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Experience Majestic Manatees with Miami Native Tours

October 22, 2024

Grace and Beauty

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing one of Florida’s most iconic and gentle creatures in its natural habitat, then a manatee tour with Miami Native Tours is the perfect opportunity. These majestic creatures, often referred to as “sea cows,” glide gracefully through the waters of South Florida, offering a peaceful sight to behold. From now through March or April, the manatees are in full view, and Miami Native Tours provides the best way to experience them up close.


The History of Manatee Preservation in Southern Florida

Manatee preservation efforts have come a long way in Florida, thanks to decades of advocacy and environmental protection. Once threatened by boat collisions and habitat destruction, the manatee population has benefited from
extensive conservation measures. In 1973, the West Indian manatee was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and in 1978, the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act was passed, designating Florida as a safe haven for these gentle giants.


Over time, stricter boating regulations, awareness campaigns, and habitat restoration projects, such as the protection of seagrass beds (a primary food source for manatees), have allowed the population to stabilize. Though challenges remain, especially in other parts of Florida where manatees struggle with environmental changes, Southern Florida’s manatee population is thriving. In Miami, specifically, manatees continue to enjoy healthy conditions, with plentiful food sources and growing families. It’s a true success story for wildlife preservation.

Manatee in the water

Why Manatees Are So Majestic
Manatees
have a unique ability to captivate anyone who encounters them. These large, slow-moving herbivores can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and grow to over 10 feet in length, yet their calm and gentle nature makes them beloved by all who see them. Known for their affectionate behaviors, manatees can often be seen swimming together in family groups, occasionally poking their heads out of the water or rolling over in slow, graceful motions.


Perhaps what’s most
captivating about manatees is their connection to history. Some believe that ancient mariners mistook manatees for mermaids, giving rise to many of the sea myths we know today. Their peaceful demeanor, coupled with their long history in the region, makes them an important symbol of Florida’s rich natural heritage.

A manatee is swimming in the water with a fish in its mouth.

Why Choose Miami Native Tours to See Manatees?
At Miami Native Tours, we know the best spots to see manatees up close, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Our manatee tours run through the winter and spring, when these beautiful creatures migrate to South Florida’s warm waters. We visit over a dozen spots along our city tour route where manatees gather, offering ideal opportunities to see and even film these gentle giants as they swim beneath bridges and through canals.


Unlike some areas on Florida’s Space Coast or Gulf Coast, where manatee populations have been struggling with environmental challenges, Miami’s manatees are thriving. Here, they have ample food, including plenty of seagrass, and the population continues to grow with new calves spotted regularly. Whether you’re filming for memories or simply enjoying the peaceful presence of these animals, our tours provide a unique and intimate experience with Miami’s healthy manatee population.


Our manatee tours are also available as part of our Everglades trips, although fewer manatees are typically seen in these areas. However, combining the manatee tour with an Everglades adventure offers an opportunity to enjoy even more of Florida’s diverse wildlife.

A group of manatees are swimming in a pond.

Book Your Manatee Tour Today
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Join Miami Native Tours for an up-close encounter with Florida’s manatees and see why this experience is one of the highlights of any visit to the area. Whether you’re visiting Miami for the first time or are a seasoned local, our manatee tours promise to leave you with lasting memories of these gentle, majestic animals.


Contact us today to book your tour and be part of an incredible journey into the heart of Florida’s wildlife!

manatees
manatee under a dock
A manatee is swimming in the water and looking at the camera.
A manatee is swimming in the water and looking at the camera

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