Susan B. Barnes

Special for USA TODAY

As I quietly lowered myself into Kings Bay in Crystal River, Florida, I couldn’t help but let out a brief squeal when the 72-ish-degree water trickled down my back, underneath the 3mm wetsuit I’d squeezed into. Kings Bay was a bit cold for me, but I knew it was just right for the hundreds of manatees who migrate to winter in the bay and its natural springs.

Crystal River is the only place in the world where it’s legally permissible to swim with the manatees, and Captains John, Ed and Rob and the entire team at the Plantation Adventure Center, based at the Plantation on Crystal River, encourage a passive approach when observing the gentle giants. The wetsuits that are provided by the center to snorkelers on each of manatee tours not only keep swimmers warm, but keep them buoyant, too – there’s little to no chance of diving below the water’s surface, which is good for the manatees.

Joining the group of eight other nature lovers, including a couple from L.A., another from Toronto, a family from Maine and guided by Captain Ed, we donned our masks and snorkels and quietly started swimming towards Three Sisters Springs, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, to see manatees in their natural, underwater world.

Because manatees cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods of time, they make an annual migration (typically November – March) from their seasonal homes in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, and even as far away as Texas and Virginia, to Florida’s warmer waters and natural springs; the springs maintain a steady 72 degrees (or so) year-round. Once manatees find “their spot,” they return to the same place year after year.

Our snorkeling tour was in the afternoon, which meant many of the manatees had left the warmth of the refuge in search of food – they can eat 10-15% of their body weight daily. With an average adult manatee weighing in between 800 and 1200 pounds, that’s a lot of plant life: Manatees are herbivores.

Silently, our group floated in the water, legs kicked up behind us and arms below, our hands propelling us forward below the water’s surface, much like the way a manatee swims. And then there they were – the first two manatees we spotted were inside a roped-off sanctuary; no one except manatees is allowed within any of the designated manatee sanctuaries.

After observing the two manatees for a few minutes, we left them and made our way into Three Sisters, which is closely monitored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), who keep an eye on the manatees and people both above the water on the boardwalk that encircles Three Sisters, and in kayaks on the water. The FWC and FWS have the discretion to open and close the springs to snorkelers, keeping the manatees’ well-being top of mind.

Inside Three Sisters, the water became crystal clear and we spotted a few manatees resting. A mother and calf followed us into the springs and swam into a sanctuary, where the calf began nursing; it was a magical sight to see. Our group floated in the springs for about 15 minutes before making our way back out towards the boat.

On our way out, it seemed to be time for the manatees to come back into the springs for the evening and we passed a handful going in to find their spots for the night. While we floated on top of the water and skirted to the sides to make way, the manatees swam gracefully below us, seemingly unaware of our presence, just the way that it should be.

For more on manatees and conservation efforts surrounding these gently giants, please visit the Save the Manatee Club website.

Where to See Manatees in Florida

While Crystal River is the only place to swim with manatees, there are plenty of natural spots throughout Florida to observe the animals from above the water’s surface.

Blue Spring State Park, Orange City (between Orlando and Daytona Beach) - Check out the park’s webcam to see if the manatees are in the springs. During manatee season (mid-November through March), the spring and spring run are closed to all water activities, including swimming and boating.

Manatee Lagoon, West Palm Beach - The 16,000 square foot education space features hands-on exhibits to learn not only about manatees who winter here, but other natural wonders in the area. Take a look at the Manatee Cam to see if manatees are in the area today.

Manatee Observation & Education Center, Fort Pierce (between Cocoa Beach and West Palm Beach) - In addition to an observation deck from which to view manatees, the center includes touch tanks, interactive displays and aquariums for visitors to learn more about the area’s ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Manatee Park, Fort Myers - Manatees are more apt to be in the park late-December through February.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach (south of Tampa) - An observation deck and boardwalk provide terrific vantage points for viewing manatees in the waters warmed by the neighboring Big Bend Power Station. Webcams to the east and west provide different vantage points, right on your screen.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River (about 90 minutes north of Tampa) - If you’d rather stay dry than swim with the manatees, the observation boardwalk that encircles Three Sisters provides terrific viewing areas. Though the most manatees can be found in Three Sisters and Crystal River during the winter months, a resident population of around 80 manatees call the area home year-round, providing the chance to swim with them year-round, too.

Fast Facts About Manatees

Manatees are mammals and are prone to symptoms similar to frostbite and hypothermia, called cold stress, hence the need to be in water that is 68 degrees or higher in temperature.

Manatees are herbivores, or vegetarians, and get their fresh water from seagrasses and other aquatic vegetation.

Manatees do not have any natural predators.

It is estimated that modern manatees have been in Florida’s waters for more than 1 million years.

Under the Endangered Species Act, harassing or interfering with manatees can lead to heavy fines and even jail time.

Manatee Manners

Look but do not touch – manatees are wild animals, after all!

Never enter designated manatee sanctuaries, for any reason.

Avoid making noise or splashing when manatees are nearby.

Use snorkeling gear when observing manatees; SCUBA gear may scare them.

Never feed manatees or give them water; they are wild animals.