Outdoors & Nature Insider

It's Manatee Time! Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

My friends Mary and Dave at Kayaks and Beyond in Crystal River are reporting the manatee sightings have been fantastic!  This is just the excuse I need to break out the kayak and check it out for myself.  I've not been on a good paddle in a couple of months, so I'll be getting out on the water and letting you know what I find.  Better yet, since kayaking is the perfect way to experience Florida's waterways, maybe you should get out there and have a great natural Florida adventure!

Florida's springs and rivers provide a warm water retreat for manatees during the winter, and you'll see plenty around Homosassa Springs and Crystal River on the Gulf Coast. Over on the Atlantic side of Florida, manatees are plentiful in the Blue Spring State Park and St. Sebastian River State Park areas.  Plan your trips early in the day when manatee sightings are more frequent.

Remember, manatees are an endangered species, so stay in your kayaks and snap some pictures from above the water. With a good polarizing filter on your camera, you will be able to get some good shots to share with your friends and family.

Here's another good reason to get out and see some manatees -  students enrolled in a Florida middle or high school can participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Manatee Art Decal Design Contest.  Use some of those photos taken out on the water as inspiration for you or your student to showcase those artistic skills!  Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website for more information.

Well, that's settled. I'm getting out my paddling gear and hitting the river.  Look for another manatee report in the near future!