During the month of December we will be publishing four blogs on our adventures in Florida, starting with our day snorkeling with manatees! Stay tuned!

Some experiences stay with you forever, and snorkeling with manatees on the Homosassa River was absolutely one of them. What began as a simple wildlife outing became a peaceful, joy-filled, and unforgettable day on the water — blending natural wonder, warm hospitality, and the pure magic of meeting Florida’s gentle giants.

A Private-Feeling Tour With an Incredible Company

We booked our adventure with Snorkel With Manatees, and I genuinely cannot recommend them enough. The entire experience was smooth, respectful, and deeply conservation-minded. And best of all:

We were the only ones on the boat, which made the morning feel incredibly personal and peaceful.

Cephus — The Guide Who Made the Day Truly Special

Our guide, Cephus, was one of the highlights of the experience. He was warm, knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about manatee conservation. Before we even got in the water, he walked us through exactly how to interact with manatees safely and respectfully — a briefing that made all the difference in creating calm, meaningful encounters.

What truly stood out was his kindness.
At one point, a young kid from another group was shivering in the river. Without hesitation, Cephus made her a cup of hot cocoa to warm her up. It was such a thoughtful moment and perfect reflection of the care he put into every part of the tour.

And yes — after our snorkel, he made sure we had hot cocoa too. The perfect warm-up after a refreshing winter swim.

We estimated there were about 75 manatees napping and swimming around us

Why Manatees Come to the Springs in Winter

Florida manatees migrate into warm-water springs each winter for survival. Despite their size, manatees have very little insulating body fat and cannot tolerate extended exposure to cold water. When water temperatures dip below ~68°F (20°C), they are at risk of “cold stress syndrome,” a dangerous, potentially fatal condition.

Florida’s natural springs — including those in the Homosassa and Crystal River system — stay around 72°F year-round. When the Gulf of Mexico cools in winter, hundreds of manatees travel inland to these springs to rest, stay warm, and conserve energy.

These warm-water refuges are critical to manatee survival and are one of the reasons conservation in this region is so important.

Respecting the Wildlife: The Golden Rules

Before entering the water, Cephus walked us through essential guidelines to ensure safe and ethical manatee encounters (based on federal and state regulations):

Do not initiate contact or chase manatees. Let them come to you.
Move slowly, float calmly, and avoid splashing.
Let the manatees approach you — never the other way around.
Keep your hands still, even when they come in close.

Manatees are protected under both state and federal law, and respectful interactions help keep them safe.

✨ What Happened During Our Manatee Swim

Once we slipped into the clear river (in 7mm wetsuits), we immediately realized how special this day was going to be. Manatees were everywhere — we genuinely lost count. And then came the moments that truly felt magical:

Two manatees swam right up and gently wrapped themselves around my leg, almost like calm, slow-motion underwater hugs.
Another curious manatee floated over and nibbled on our snorkels, softly investigating us with those sweet whiskered noses.

My leg getting a hug from a large manatee!

These interactions were entirely initiated by the manatees, and because we stayed still, slow, and respectful, they felt comfortable enough to approach. These moments were the highlight of our experience and something we’ll never forget.

(These behaviors reflect our personal experience that day and are not typical of all manatee encounters.)

A Little Green Sea Turtle Surprise

As if the manatees weren’t magical enough, we also saw a small green sea turtle gliding gracefully through the shallows. Its shell shimmered in the sunlight beneath us — a rare and beautiful bonus to an already unforgettable day.

A Visit to Historic Monkey Island

On our way out, Cephus cruised us past historic Monkey Island, one of Homosassa’s most charming and unexpected landmarks.

The True Story of Monkey Island

The island was formed in the 1960s, when rock and dirt were placed over a submerged hazard in the river to prevent boating accidents.
Shortly after, spider monkeys from a nearby wildlife attraction (known for escaping and causing mischief on the mainland) were relocated to the island as a safe, contained habitat.
Over the decades, Monkey Island has become a beloved piece of local history, complete with a small lighthouse structure and trees for the monkeys to climb.

Today, the island is home to several spider monkeys who can often be seen playing, climbing, and chattering at passing boats — a quirky, delightful contrast to the peaceful manatees beneath the surface.

A Day Full of Wonder

Snorkeling with manatees in Homosassa was peaceful, humbling, heartwarming, and full of surprises. Between the warm springs, the wildlife, the history, the unexpected sea turtle, and Cephus’s kindness, the entire day felt like a gift.

If you ever find yourself in Florida, this adventure is an absolute must — especially with Snorkel With Manatees. Respect the animals, move slow, float quietly, sip your hot cocoa afterward… and you just might experience a little manatee magic too.