A Manatee Encounter at Crystal River

A morning encounter with the manatee. What a fantastic encounter.
Watching the video, we realized how
easy it was to accidently forget our
Manatee manners. Although we
never pursued them, we found
ourselves touching them with two
hands on occasion when they
approached us. We were reminded
not to due so by the good folks at
Birds Underwater. Lesson learned.

• Category

  Pets & Animals

[decopixel]

It appears to be a judgment call. Two handed touching can lead to grabbing. Grabbing can lead to "riding". So it is discouraged. The most important thing is to have the manatee initiate the contact. Don't chase, pursue, block, or separate. I've learned a lot since that encounter. I'm more responsible now then when that was filmed.

[dizzypunchpanda29]

manatees have to be one of my top favorite animals. they are so graceful!

[imeanbean]

Solid Thievery corp soundtrack. Noice

[pope1982]

Beautiful.

[tmackx]

Yes, there are guidelines for manatee interaction but anyone who has swam with the manatees in crystal river know that they will rub up on you like a spoiled house cat! The manatees don't seem to mind the whole touching rule. Was there thanksgiving 08 and headed back in a couple of weeks.

[dragonballd3]

lol the water in the begining looked red

[shadowrocks15]

are u riding in a jon boat

[KayakMike1963]

I'm glad you earned your lesson about touching the manatees, because the video does indeed show unapproved behavior. THey must touch YOU before YOU even reach out with a single hand. Thanks for posting the fact that you did err.

[Eva Wright]

I remember snorkling there! years ago! Thanks for sharing! I used to find old wine bottles down there that were really pretty..

[imhatepie]

Underwater we are weightless, so as long as you aernt wearing any heavy/ pointy equipment that could damage the skin you should be ok...

I have heard for instance that Dolphins will relish the chance to rub against a wetsuit. But yeah, not saying you should try to corner one.