Magnificent Manatees

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Whether you’re kayaking, diving, or relaxing along the shoreline, seeing a manatee is always thrilling!


A curious manatee
U.S. Geological Survey, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons


These gentle giants can always be found off the coast of Florida, but they come even closer in the winter. Between November and March, water temperatures in the Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico can drop below 60 degrees- a little too chilly for our tropical friends. During these colder months, manatees move in towards the coastline and swim up rivers in search of warmer water near springs and power plants.


Florida’s manatees have a relatively stable population now, but that wasn’t always the case. The species, formally known as the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), came close to extinction in the 1970s. Although at one point there were only a few hundred left, legal protections, habitat restoration, and public education campaigns have led to a huge surge in manatee populations. The species is no longer federally listed as endangered, but is still threatened and is legally protected in every state.


Before they were protected, many manatees were hunted for food and killed by boat propellers. Today, no-wake zones have reduced, but not completely eliminated, manatee boat injuries. Human contact still poses a threat to our manatee friends in other ways- when they get too used to people, they lose their natural caution, which can lead to injury and death. Although it’s tempting to get up close and personal with these charismatic creatures, touching, feeding, and giving water to manatees is still legally prohibited for good reason. The more human contact they have, the more danger they’re in from humans who might have a less friendly agenda in mind- and the more we feed and water them, the less they follow their healthy natural patterns.



Manatees close to the shore
Mike's Birds, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons


You don't have to travel too far to catch a glimpse of a wild manatee this season- there are a few great viewing places in Hillsborough County! The TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, one of this year's Hiking Spree sites, is the perfect spot to see dozens of manatees at a time. Hike the trail out to the observation tower for a beautiful aerial view over the Tampa Bay. The observation tower at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is also open, and manatees often congregate just offshore to enjoy the warm, shallow water. Hiking the shoreline trail or relaxing on the beach provides another viewing opportunity, and dolphins often make an appearance here as well. Manatees can also be seen in the shallow coastal waters of E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, and you might get an even closer look if you take a canoe or kayak trip at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park or hike the Hiking Spree trails and boardwalks out to the water's edge.


The magnificent manatee is one of Florida’s most charismatic and unique wildlife species- remember to do your part to protect them by observing them safely and respectfully! 


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