Manatee Snorkeling in Tampa

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SHANNON & CATHY

Guest
Hi Guys,

Getting ready for our next trip :) in Sept. Has anyone went Snorkeling with the Manatees around Tampa ? We're thinking of staying over a day to do it...sounds great, But I'd love to hear from someone who's done it.

Thanks
SDB
 
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Sidetracker

Guest
Lived in FL for seven years on the Gulf Coast. Went snorkeling south of Tampa with the Manatees. It is wonderful toswim with those gentle giants. If you get a chance, by all means go for it! Enjoy your trip!
 
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flguppie

Guest
Shannon;

I lived near Tampa for 20 years (just moved to the east coast). The waters around Tampa aren't very clear. I'm not sure where you planned to swim with the manatee around Tampa? The best place to do this would be Crystal River. This is a small town about an hour or so north of Tampa. The river is spring fed and crystal clear. The spring is a home for manatee in the winter since the spring water is warmer than the ocean. You might check the Crystal River Chamber of Commerce sight to see what tours are available and if manatee are there in Sept. We always took our own boat but I know there are groups over the spring too. Between Crystal River and Tampa you can also see Tarpon Springs. A small greek fishing village with sponge divers and shops. If you are flying into Tampa these sights, and many more, are worth a couple extra days in the sunshine state. No... I don't work for tourist industry in Fl. :)
 
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ginny

Guest
The Manatee program in Homosassa is excellent but I'm afraid that you might be misinformed about swimming with them. I'll post a link that gives lots of Manatee information. <http://www.hsswp.com/main.html>
 
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RHees

Guest
My son & I swam with the Manatees in the Crystal River last September. Since the manatees like warmer water, September isn't the best month... Winter is better, when the Gulf gets cold, and they come in to shelter in the springs.

We arrived early (pre sunrise) for a reserved program. We were the only ones on our boat. After seeing the required manatee video, we got our equipment and motored around for a bit, found a mother and baby... the baby wanted to play but the mother didn't. Saw several others, before we found one who was "playful." It was great. He wanted to be rubbed, and play. We hung out with him for about 20 minutes, and then another manatee showed up who was interested in us, but more interested in the other manatee.

We motored around for a bit longer, swam into one of the spring (wonderful) then got in the water with another group of Manatees... By now the water was getting pretty cloudy, as a Hurricane was blowing in, so we couldn't see them until they bumped us.

My brother and daughter had done the same trip the previous December.... Lots more Manatees, (Hundreds) cloudier water, much, much colder.

Homosassa, mentioned by others, is more of a zoo, with a variety of wildlife, and lots of Manatees, but you don’t get to swim with them. I believe it’s a Florida State Park, and is well worth a visit.

Randy Hees
 
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Sanny

Guest
Shannon & Cathy: We live in Safety Harbor (along Tampa Bay - Clearwater side). I tend to agree with everyone else, who has already posted, the organized "Crystal River" tours are the way to go if you want to swim w/ the manatees. The state park in Homosassa has a "fish bowl" that lets you walk underwater and see the manatees floating around.
Side note: While we were camping at Ft. Desoto state park (very pretty park!) last Memorial Day weekend, three wild manatees swam right up to our boat while we were just drifting around in 4ft of water. They acted like they wanted to play, so my husband gently slid into the water, and they came right up to him, wanting to have their backs scratched! The four swam around together for about a 1/2 hr. I think one manatee had a crush on my husband... not sure what that says about my husband! Anyways, it was an experience we will never forget! So, if you get the chance, go for it! We saw lots of manatees again this Memorial Day, so they are around!
 
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