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Focus
Manatees
One of Florida’s most fascinating creatures is the West Indian manatee—a huge, docile mammal that grazes on aquatic plants. The slow-moving giants, who can weigh more than one ton, spend winters in the warm waters of springs and waterways. With no natural enemies except boaters, manatees have become an endangered species because of pollution, loss of habitat and injuries caused by speeding powerboats. Only an estimated 2,000-3,000 remain in the wild.
There are many places in Florida where you might spot manatees, but it is the Central West coast that offers so many varied opportunities to get up close to them. You can observe manatees in captivity at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, where four manatees take up residence.
A good starting point to observe manatees at close range year-round is the floating observatory at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park in Citrus County. Crystal River is another hotspot, offering one of the greatest concentrations of manatees. Throughout the region, crystal clear spring-fed waters are ideal for snorkeling and interacting with manatees, especially from October through March. Local boat operators can rent gear and will take you to places where manatees reside. It’s safest to observe them from a distance. |
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