Swimming with Manatees

About ninety minutes north of Tampa, the spring fed waters of Kings Bay hold warm all winter at a constant seventy two degrees. When the Gulf turns cold, hundreds of manatees pile into Three Sisters Springs, drifting and dozing in the clear water. Snorkelers float quietly among them as the gentle giants surface to breathe. December through February is the peak, when the cold snaps drive the biggest gatherings. Manatees also gather in big numbers at Blue Spring State Park, a couple of hours east, though swimming there is not permitted.