I have been looking at several web sites that offer manatee snorkels in the Crystal river area of Florida - are these done in the summer, or are the manatees only there in fall/spring? Thanks!

Manatees need warm water to survive. In the winter the Gulf temps go down into the 60s while spring fed rivers maintain a pretty constant 72 - 75. So, the manatees come into the rivers during the winter. During the summer, they travel all over via the Gulf so are hard to locate. Manatees are in Crystal River from late Fall through Spring. Enjoy

Why don't you leave the poor manatees alone??? They are after all ENDANGERED and WILD animals! Now,if you want to wrestle an alligator or crocidile--go for it.

Although I may not state it the same way CrocHunter did, the essence of my feelings about this issue is the same. having worked in a facility that houses and cares for sick and injured manatees, I find this new "eco-tourism" tren distasteful. For all practical purposes, this is way for humans to make a buck off of nature and what should be left alone. Swimming with manatees, simply put, puts them at great risk. Man is their greatest threat and boat engine propellers are the number cause of their death. When you see a manatee, whether it's in its own habitat or living in captivity, virtually every single one has propeller scars. Continued exposure to human beings lures the manatees, which are naturally curious creatures, into situations that they are not able to discern as safe or dangerous. Just leave these gentle creatures alone and be happy viewing them from the shore or in one of the facilities licensed to house them. To date there are about 10 one these facilities in the country, eight of which are in the state of Florida. We need to respect our endangered species before it's too late. And by the way, it is against the law to touch a manatee in the wild. Unfortunately it's a law that goes largely ignored.

Here here! Leave these creatures alone and go make money off something that won't cause harm. All these tour leaders promote their businesses as helping us learn more and respect nature. well, I can learn as much, and teach my grandkids as much, without disturbing what is meant to be left alone.

topper