Where can you legally swim, kayak or snorkel with manatees?

There was a drunk tourist photographed riding one that's lucky to have only been arrested. I am concerned that the rapidly warming/hot waters in Florida are going to spell disaster for these gentle mammals.

We went kayaking beside them. It was cool, but a little intimidating!

I remember hearing about an irrigation canal that was being choked with grasses and kelp like weeds. they brought some manatees there and they gladly ate the stuff and cleared up the canal

I used to clean and reline storm drainage canals! Once, while working on one such canal, I was in the water when I felt a very gentle, but firm , nudge on my back! When I looked to see what had "pushed against me, I discovered I was in the canal with about 18 or so manatees, including calves, and they were curious as to what I was doing there! I continued doing my job while spending the whole day "swimming" with the manatees!

I've sean with them at Crystal River. It is wonderful. But the answer says nothing about it being prohibited at the other locations. There could be more than 1 correct answer.

brickmartian, Wonderful story!

best to ban all sports to protect the manatees as they do get hurt

however if you touch one you will be arrested

All I know is that there are many Manatees around Southern Florida, and there are a number of places where you can get up close and personal with these gentle Sea Cows.