The social structure of manatees is characterized by their semi-social nature with a loose herd structure. Manatees are known to exhibit friendliness towards each other, lacking in competition and aggression within their interactions. Unlike many other species, manatees do not display hostile behavior and do not compete for mates. Instead, they engage in cooperative mating practices within large herds, where multiple males mate with a single female.

Manatees express curiosity about humans by approaching, initiating gentle physical contact, following swimmers or divers, observing from a distance, and sometimes mimicking human behaviors. They are friendly and curious but are also protected species, so interactions should be respectful and adhere to local wildlife regulations.

Manatees can have various physical interactions with humans, including gently nudging or bumping against people, brushing against swimmers or divers.

Yes, manatees, like many other animals, exhibit individual personalities and can experience different moods. Observations from researchers and those who work closely with manatees suggest that these marine mammals display a range of behaviors indicative of their unique personalities.

Manatees generally exhibit gentle and curious behavior towards humans. They may approach people in the water, often out of curiosity, and can engage in gentle interactions, such as nudging or swimming close to swimmers, divers, and boaters. Their interactions suggest a level of trust and curiosity towards humans, but it’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and their space should be respected.

The rules and regulations for swimming with manatees in Crystal River are detailed in a video called “Manatee Manners,” created by US Fish and Wildlife. This instructional video specifically outlines the guidelines that need to be followed when engaging with manatees.
More videos that pertain to swimmers, boaters, photographers, and paddlers

During the cooler months, Florida manatees make their way to Crystal Springs and other warm water locales to stay warm. Although many Crystal River manatees stay here, the warmer months find the manatees migrating northward along the Eastern seaboard towards Georgia and South Carolina or heading into the Gulf of Mexico into Alabama, Texas, and even down to Cuba!

Manatees have gained the nickname “sea cows” because their primary diet is plants and they can eat up to 10x their body weight in sea grasses in a single day!

Many a sailor claimed to see a mermaid that turned out to be a manatee… Christopher Columbus was quoted as saying that they were “not so beautiful as they are said to be, for their faces had some masculine traits.”

Swimming manatees are usually swimming at about 5 mph. Occasionally, a manatee may get up to 15 mph for a very short time.

Manatees and alligators can often be found in sunny spots on the shoreline enjoying rays together. Manatee attacks are pretty rare as alligators like to eat things they can eat all at once and a manatee is a bit too big and too fast.

Yes! Crystal River Florida is one of the few places where you can swim with manatees!

No, manatees must come to the surface every 5 minutes or so to get air.

A good time to see manatees in Florida is usually from November to April. If you are lucky enough to visit between December and February you can see the largest numbers of manatees. Keep in mind that as temperatures rise, the manatees begin to travel to other locales as well.

Manatees are herbivores that can spend up to 8 hours a day doing what a “sea cow” does best… grazing on seagrasses!

The Florida Manatee has been reclassified as a threatened species because of habitat improvements and population growth. The biggest threats to manatees now are boat collisions, getting tangled in fishing gear, habitat degradation, etc.

Occasionally, some manatees can be seen eating clams and other sea life but for the most part, they eat aquatic plants (like seagrasses).

Manatees are morning creatures and are the most active between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM.

Manatees have no real predators so they have no reason not to be.

Manatees are protected and as such, if you are caught touching manatees it is actually a federal offense. BUT! In Crystal River things are a little different: under supervision, you can get out and interact and swim with the manatees! It is also important to note that any contact MUST be initiated by the manatee. Of course, it is always best to simply swim and admire manatees from a distance for their own safety.

You can find the manatees between November through March, and specifically, early mornings, are usually the best times to see manatees at their most playful.

Manatees are pregnant for about 11 months.

Yes! Florida manatees are one of 2 subspecies of the West Indian Manatee. The other is the Antillean manatee that ranges between Mexico and Brazil.