The next day, I head to Crystal River on the W side of FL for some manatees.
The deal is that in 99% of the state, manatees are regulated by the Florida
Department of Fish & Wildlife, and no people are allowed in the water at
the same time. However, in a small fraction of the state, the Federal
regulations take precedence, and these are somewhat more lax in that one can be
in the water at the same time as a manatee. Follow the rules:
- No chasing the manatees
- No feeding the manatees
- No grabbing the manatees (one hand behind your back at all times!)
- Don't go into the manatees' sanctuary (denoted by buoys)
- No one in the water 7PM - 7AM
- Don't go up to them, but let them come to you
Photos are stills from a video taken by divemaster Mike.