Baby manatee swimming next to his mom in a canal in Miami.
When Winter arrives in South Florida, you can count on the arrival of snow birds and manatees.
When the waters of the Gulf of Mexico drop below 70o F, manatees seek refuge in the warmer waters along the Florida coast, and nearby rivers and springs. These gentle creatures, related to the elephant, are an endangered species and are protected under Florida law. They love lettuce and drinking fresh water from a hose, but it is illegal to provide it to them.
Manatee being hand fed his favorite food by a volunteer at a sanctuary in Homosassa Springs, FL. There are many authorized operators in nearby Crystal River, FL that offer tours for swimming/snorkeling with manatees. You may take all the pictures you want, but you're not allowed to touch them.
It's also forbidden to touch a manatee, more so ride one.
No. This isn't manatee porn. It's a felony being committed.
Manatees could be observed from beautiful pre-construction skyrises like the Elysee and Misoni Baia in Edgewater, the Aston Martin Residences along the Miami River, or the almost complete Monad Terrace in South Beach. Water facing condos in South of Fifth offer sightings as well.
Manatee surfacing in South Pointe Park in Miami Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood.
These gentle animals can also be observed swimming by private waterfront Miami Beach residences on the bay, a canal, or a lake. There's nothing like paddling a kayak or stand up paddle board and coming close to these amazing creatures.
Manatees have a winter sanctuary in Florida. Maybe you should, too.
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To learn more about any of these properties, or about manatees, feel free to reach out. Please forward this article to anyone you know who is considering moving to South Florida and/or is an animal lover.
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