Image 179 of 188: Full Resolution

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.

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