Should You Swim With Manatees in Florida?

Should You Swim With Manatees in Florida?

On a cool, overcast morning in Crystal River, Florida, groups of wetsuit-wearing tourists snorkel in the steely water of King Spring. They float with colorful pool noodles under their arms; heads pointed down into the murky abyss. My husband, son, and I swim among them, slowly doggy paddling behind our guide as brown bits of detritus—likely manatee poop—meander past my snorkel mask. Suddenly, a gray lump appears in front of me, and I backstroke …