Ocala has several natural springs, which stay at 72 degrees year round. I had so much fun swimming and snorkeling in them!
Bear swamp trail, home to bears and alligators alike!
I took a small detour to Crystal River to see the manatees as they spend winter in the warm springs on the gulf. Manatees are very sensitive to water temperature, so they have special areas where they are not disturbed by humans or boats, although they often swim up to humans to play!
I jumped in the water to swim with the manatees! They spend time in the springs and warm bay from November through March each year so I was coming towards the end of the season.
I was so lucky and saw over 25 manatees in one morning! It was abnormally cool for the time of year, around 60 degrees, so the manatees were in the bay to stay warm. I went with a guide and made sure to respect the space and needs of the manatees!
Fun fact: manatees are more closely related to elephants than any marine creature! Do you see the resemblance?
Manatees are mammals and need to come up for air every five minutes but they can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.
I found this manatee resting on the bottom of the bay and was careful to leave it be so it could get its beauty sleep!
I even found an air manatee!