Swimming with manatees in Citrus County’s Kings Bay is something everyone should do at least once.
Last summer, my sisters and I drove over to Crystal River, where we had booked a Manatee Encounter tour.
We watched the required video that highlighted the rules: No chasing, poking, feeding, riding or grabbing the manatees. And while you are allowed to touch them with one open hand, it is best to practice passive observation.
Our sharp-eyed guide spotted a couple, and into the water we went. We silently floated on noodles, faces immersed, waiting for the manatees to appear.
Soon, two curious females swam right up to and around us. A third manatee joined them and for about 45 minutes the three chased each other all around us as we quietly watched their antics.
Cassie Armstrong is Video Assignments & Interactive Editor at the Orlando Sentinel. She can be reached at [email protected]