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Meet Florida’s Gentle Giants: Fun Facts About Manatees Before Manatee Season Begins

Two people in a clear kayak observe a manatee underwater in a calm river.

As the countdown continues to manatee season in Weeki Wachee, wildlife lovers are gearing up for one of Florida’s most magical experiences. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River with Get Up and Go Kayaking Weeki Wachee at Mary’s Fish Camp gives you the chance to see these gentle giants up close. But before you arrive, it’s fun to get to know the manatees with a few fascinating facts!

1. Manatees Are Gentle Giants

Also known as sea cows, manatees can weigh up to 3500 pounds yet are incredibly gentle and slow-moving creatures. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for observation during clear kayaking tours, where you can float quietly nearby without disturbing them.

2. They Love Warm Water

Manatees are sensitive to cold and migrate to Florida’s springs as temperatures drop in the winter. When water temperatures drop below 68 degrees manatees are susceptible to hypothermia, cold shock and even death. The Weeki Wachee River is spring-fed which means the water comes from underground and stays a consistent 72 degrees all year long. Making the Weeki Wachee River an ideal spot where manatees gather to stay warm and feed on abundant aquatic vegetation. This is why the river becomes a hotspot starting November 15, the official beginning of manatee season.

Manatee swimming in clear turquoise water, top view.

3. They Are All About That Plant Based Lifestyle

Manatees are herbivores, spending up to 8 hours a day grazing on underwater plants like seagrass and other submerged aquatic vegetation. During your clear kayaking adventure, you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee munching peacefully just below the surface of the water!

4. Manatees Have Big Hearts

Literally! A manatee’s heart is roughly the size of a basketball, and these animals have a lifespan of 50–60 years in captivity. Their slow, graceful movements reflect their calm nature—making them the perfect wildlife ambassadors for Florida’s rivers.

5. Guardians of the River

Did you know that the Get Up and Go Kayaking Weeki Wachee guides are trained in the Guardian Guides Program through the Save the Manatee Club! This certification ensures that tours are conducted safely and ethically, protecting manatees while educating visitors on conservation efforts.

Get Ready for Manatee Season

People kayaking on a river with manatees swimming nearby and lush greenery in the background.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned kayaker, understanding manatees before your trip enhances the experience. By learning about their behaviors, diets, and habitats, you’ll appreciate every encounter on the Weeki Wachee River even more.

Pro tip: Bring your sense of wonder and a camera, but always respect these gentle giants’ space. Manatees are wild animals, and observing them responsibly ensures they remain a part of Florida’s waterways for generations to come.

Manatee season is just around the corner—mark November 15 on your calendar and get ready to glide alongside Florida’s most iconic marine mammals on a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Weeki Wachee!

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