{"id":26012,"date":"2025-08-08T01:20:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T23:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/nicht-kategorisiert\/manatees\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T18:37:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:37:13","slug":"manatees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wildlife\/manatees\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to See Manatees in Florida \u2013 Best Spots &amp; Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uag-hide-mob uagb-block-4c2ec595 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-725276f97fe31e89844718c69fae7833 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);font-size:48px;letter-spacing:10px;text-transform:none\"><strong>WILDLIFE IN FLORIDA<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uagb-block-5c09895b alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-bde44f2dda32edc3b165fa5ca17eb2bc wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);font-size:18px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:none\"><strong>WILDLIFE IN FLORIDA<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-6ecb5a2d alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"uagb-position__sticky wp-block-uagb-container uag-hide-tab uag-hide-mob uagb-block-b37f9b44\"><div id=\"tocer-1\" class=\"tocer\"><nav class=\"tocer-toc\"><header class=\"tocer-header\"><h2 class=\"tocer-title\">Content<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<ul class=\"tocer-list tocer-adv tocer-sp-os-bf tocer-st-sym-sq tocer-lvl1\"><li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-3\">Where to see manatees in Florida \u2013 the main spots<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-9\">Best time of year, water temperature and time of day<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-10\">Protecting the Florida Manatee &#8211; a joint task<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-12\">Interesting facts about manatees<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-13\">Once upon a time there was a manatee called Bruno<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-14\">Manatee videos<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-15\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-941507ad\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manatees in Florida \u2013 where you can see the gentle sea cows<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Manatees on the big screen\" class=\"wp-image-25924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-239x200.jpg 239w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-1024x858.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-768x643.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-1536x1286.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-2048x1715.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This beautiful manatee painting fell victim to Hurricane Ian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"line-height:1.6\">Many Florida visitors dream of seeing manatees in the wild at least once. These gentle sea cows gather in warm springs, rivers and bays \u2013 especially in winter. In this guide you\u2019ll learn <strong>where<\/strong> to see manatees in Florida, <strong>when<\/strong> the best time of year is and <strong>which rules<\/strong> you should follow to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab uagb-block-912033ed\"><div id=\"tocer-2\" class=\"tocer\"><nav class=\"tocer-toc\"><header class=\"tocer-header\"><h2 class=\"tocer-title\">Content<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<ul class=\"tocer-list tocer-adv tocer-sp-os-bf tocer-st-sym-sq tocer-lvl1\"><li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-2\">The Manatee family of sirens<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li class=\"tocer-has-sub\"><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-3\">Where to see manatees in Florida \u2013 the main spots<\/a><\/div>\n<ul class=\"tocer-sublist tocer-lvl2\"><li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-4\">Manatee watching in Florida &#8211; the best tips<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-9\">Best time of year, water temperature and time of day<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li class=\"tocer-has-sub\"><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-10\">Protecting the Florida Manatee &#8211; a joint task<\/a><\/div>\n<ul class=\"tocer-sublist tocer-lvl2\"><li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-11\">Some simple rules of conduct for vacationers:<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-12\">Interesting facts about manatees<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-13\">Once upon a time there was a manatee called Bruno<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-14\">Manatee videos<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div><a href=\"#tocer-heading-15\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Whether snorkeling, kayaking or from the comfort of a promenade: An encounter with the manatee remains unforgettable. It is one of the <strong>most magical nature experiences <\/strong>in the Sunshine State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">The gentle manatees show Florida from its most peaceful side. Those who treat the animals with care and respect help to ensure that future generations can also experience these wonderful animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Manatee family of sirens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The term manatee refers to a genus of <strong>round-tailed manatee<\/strong> that belongs to the sirenian family. Only West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) live in Florida. Despite their size, they are extremely peaceful, have a purely plant-based diet and spend most of their day eating, dozing and swimming slowly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to see manatees in Florida \u2013 the main spots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why are there so many manatees in Florida? The answer lies in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/climate\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/klima\/\">climate <\/a>and the natural conditions: Florida manatees need <strong>warm water <\/strong>&#8211; below 68 \u00b0F it becomes life-threatening for them. In the winter months, they therefore seek out warm springs or shallow estuaries. Places such as these are particularly known for their high manatee density:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Crystal River<\/strong> <strong>&amp; Three Sisters Springs<\/strong> \u2013 probably the most famous place to snorkel with manatees, with many animals in the warm springs during winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blue Spring State Park<\/strong> \u2013 winter refuge for hundreds of manatees, with boardwalks and viewing platforms along the river.