Aquatic Mammals

• Manatees
• Dolphins

Manatees

Manatees are large, gentle herbivores which consume spend up to 8 hours a day feeding on grass and seaweeds. The manatees spend hours resting each day, and while doing so, are capable of holding their breath for up to twenty minutes. Manatees are found all throughout Florida's rivers, springs, and off the Gulf Coast. During your summer boat trips along our rivers, be sure to watch for these gentle giants so that your boat's propellers will not strike these important Florida natives. 

Dolphins

These clicking and intelligent creatures can be sometimes spotted off our Gulf Coast Waters as you visit our nearby beaches. They are social creatures which travel in groups known as "Pods." Dolphins are highly efficient in locating and hunting fish for a meal and work well together. It is important to remember, that while dolphins can be enjoyed from a distance, not to attempt to swim with or feed wild dolphin. This can bring harm to both the dolphin and the human, as dolphins may be upset at their dinner time plans being disrupted by a reckless human.