Swimming with Manatees!!!!

 Our last day of vacation we drove over to Crystal River. It is on the gulf side of LF, to snorkle with manatees. They come into the river and the hot springs during the winter.  It was cold! We left at 6:30 am - best time to interact with manatees is in the early morning when they are active and feeding. Wet suits helped and the boat had a portable heater and hot chocolate. We had the boat, captain and guide all to ourselves. It was a semi private tour but because there are 6 of us we took all the seats!

 This is Sophie with the first manatee we saw. She was sleeping - her calf was by her a few yards away. We were all amazed at how big the manatees were - we just watched as they slept and came up for air to the surface. Was cool to see them but not nearly as amazing as our next stop. It also was weird, we were just right off of people's private yards and docks in super shallow water.

We moved closer to a nationally protected area for manatees to winter in. Again, in a small cove of private docks we found a whole group of manatees. There were 2 sets of moms and calves. We watched the one calf nurse- it was amazing!The manatees were so mellow and gentle. WE could watch but not touch them until this guy came up to our guide and wanted to interact. We all got to touch him, scratch him a bit and pet him. It was a better time  then I even dreamed we would have!

This is Sophie again - our guide knew she was the manta phile of our group and took lots of pics of her and the manatees. Luke and Jason did not get in this time - it was really cold and Luke has lots less insulation then the rest of us.


The last place we went was a protected spring. We had to snorkle in - the boat can't go in here. It was so beautiful! I love this shot our guide got on the surface. Again there was a mother and her calf - a lot older calf - eating. We got to hang out and watch them as long as we wanted. It was a super fun ending to a great vacation!