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manatee Park in Fort Myers<\/strong> \u2013 small, family-friendly park where manatees gather in the warm discharge canal on cold days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/gulf-coast-nature-parks\/weeki-wachee\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/naturparks-golfkueste\/weeki-wachee\/\"><strong>Weeki Wachee<\/strong> River<\/a> \u2013 crystal-clear river where you can quietly paddle past manatees by kayak or SUP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park<\/strong> \u2013 protected area with underwater viewing windows and information about rescued and rehabilitated manatees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crystal River and Homosassa Springs are the only places where swimming with manatees is legal. Water remains near 72\u00b0F year-round. Many of these areas are designated as sanctuaries. Boats must navigate particularly carefully here to avoid injuring the slow animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manatee watching in Florida &#8211; the best tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-20596efd\"><style>.kb-gallery-id-26012_1d150a-ea .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-26012_1d150a-ea .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom.kb-gallery-id-26012_1d150a-ea .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption, .kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom-hover.kb-gallery-id-26012_1d150a-ea .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption{background:linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8) 0, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 100%);}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_1d150a-ea.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{overflow:visible;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_1d150a-ea.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kt-blocks-carousel{overflow:visible;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_1d150a-ea alignnone wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-slider kb-gallery-id-26012_1d150a-ea kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-carousel splide kt-carousel-container-dotstyle-dark kt-carousel-arrowstyle-whiteondark kt-carousel-dotstyle-dark kb-slider-group-arrow kb-slider-arrow-position-center\" data-slider-anim-speed=\"400\" data-slider-scroll=\"1\" data-slider-arrows=\"true\" data-slider-fade=\"true\" data-slider-dots=\"true\" data-slider-type=\"slider\" data-slider-hover-pause=\"false\" data-slider-auto=\"\" data-slider-speed=\"7000\" data-show-pause-button=\"false\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-carousel-init kb-blocks-slider splide__list\"><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-has-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land43 kb-has-image-ratio-land43\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"632\" alt=\"Manatees an der Kanalmauer\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal.jpg\" data-id=\"25928\" class=\"wp-image-25928 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal-316x200.jpg 316w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatees-im-Kanal-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Thirsty manatees with baby<\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-has-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land43 kb-has-image-ratio-land43\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"650\" alt=\"Zahmes Manatee\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah.jpg\" data-id=\"25932\" class=\"wp-image-25932 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah-308x200.jpg 308w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-ganz-nah-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Do not touch, even if it is a tame manatee.<\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-has-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land43 kb-has-image-ratio-land43\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"604\" alt=\"Manatee Fl\u00fcsterer im Cayo Costa State Park\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer.jpg\" data-id=\"25934\" class=\"wp-image-25934 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer-331x200.jpg 331w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Fluesterer-768x464.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Manatee whisperer in Cayo Costa State Park<\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-has-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land43 kb-has-image-ratio-land43\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" alt=\"Weeki Wachee Manatees\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees.jpg\" data-id=\"9100\" class=\"wp-image-9100 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees-333x200.jpg 333w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Weeki-Wachee-Manatees-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Mit etwas Gl\u00fcck begleiten einen die Manatees.<\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-has-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land43 kb-has-image-ratio-land43\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"612\" alt=\"Weeki Wachee River\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee.jpg\" data-id=\"4713\" class=\"wp-image-4713 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee-327x200.jpg 327w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Naturparks-Weeki-Wachee-768x470.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption\">A kayak trip on the Weeki Wachee River is an incredible experience<\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to see manatees in Florida, you have numerous options &#8211; whether guided excursions or on your own. Here are some recommendations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. guided manatee tours<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guided <strong>snorkeling tours<\/strong> are offered in places like Crystal River. Wearing a wetsuit and mask, you can glide into the crystal-clear water and encounter the animals in the wild &#8211; naturally under strict conditions to protect the animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2nd kayak tour on the Weeki Wachee River<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you prefer to be quiet, you can paddle through the river landscape in <strong>a kayak<\/strong>. In the early hours of the morning and especially in the winter months, the animals can be seen close to the banks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. observation platforms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some parks offer raised platforms or <strong>boardwalks<\/strong> with the best view of the manatees. This is great for families with children or people who don&#8217;t want to get into the water, and information is provided free of charge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. in the Gulf of Mexico<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, if you&#8217;re lucky, a manatee swims very close to <strong>you while you&#8217;re splashing around in the sea<\/strong>. We have experienced this ourselves on a beach in southwest Florida. It&#8217;s not shy at all and seems as if it wants to play with you &#8211; a breathtaking experience.