Meet the Gentle Giants: Florida Manatees

How to Spot a Florida Manatee

Florida manatees, often called “sea cows,” are some of the most beloved marine mammals in the Sunshine State. These gentle creatures can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds! Despite their size, manatees move gracefully through the water, using their powerful paddle-shaped tails to glide along. You can often spot them by their large, rounded bodies, wrinkled gray skin, and small, whiskered faces. As mammals, manatees need to surface for air every few minutes, and they enjoy spending their days grazing on seagrass and relaxing in warm, shallow waters.

Protecting the Sea Cows: Conservation in Florida

Unfortunately, Florida manatees face a number of threats in the wild. Habitat loss, boat collisions, and changes in water temperature have all contributed to their decline. Conservation efforts are crucial — from protecting seagrass beds to implementing “slow speed” zones for boats. Organizations and tour operators across Florida, including ours, work to educate visitors about the importance of respecting these animals and maintaining clean, healthy waterways. By observing manatees responsibly and supporting local conservation programs, we can help ensure their survival for generations to come.

Fun Facts About Manatees: Florida’s Friendly Marine Mammals

Manatees have plenty of fascinating traits that make them stand out. Did you know they’re distant relatives of elephants? They also have no natural predators and can consume up to 10% of their body weight in vegetation each day. Manatees communicate using soft chirps and squeaks underwater, and they’re known for their calm, curious nature around humans. Seeing one up close while kayaking is an unforgettable experience — a reminder of just how special Florida’s wildlife truly is. Here are some additional facts about manatees:

1. Sensitive Touch: Manatees have stiff, bristly whiskers called vibrissae on their snouts that help them sense and explore food and their surroundings.
2. Long Lifespan: In the wild, manatees can live up to 60 years, making them one of the longer-living marine mammals.
3. Slow Metabolism: Manatees have a slow metabolism, which is why they spend much of their time eating and resting — they can consume up to 100 pounds of vegetation per week.
4. Unique Reproduction: Female manatees usually give birth to one calf every 2–5 years, and calves stay with their mothers for up to two years to learn essential survival skills.
5. Thermal Seekers: Manatees are highly sensitive to cold and will migrate to warm waters during winter, often gathering at natural springs or power plant outflows where the water stays above 68°F (20°C).
6. Fat percentage for insulation (blubber-like fat): ~5%