Manatee
The Underwater Teddy Bear
Together with Dugongs, Manatees form the order of sea cows. These two species differ mainly in their caudal fin; Manatees have a single round paddle-shaped tail while Dugongs have a forked fluke more like that of a whale. With a length of up to 5 meters, a manatee can weigh up to 500 kilograms. Diving with manatees is indescribable. These wonderful animals are very peaceful, calm, and slow, moving at a speed of only 3 to 7 km/h, perfect for observing and studying these majestic marine creatures.
Manatees are unique in that they can live in both saltwater and freshwater. They prefer warm waters and are herbivores, feeding mostly on fresh and saltwater plants. These animals spend 50% of their day resting and the other half grazing. While resting, they can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes, but while swimming, must surface every three to four minutes. Since they often search for food in shallow waters, it is possible to snorkel with manatees. Find out where you can dive with these gentle giants here.
Popular dive sites
La Poza, Xcalak
106 Logged dives • 23 Sightings An very nice underwater trench that makes for a beautiful wall dive. Current can sometimes convert it into drift diving. The depth ranges from 5 m/15 ft to 26m/90ft. It is full of alcoves where fish hide and tower-like structures of coral at the end of the dive.Mexico
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
392 Logged dives • 19 Sightings This site is a marine protected area just off Caye Caulker with beautiful, healthy reef with copious amounts of live corals and juvenile fishes.Belize
Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park
11808 Logged dives • 84 Sightings One of the most popular dive sites in South Florida, Blue Heron Bridge is an easily accessible shore dive sitting just under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach. SPECIAL NOTE: check the tide schedule as this dive can only be made during slack tide otherwise currents will be too strong through the bay.United States