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time of year, water temperature and time of day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best time of year:<\/strong> Your best chances to see many manatees are from <strong>November to March<\/strong>, when the Gulf of Mexico cools down and the animals move into warm springs.<br><br><strong>Water temperature:<\/strong> Below around <strong>20 \u00b0C (68 \u00b0F)<\/strong> it gets too cold for manatees \u2013 they then gather at spots like Crystal River, Blue Spring or Manatee Park.<br><br><strong>Time of day:<\/strong> The <strong>early morning<\/strong> or quiet weekdays are ideal, with less boat traffic and calmer conditions for watching the animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting the Florida Manatee &#8211; a joint task<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite their iconic status, <strong>manatees<\/strong> are <strong>under threat<\/strong>. Boating accidents, loss of habitat and, in recent years, algae blooms (red tide) are putting pressure on the population. In Florida, there are therefore numerous initiatives to protect the manatees &#8211; from awareness campaigns to no-go zones for boats in the vicinity of manatees.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some simple rules of conduct for vacationers:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-59ceb490 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Never<\/strong> <strong>touch <\/strong>or <strong>feed<\/strong> manatees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Keep your distance<\/strong> &#8211; at least 3 meters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Do not<\/strong> <strong>block<\/strong> the <strong>path<\/strong> or encircle the animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">No fast <strong>movements <\/strong>or loud <strong>noises<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Only observe passively <strong>while snorkeling<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Drive the boat <strong>at walking speed<\/strong> in designated zones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-6b4bc401\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Florido-Tipp.png\" alt=\"Florido Tip\" class=\"wp-image-8217\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interesting facts about manatees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manatees reach a length of <strong>up to 3.5 meters<\/strong> and usually weigh <strong>400-600 kilograms<\/strong>, in exceptional cases even over 1,300 kilograms. They can live to be <strong>40 to 60 years<\/strong> old if they do not die prematurely due to illness or accidents.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The peaceful herbivores consume <strong>up to ten percent of their body weight<\/strong> in seagrass and aquatic plants every day and spend up to eight hours a day eating. The rest of the day is usually spent dozing in shallow water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manatees<\/strong> do not <strong>sleep<\/strong> in one piece like we do, but in short phases in which they repeatedly come to the surface to breathe &#8211; about every three to five minutes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reproduction takes place all year round, with a single calf being born after a <strong>gestation period of<\/strong> around <strong>12 months<\/strong>. The mother nurses it for up to two years and teaches it all the important survival skills during this time.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The dentition<\/strong> of manatees is striking: they do not have incisors, but so-called &#8220;wandering teeth&#8221; &#8211; molars that move forward from the back to the front throughout their lives, while the front teeth fall out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Once upon a time there was a manatee called Bruno<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-46b23fea\"><style>.kb-gallery-id-26012_0f827a-14 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-26012_0f827a-14 .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom.kb-gallery-id-26012_0f827a-14 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption, .kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom-hover.kb-gallery-id-26012_0f827a-14 .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption{background:linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8) 0, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 100%);}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_0f827a-14.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{overflow:visible;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_0f827a-14.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kt-blocks-carousel{overflow:visible;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-26012_0f827a-14 alignnone wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-slider kb-gallery-id-26012_0f827a-14 kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-carousel splide kt-carousel-container-dotstyle-dark kt-carousel-arrowstyle-whiteondark kt-carousel-dotstyle-dark kb-slider-group-arrow kb-slider-arrow-position-center\" data-slider-anim-speed=\"400\" data-slider-scroll=\"1\" data-slider-arrows=\"true\" data-slider-fade=\"true\" data-slider-dots=\"true\" data-slider-type=\"slider\" data-slider-hover-pause=\"false\" data-slider-auto=\"\" data-slider-speed=\"7000\" data-show-pause-button=\"false\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-carousel-init kb-blocks-slider splide__list\"><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"632\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand.jpg\" data-id=\"25926\" class=\"wp-image-25926 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand-316x200.jpg 316w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-an-der-Wand-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt.jpg\" data-id=\"25922\" class=\"wp-image-25922 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Ausschnitt-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge.jpg\" data-id=\"25920\" class=\"wp-image-25920 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze.jpg\" data-id=\"25938\" class=\"wp-image-25938 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Schnauze-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts.jpg\" data-id=\"25936\" class=\"wp-image-25936 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-Auge-rechts-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Once upon <\/strong>a time there was a manatee called Bruno. It was 36 x 36 inches and took about a week to float on the canvas. Then it hung happily on a wall in a house in Florida for a few years and delighted the guests.