Manatees

Charismatic Manatees
The Manatee are marine animals of the order Sirenia, named for the mythological sea nymphs who lured ships to their doom. Early sailors apparently mistook the manatee and its cousins for mermaids. Who knows how many bottles of rum it would take to mistake these corpulent-10 feet long and 100 plus pounds- walrus faced creatures for a beautiful women? However, there is no mistaking an encounter with a manatee as one of the most remarkable and utterly charming experiences available to anyone who can don a mask.

During warm months, West Indian manatees, the only serenian species found in the United States, spread out through Florida's coastal ocean, bays, and inland waterways. As soon as they sense the water temperature dropping below 70 degrees, they gather at their traditional and not so traditional winter retreats. On the east coast of the state, Manatees congregate around the outflows of power plants where water used to cool the turbines is released at a higher temperature. On the west coast, the manatees swim inland to gather at a number of natural springs where water bubbling up from the Florida Aquifer remains a constant 72 degrees. It is at these springs that you have an opportunity to swim among these giants.

Crystal River, west of Ocala, Florida, is the most popular spot. Since the sound of scuba gear scares them away, you'll use only a snorkel. Although 72 degrees may be toasty for a thick skinned siren, wear a wet suit because you won't want to leave the water once you meet them.

Florida's Manatees are endangered, with only about 2400 left in the wild. Their main enemies are the boats that speed along the stat's waterways; it's a rare adult manatee that doesn't bear propeller scars across its back. It is illegal to disturb the manatees in any way, so all encounters are initiated by the manatees. If you're lucky, you'll get to see a mother and calf. Take special care not to separate the two, but if you watch carefully you may see the calf nursing underwater.

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