Manatee swim

**debbie** · 23-06-2008, 00:57

Hi everyone, our next visit to florida will be in August.

We would love to swim with manatees but most posts suggest availability during winter months.

Is it possible during the summer? We have a car so transport is no problem and we don't mind travelling.

Thanks,
Debbie

**Jill** · 23-06-2008, 01:36

Manatees are tropical mammals. They are migratory and cannot survive in cold water. During the summer they can be found as far north as North Carolina and like the water temperature to be above 19 to 20 degrees and avoid water colder than 13 degrees. This is why when the air and water temperature cools they can be found in the rivers and springs in Florida. You can also find them near nuclear power station discharge outlets. As they are mammals they can die from the same diseases as humans, ie pleurisy and bronchial pneumonia. There was a case a few years back when a power plant was switched off and the surrounding discharge waters which had been used by manatees were no longer warm and several died of bronchial pneumonia.

Blue Springs State Park at De Land is a manatee refuge and it might be worth checking when you are in Florida to see if they have any that stay all year. Crystal River is another place where they can be seen in the winter months and again you could check to see if there are any about.

If you are unlucky it is a good excuse to go back when they are about as it is a wonderful experience to swim with these creatures.

**Kazzie** · 23-06-2008, 01:44

Looks like you should be ok for August then Debbie as the water should be warm enough for them.

**Jill** · 23-06-2008, 02:58

During August they will still be off the coasts as the water is warm unless there are a few at the refuge in Blue Springs State Park.

**Newhomebuyer** · 23-06-2008, 10:33

You are not allowed in the water with the mannatees at Blue Spring. In summer this is used as a release place for Seaworld rescued mannatees so you may see them with their radio transmiters. Homasssasa Springs which is further north has a couple of guides who take you to swim with them. Guidelines are in place to protect them and you should choose a boat owner who adheres to those guidlines.

**Jill** · 23-06-2008, 13:56

When we last visited Blue Springs the park rangers were giving very interesting lectures each day about the manatees and how they are looking after them. If anyone is interested the talk is worth attending. Blue Springs does allow swimming during March to November in one section normally afternoons only. The old house is also open on at certain times and is also worth a visit. As you can guess this is one of our favourite parks. We also got to see a gator about 18 months old hiding out in his hole so hope he has moved on for the summer as he was up near the swimming hole

**Appledore** · 23-06-2008, 22:25

I may have missed this but could someone please tell me how far Blue Springs is this sounds fantastic.
Thanks Elaine

**Jill** · 24-06-2008, 01:03

We are at Southern Dunes and it is about 70 miles from us but it is an easy route mainly along the I4 and turning off at exit 111B for Orange City. The address so you can google it is; 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, United States.

During the summer there are also boat trips along the river.

**Val** · 27-06-2008, 14:27

Hi,

We were in Naples in May and went out on a Manatee and wildlife cruise, did not swim, but we saw loads and loads of Manatee's it was lovely to see them in their natural habitat and I was surprised to see so many.

Val