Manatees are a highlight for a stay in Florida
Manatees are majestic creatures that live in the warm and shallow water in and around the Florida Coast. The majestic marine mammals can grow up to 10ft in length and weigh up to 1,200 pounds! They are docile and slow-moving “sea cows” that can live for more than 60 years. Manatees are herbivores and consume mostly seagrass, so they are not dangerous to humans.
The right time and the right place
The animals cannot tolerate temperatures below 68°F or 20°C. That is why a migration pattern is characteristic for Floridas Manatees depending on the time of the year. During the summer months, they can be found in the Coastal Waterways along the Florida Coast, such as the Sarasota Bay.
During the hottest month, when the Gulf of Mexico can reach up to 90°F, you can even see them from the beach if you are lucky. Just search for a large, dark and slow-moving shadow behind the waves. In the winter, it can be more difficult to see in the open water, as the water temperature drops.
In the Florida winter season, usually from November through March, the manatee population is concentrated primarily in Florida. Water temperatures that fall below 20° C (68° F) cause manatees to move into warm water refuge areas. These are in areas with warm mineral springs but in some instances close to power production facilities, discharging warm water into the ocean.
Manatees tend to seek these areas to spend the winter, as the warm water helps them to maintain their body temperature. Some of the power plants have opened visitors’ center, giving the public the opportunity to see Manatees and educate them on these endangered creatures.
Strict laws protect this endangered species
Manatees are an endangered species, strongly protected by Florida laws. it is strongly advised to know these rules and regulations before you approach a Manatee, to make sure not to harm the animals.
What not to do: Do not feed, harass, harm, chase ride, hunt, shoot, wound, kill or annoy manatees – It is illegal! It is also against the law to lure manatees or block their path. Manatees are protected by several laws and the punishments for violating these laws can be severe.
See Manatees in the wild and learn about them
If you are interested to learn more about the Manatee and see them in the Wild, we have the information you are looking for. We put together a list of Location in and around Sarasota that is worth visiting.
- To see these enchanting gentle giants, check out the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, which is only about 45 minutes north of Sarasota. Manatees are attracted to the location of the viewing area because of the warmth given off by the Big Bend Power Station.
- Learn about Manatees at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on Longboat Key. Mote is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution, that is worth visiting and supporting. Until 2017 it was home to Snooty, the oldest Manatee in captivity. It died at the age of 69.
- Lee County Manatee Park, Fort Myers. A well-kept waterfront park providing paved trails, up-close views of manatees, an amphitheater & kayak rentals.
- Swim with manatees at Crystal River, only about 2.5 hours from SRQ.
