Crystal River, Florida, is the “Manatee Capital of the World,” offering unique opportunities to swim with wild manatees in their natural habitat. This is especially true during winter when they seek refuge in the warm, 72°F springs, with peak viewing from November to April. Visitors can join guided tours for snorkeling with manatees. This is the only place in the U.S. where this isn’t prohibited.
Manatees are tropical mammals sensitive to cold, needing water above 68°F (20°C) to avoid dangerous “cold stress” or hypothermia. They seek warm-water refuges like Florida’s natural springs or power plant outflows during winter, often gathering in large groups to survive chilly weather. They lack thick blubber, so they depend on these thermal sanctuaries to stay warm, huddling together and becoming lethargic if temperatures drop too low. Cold Stress Syndrome: Water below 68°F (20°C) can lead to slowed bodily functions, reduced immune response, and even death, similar to human hypothermia or frostbite. They travel from rivers and coasts to natural springs, like Three Sisters Springs. You’ll see them “Huddling”. Manatees often form large groups, sometimes in “cuddle piles,” to share body heat.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION IF YOU SNORKLE WITH MANATEES, YOU MUST FOLLOW STRICT RULES based on Federal and state laws. Florida manatee laws, rooted in the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, plus the state’s own Manatee Sanctuary Act, make it illegal to feed, harass, harm, hunt, or disturb manatees, with penalties including significant fines and jail time for violations. These laws also mandate slow speed zones and protect manatee habitats, making actions like touching, petting, feeding, splashing, or pursuing manatees unlawful because they disrupt natural behaviors, increasing risks from boats and other dangers. Most wildlife like manatees are safer when they don’t become accustomed to people. FYI, you may see algae on manatees; it does not hurt or bother them.
All Photos are Courtesy of Three Sisters Springs.
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Update: Latest weather report is that the snowstorm up north will bring freezing temperatures to central Florida on Wednesday morning. I’m saying a prayer for all the manatees as I hope they survive temps in the 30’s (F). I think I’m part manatee which means I’ll be wearing sweat pants and warm clothes!
I’m rather fascinated by manatees and always wondered what it would be like to swim with them. I hope they are protected forever.
Oh me too!
Very interesting! This would be a wonderful place to visit. I don’t snorkel but it would be fun for those who do. Thank you. #MMBC
I am sure it would be an amazing experience swimming with the manatees, but I think I’d be a little wary too. Here, in Eilat, we can swim with dolphins.
Manatees are very placid chewing their greens. I love dolphins too but they are so fast, quick, inquisitive – I think It’s more likely to have problems swimming with them.
We were thrilled to spot a couple of manatees on our trip down one of Florida’s springs one fall trip. They are such wonderful gentle giants.
They are sea cows to me. Placid, gentle, chewing their greens.
That is interesting. I’ve learnt so much from your post. Thank you. This is going on my bucket list. I’d love to see them. #MMBC
Thank you so much for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2026/01/featuring-forrest.html
Fascinating creatures, nice photos.
What an interesting read and how cool that you go snorkelling with the manatees. I am glad there are laws and they are being looked after.
So cool. We went kayaking with manatees twice while visiting Florida. Once at Cocoa Beach and once at Blue Springs Park.
Oh, hopefully the manatees will survive the freezing weather. Best wishes to you too.
We have here many snow and very cold wheather too.
Greetings by Heidrun ☃️
They look so sweet and cute!
How interesting. What a lovely experience to snorkel with manatees, such gentle creatures. 🙂
Manatees have always fascinated me and your post offered such great photos and info! I pray that they all have done okay in the midst of Florida’s cold spell! Have a good week!
I’m worried about them with multiple cold spells in a row and all this freezing weather.