Central – Section 3.3: Manatees, Marine Life & the Gulf Coast

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.

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.

Fun fact: Did you know that early sailors thought manatees were mermaids, thus giving rise to the mermaid myth in popular lore?

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.