manatees

[luvtinkerbell]

Does anyone know anywhere near disney that you can swim with or visit manatees?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Blue Springs State Park, in Orange City Florida is about 1 hour away. There are manatees that go to the warmer springs in the winter, and we usually visit them when we go to Florida in January. There is swimming in the spring, but I there are restrictions regarding actually swimming near the manatees.

Bobbi

 

[GalDisney]

If you just want to look at them, there are some at The Living Sea's at Epcot and also Sea World has a great exhibit with manatees.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

there are restrictions regarding actually swimming near the manatees.

Bobbi

IIRC, you can swim near them, but you cannot approach them. It is oK if they approach you. Which they often will if they are in an area frequented by divers/snorklers. A dive instructor buddy of mine said he used to swim with them in Crystal River and they would swim up and roll over in the water because they liked to have their mammary glands rubbed. This was legal as long as they made the first move.

 

[nhpooh]

Blue Springs State Park, in Orange City Florida is about 1 hour away. There are manatees that go to the warmer springs in the winter, and we usually visit them when we go to Florida in January. There is swimming in the spring, but I there are restrictions regarding actually swimming near the manatees.

Bobbi

I was going to say the same thing, we have been there too. Our best friends live not far from there in Deltona. She is a very big manatee fan, so we go there alot. I think they frown on swimming with or near the manatees. I think if I can remember there are signs saying so.

 

[alloyd1170]

Ive always gone to Crystal River (west coast FL) to dive/snorkel with them. We always went in the cooler months too (like Dec, Jan, Feb, March). I dont know if and as many come in during the warmer months (they come in during the winter for the warmer spring fed waters). When weve gone, the water is usually pretty murky and on the cool side too. There were roped off areas where you could not enter, and you could not approach the manatees. If they came to you it was ok. The babies are so adorable. Saw lots of them in the cooler months.

alison

 

[MartDM]

Ive always gone to Crystal River (west coast FL) to dive/snorkel with them. We always went in the cooler months too (like Dec, Jan, Feb, March). I dont know if and as many come in during the warmer months (they come in during the winter for the warmer spring fed waters). When weve gone, the water is usually pretty murky and on the cool side too. There were roped off areas where you could not enter, and you could not approach the manatees. If they came to you it was ok. The babies are so adorable. Saw lots of them in the cooler months.

alison

We did this too alloyd1170. Crystal River is a cute little town & the dive trip with the manatees was a truly priceless experience (but very chilly)! We can't wait to do it again!

 

[Harambe]

We watched the manatees at Living Seas for a good long time! DD was so heartbroken when she saw what a propeller did to one of the manatees tail (not sure if that's the correct term). Anyway, we watched them eat their dinner, and the CM at the tank was friendly and very knowledgable.

 

[kangaroodle]

Here's another vote for Blue Springs State Park. We've been thre several times. It's a nice break from the "World" and the manatees are so close! Also saw a few armadillos on the trail.

 

[ufgator]

Another place is Homosassa Springs. I'm not sure how far it is from Disney; I know it's north of Tampa.

 

[Bliss22]

Just find a bench at any of the parks there are many roaming dry land.

 

[Beejie]

HI I'm putting my two cents worth in for Crystal River and Homosassa (Citrus Co).
I live in Citrus County and I am only 90 minutes from the main gate at Magic Kindgom. Homosassa and Crystal River are about another 20 minutes or so. Jump on the FL turnpike, get off at the Wildwood exit (hwy 44) and then take that to 19 South. Homosassa Springs State Park is a real treasure and they have animal shows, etc. Check Citrus Co. out at www.visitcitrus.com. They have all kinds of info on hotels, Manatee tours, etc.