# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Adventure Travel

How to Swim With the Manatees in Clearwater, Florida

Manatees are common in the waters off the west coast of Florida. Known as gentle creatures with no known enemies, the lifespan of a manatee is around 60 years, but unfortunately, the manatee is an endangered species. Due in large part to boating accidents---which is why so many slow wake zones are posted in and around the waters of Florida---and their slow reproductive nature, manatees are quickly dying off. In Florida, the city of Clearwater allows visitors the opportunity to swim with the manatees.

Instructions

- 1
  Book a tour to swim with the manatees at a website such as Floridamanateetours.com. Calling and booking a date and time is all you have to do to make your reservation. Your tour company will take you roughly an hour north of Clearwater to Citrus County, Florida, which is the home of the manatee scuba diving site, Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. This is one of the largest manatee populations in Florida.
- 2
  Attend the mandatory instruction class conducted by your tour company before you are permitted to snorkel or scuba dive with the manatees. If you do not attend, you are not permitted to swim with the manatees.
- 3
  Dress for the weather. Manatees are most commonly found in Florida during the winter months, because of the warm waters there. October through March is the most popular diving season, and while Florida is noted for its warm weather, some days are cold.
- 4
  Change into your scuba or snorkeling gear when you arrive at your destination. Enter the water and begin your swim with the manatees.