Hello there! Are you planning on swimming with manatees? That’s amazing! My name is Sarah, and I’m a certified scuba diver and wildlife enthusiast. I’ve been swimming with manatees for almost a decade now, and I’d like to share with you some tips to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Before we dive in, let me explain a few things about manatees. They are gentle giants, who spend most of their time in warmer waters. These animals are endangered, so it’s essential to treat them with respect and care. Swimming with them can be an unforgettable experience, but we need to be responsible and mindful of their wellbeing.

1. Choose a Certified Tour Operator

First things first, make sure you book a tour with a certified operator. Manatees are protected by law, and there are strict rules to follow when interacting with them. Certified tour operators are trained and licensed to follow these regulations and ensure your safety as well. They also provide you with the necessary equipment, such as wetsuits and snorkels.

A group of certified tour operators providing snorkel equipment

2. Follow the Rules and Regulations

During the tour, your guide will give you instructions on how to interact with the manatees and provide safety guidelines. It’s crucial to follow them to ensure the animals’ safety and avoid any accidents. For example, you can’t touch or ride the manatees, and you must maintain a certain distance from them. You’ll also learn about their behavior and how to approach them respectfully. Trust me, following the rules will make your experience even more enjoyable!

A manatee swimming in clear and blue waters

3. Wear Appropriate Attire

It’s essential to wear the right clothes and equipment while swimming with manatees. A wetsuit is necessary to keep you warm in the water, and it also prevents you from applying sunscreen or insect repellent, which can be harmful to the manatees. You must also wear fins to avoid touching the seabed or the animals unintentionally. Wearing a life jacket is optional, but it helps you float and rest during the tour.

A person wearing a wetsuit, fins, and a snorkel, ready to swim with manatees

4. Be Respectful and Mindful

Swimming with manatees is an excellent opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. But it’s essential to be respectful and mindful of their behavior. Avoid chasing or approaching them quickly, as it can cause them stress and disrupt their normal behavior. It’s also essential to avoid touching or feeding them, as it can negatively affect their diet and health. Remember, we are visitors in their home, and we must behave accordingly.

A manatee swimming towards the surface of the water

5. Enjoy the Experience

Last but not least, enjoy the experience! Swimming with manatees is a beautiful and memorable experience. Take your time observing them, listening to your guide’s explanations, and being in the present moment. Also, take plenty of photos to remember this incredible adventure, but be mindful of not using flash photography, as it can harm the animals’ eyes.

A person snorkeling and observing a manatee swimming near the surface of the water

In conclusion, swimming with manatees can be a life-changing experience, but we must always prioritize their safety and wellbeing. Choose a certified tour operator, follow the rules and regulations, wear appropriate attire, be respectful and mindful, and enjoy the experience. Let’s make sure we protect these gentle giants for future generations to enjoy!

A breathtaking view of a manatee swimming in the crystal clear waters of a river