CENTRAL WEST MANATEE CENTRAL

Central West: Manatee Central

What weighs 1,200 pounds, can be up to 10 feet in length and lurks beneath Florida's waters? No, it's not a
sea monster, it's the manatee, the official marine mammal of the state of Florida. While you can see these
slow-moving herbivores in Florida's state parks (Homosassa Springs being the most popular) you can't swim
with them. Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park (352) 628-5343.

For snorkeling or diving with the manatees you'll need to move outside the parks. And Crystal River Springs,
on Florida's Central West coast is a popular winter hangout for manatees, divers and snorkelers alike. During
peak season (Oct. 15 to March 30) there are typically more than 350 manatees; in the summer those
numbers drop to as low as 30. Even if you miss peak season, there's plenty else to explore. Crystal River has
both saltwater and freshwater sealife, and there's even a small cavern and six other springs to dive and
snorkel in. http://www.citruscountychamber.com/tourism.html For information about manatees and their
habitat: <http://www.hsswp.com/friends.html>

If you decide to move offshore, the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are ideal for both student and
advanced divers. Reefs in the gulf home to Florida spiny lobster, angel fish, triggers, starfish, hogfish,
flounder, amber jack and the occasional shark.

The St. Pete/Clearwater area offers 35 miles of gulf so you'll have no problems finding snorkeling and diving
charters. Here, the ocean holds a variety of diving experiences including reefs, ledges and shallow wrecks.
Most of the dive sites range in depth from 30 to 80 feet, and the relatively calm water conditions in the Gulf
of Mexico make it ideal for both student and advanced divers. <http://www.floridasbeach.com/>

Further south, beginning snorkelers will enjoy the gentle surf and clear water in the Sarasota and Bradenton
areas. While, offshore natural and artificial reefs provide excellent dive sites. http://www.sarasotafl.org/
<http://floridaislandbeaches.org/>