Central – Section 3.3: Manatees, Marine Life & the Gulf Coast
A peaceful pod of West Indian manatees glides through the spring-fed waters of Crystal River, one of the only places in the U.S. where visitors can legally swim alongside these gentle giants. Look closely and maybe you can catch Marina the Manatee with her family and friends! Photo courtesy of Emergent Media.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge in the United States specifically created to protect critical habitats for the manatee, the beloved state marine mammal. As water temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico, hundreds of West Indian Manatees make their way to the warmer waters in and around Crystal River during Manatee Season (Nov. 15-March 31), an annual influx that makes the spring-fed waters of Crystal River and Homosassa the perfect place to learn about these curious creatures. In fact, Crystal River and Homosassa are the only places in the country to legally swim with manatees.
Two manatees drift through the crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Springs, where visitors can witness these gentle creatures up close—from the water or along the scenic boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Maurice Rivenbark / VISIT FLORIDA.
Visitors also can observe manatees along the boardwalk of the Three Sisters Springs or even get a bird’s-eye view on an aerial tour of the springs.
Your Last Fun Fact with Marina the Manatee!
Ready to learn something cool in under a minute? Watch this quick video and let Marina the Manatee swim you through a fun fact you didn’t know you needed. Hit play and dive in!
Heading south to Bradenton, manatees are cared for at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, part of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This fascinating facility also includes a planetarium and exhibitions that include fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants.