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It so happened that a gallery owner from Matlachee was interested in the manatee. She wanted to give him the opportunity to inspire someone else with <strong>the beautiful manatee<\/strong> on her wall in her house. So the manatee moved into the gallery of the gallery owner.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, it only stayed there for a short time &#8211; not because it was sold, but because the great Hurricane Ian gave it the opportunity to return to <strong>where it can swim with the mermaids<\/strong> and where it is at home. Luckily we took a photo beforehand and so you can all continue to marvel at it.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manatee videos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-fb2c7e0e alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-648dfa83\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-boldblocks-youtube-block\"><div id=\"yb-video-GA6R0GYbFZE\" class=\"yb-player\" data-video-id=\"GA6R0GYbFZE\" data-title=\"Play\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/GA6R0GYbFZE\/hqdefault.jpg)\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"yb-btn-play\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Play<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"yb-caption\">Manatees in the canal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-2e49dc26\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-boldblocks-youtube-block\"><div id=\"yb-video-NFsRIrXwYSk\" class=\"yb-player\" data-video-id=\"NFsRIrXwYSk\" data-title=\"Play\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/NFsRIrXwYSk\/hqdefault.jpg)\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"yb-btn-play\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Play<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"yb-caption\">Baby manatee in the canal  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-0d001f65\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-boldblocks-youtube-block\"><div id=\"yb-video-jcp7Mo8LkLU\" class=\"yb-player\" data-video-id=\"jcp7Mo8LkLU\" data-title=\"Play\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/jcp7Mo8LkLU\/hqdefault.jpg)\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"yb-btn-play\"><span class=\"visually-hidden\">Play<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"yb-caption\">The Florida Manatee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-81de5f7f alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-8716293a uagb-faq-icon-row-reverse uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-false uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.florida-scout.com\\\/en\\\/wildlife\\\/manatees\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a manatee?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A manatee is a peaceful, herbivorous marine mammal that belongs to <strong>the manatee family<\\\/strong>. They prefer to live in warm, shallow waters such as rivers, bays or coastal regions. Due to their slow movement and rounded shape, they are often affectionately referred to as \\\"gentle giants\\\".  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where can I find manatees?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Manatees live mainly in the <strong>Caribbean, in the Gulf of Mexico<\\\/strong>, on the coast of Central America and in parts of West Africa. In the USA, they are found almost exclusively in Florida. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do so many manatees live in Florida?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Florida offers the <strong>ideal climate<\\\/strong> for manatees: warm, shallow coastal waters, many freshwater springs and natural and protected areas. In winter, manatees gather in warm spring rivers or at power plant outlets to escape the cold temperatures. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you pet manatees?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>No<\\\/strong>. In Florida, it is illegal to touch, feed or pursue manatees. They are under strict protection (U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act). Petting can harm the animals and result in heavy fines.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do manatees fart?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Manatees use gas in their digestive system to <strong>regulate their depth<\\\/strong>. This means that they regulate their buoyancy in the water through controlled farting. A curious but completely normal behavior of these marine mammals.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do manatees have teeth?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Yes<\\\/strong>, manatees have so-called migratory teeth. Their molars grow back throughout their lives and move from the back to the front, while worn teeth fall out at the front - a unique adaptation mechanism to their fiber-rich plant diet. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are manatees dangerous for humans?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>No<\\\/strong>. Manatees are absolutely harmless. They are curious, but extremely gentle and shy. Their only \\\"danger\\\" is that they often flee from boats too late due to their peaceful nature - they are completely harmless to humans.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you still swim with the manatees in Florida?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Yes<\\\/strong>, swimming with manatees is still permitted in <strong>Crystal River<\\\/strong> and only with <strong>licensed tour operators<\\\/strong> (e.g. at Three Sisters Springs) under strict conditions. It is the only place in the USA where this is legally possible. Snorkelers must remain calm - touching is prohibited. The water temperature here is the same in both summer and winter. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When are manatees in Florida?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The best time to observe them is winter, especially <strong>from November to March<\\\/strong>. This is when many manatees retreat to well-known places such as Crystal River, Blue Spring State Park or Homosassa Springs.