tours.

So what are the must-know tips for manatee swimmers and snorkelers?

  1. Maintain a respectful distance

Being up close and personal with these aquatic giants is an awesome experience. You’ll really love seeing the animals play, somersault, graze, sleep or just go on with their business. But you must remember that you’re in the habitat of a wild animal and the best way to see and interact with them is from a respectful distance.

You must avoid approaching the animals too closely as that may disrupt their natural behavior. In fact, some may feel threatened or panic, fleeing from safe areas and moving to colder areas or into dangerous boat traffic.

As a rule, you must never approach, surround, touch, chase, block, ride, disturb or poke a manatee. Equally, you must never feed or give them water. And neither should you separate a mother from its calf nor a manatee from a herd.

  1. Keep your cool throughout your stay in the water

Well, it can be quite overwhelming being in the water with a huge, aquatic giant lurching below you or roaming around you. But while snorkeling or are swimming in a manatee habitat, you must never lose your cool, panic, and become disruptive. Doing so may scare the animals and cause them to flee to dangerous areas.

So try as much as possible to remain calm. The idea is to simply float in the water with as little commotion, noise and disruption as possible. And to avoid excessive splashing and boisterous behavior when around the sea cows. Actually, if you appear motionless in the water, it is more likely that a curious manatee will come closer to you for an interaction.

  1. Allow the manatees to take charge

Manatees are more like people. They are curious and friendly, but they have business to accomplish. And so while some may be interested enough to approach you, others will want to go on sleeping, resting or grazing. You shouldn’t be surprised when a manatee doesn’t seem to notice your presence or even moves away.

As a rule, you must never chase after a manatee that is swimming away from you. But even if a manatee is swimming towards you, it is prudent to give way and resist any urge to pet it.  And if a manatee comes straight up to you and rolls over to get a belly rub, you may only do so with one open hand.  Plus, you should understand that such a manatee has already been tamed by another diver and its behavior isn’t natural.

  1. Keep off designated manatee areas

Manatees are found in areas with plenty of vegetation as they are herbivores that consume plenty of plant material every day. But these areas also provide tranquil and safe spots where the creatures can rest, sleep, and interact with each other without human interference.

As a mark of respect to the animals and their habitat, you must never cross into these areas. Fortunately, the areas have been roped off and marked with buoys to keep out snorkelers and swimmers. So when you snorkel or swim to these boundaries, you should stop and observe the animals from that point or move back away from the sanctuaries.

  1. Use snorkel gear

Lucky to have your manatee tour on a site that allows in-water activities? Then use snorkel gear to help you float seamlessly on the water surface and to observe the manatees passively from that position. Snorkel equipment is also ideal because it produces minimal splashing and disruption.

You must avoid scuba gear because the sound of the equipment will frighten the manatees. Plus, scuba equipment may stir up the area and produce bubbles that may cause manatees to panic and flee.

Would you like more tips and ideas on how to interact with manatees? Get all the information you need by visiting the site “Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees.”

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Why Do You Recommend Wetsuits?

The Crystal River and Homosassa River offer a unique and consistent feature—the water temperature remains a steady 72 degrees throughout the year. While this temperature might seem inviting and comfortable, it’s essential to recognize that prolonged exposure to these waters could potentially lead to hypothermia, a serious medical condition caused by abnormally low body temperature. While swimming with the manatees, we recommend wetsuits.

The seemingly warm and stable water temperature might create a deceptive sense of comfort, especially for those unfamiliar with the potential risks associated with extended immersion in cooler waters. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below the normal range, impairing its ability to function optimally and potentially leading to life-threatening consequences.

Risk of Hypothermia

The risk of hypothermia in these rivers underscores the significance of being mindful and cautious during aquatic activities, particularly in circumstances where individuals might spend prolonged periods in the water. While the waters of Crystal River and Homosassa River provide a stunning backdrop for various outdoor pursuits, visitors must prioritize their safety and well-being by taking precautionary measures.

One way to mitigate the risk of hypothermia is to wear appropriate wetsuits or thermal protection gear that can help regulate body temperature and prevent excessive heat loss. Additionally, individuals should be aware of their personal tolerance to cooler water temperatures and limit their exposure accordingly. Staying informed about the potential signs and symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, and fatigue, is crucial for prompt recognition and appropriate action.

Ultimately, while the constant 72-degree water temperature in Crystal River and Homosassa River is undoubtedly enticing for recreational activities, it’s imperative to approach these waters with a keen awareness of the potential risks, especially the risk of hypothermia. By prioritizing safety, staying informed, and taking proactive measures to maintain body temperature, visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty and allure of these rivers while safeguarding their health and well-being.

For more information about manatees, and manatee tours, visit Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees website.

Captain Mike’s Manatee Snorkel Tours

If you are looking for a spectacular manatee tour for the entire family, look no further than CAPTAIN MIKE’S MANATEE SNORKEL TOURS. At King’s Bay in Crystal River, Florida, Captain Mike offers you an experience of a lifetime by letting you safely swim with these aquatic giants in the rivers along the west coast of Florida. [Read Full Article…]