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-09849af8 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">What is a manatee?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A manatee is a peaceful, herbivorous marine mammal that belongs to <strong>the manatee family<\/strong>. They prefer to live in warm, shallow waters such as rivers, bays or coastal regions. Due to their slow movement and rounded shape, they are often affectionately referred to as &#8220;gentle giants&#8221;.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-caabf3bf \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Where can I find manatees?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Manatees live mainly in the <strong>Caribbean, in the Gulf of Mexico<\/strong>, on the coast of Central America and in parts of West Africa. In the USA, they are found almost exclusively in Florida. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-7fd88ac0 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Why do so many manatees live in Florida?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Florida offers the <strong>ideal climate<\/strong> for manatees: warm, shallow coastal waters, many freshwater springs and natural and protected areas. In winter, manatees gather in warm spring rivers or at power plant outlets to escape the cold temperatures. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-b78172a1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Can you pet manatees?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>No<\/strong>. In Florida, it is illegal to touch, feed or pursue manatees. They are under strict protection (U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act). Petting can harm the animals and result in heavy fines.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-f67ca80b \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Why do manatees fart?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Manatees use gas in their digestive system to <strong>regulate their depth<\/strong>. This means that they regulate their buoyancy in the water through controlled farting. A curious but completely normal behavior of these marine mammals.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-ba839772 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Do manatees have teeth?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, manatees have so-called migratory teeth. Their molars grow back throughout their lives and move from the back to the front, while worn teeth fall out at the front &#8211; a unique adaptation mechanism to their fiber-rich plant diet. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-2c52bf4b \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Are manatees dangerous for humans?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>No<\/strong>. Manatees are absolutely harmless. They are curious, but extremely gentle and shy. Their only &#8220;danger&#8221; is that they often flee from boats too late due to their peaceful nature &#8211; they are completely harmless to humans.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-db43a486 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Can you still swim with the manatees in Florida?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, swimming with manatees is still permitted in <strong>Crystal River<\/strong> and only with <strong>licensed tour operators<\/strong> (e.g. at Three Sisters Springs) under strict conditions. It is the only place in the USA where this is legally possible. Snorkelers must remain calm &#8211; touching is prohibited. The water temperature here is the same in both summer and winter. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-7d11a339 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">When are manatees in Florida?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The best time to observe them is winter, especially <strong>from November to March<\/strong>. This is when many manatees retreat to well-known places such as Crystal River, Blue Spring State Park or Homosassa Springs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-924cd09b alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-4e112d80\">\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n    const btn = document.querySelector('.show-download-form');\n    const form = document.querySelector('.download-form');\n\n    if (btn && form) {\n        btn.addEventListener('click', function(e) {\n            e.preventDefault();\n            form.style.display = 'block';\n            btn.style.display = 'none';\n            form.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth' });\n        });\n    }\n});\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anyone on vacation in Florida can hardly avoid them: the famous manatees &#8211; or manatees &#8211; are real crowd pleasers. These cozy sea creatures can be observed particularly well in the warm springs, rivers and bays of the Sunshine State. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":25925,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[366],"tags":[310,311,308,367,312,271,265],"class_list":["post-26012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wildlife","tag-cape-coral-nature-park","tag-fort-myers-nature-park","tag-naples-nature-park","tag-sanibel-captiva-nature-park","tag-sanibel-nature-park","tag-sarasota-nature-park","tag-start-en"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-scaled.jpg",2560,2144,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-239x200.jpg",239,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-768x643.jpg",768,643,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-1024x858.jpg",1024,858,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-1536x1286.jpg",1536,1286,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-2048x1715.jpg",2048,1715,true],"crp_thumb_small":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-340x200.jpg",340,200,true],"crp_thumb_large":["https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Manatee-Bruno-1000x600.jpg",1000,600,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Angela Struck","author_link":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/author\/florido\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Anyone on vacation in Florida can hardly avoid them: the famous manatees - or manatees - are real crowd pleasers. These cozy sea creatures can be observed particularly well in the warm springs, rivers and bays of the Sunshine State.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26012"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27960,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26012\/revisions\/27960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}