With their ponderous bulk and graceful slow-motion swimming manatees are among the most captivating marine creatures to encounter in the wild. Tourists flock to kayak and canoe among these gentle giants in places like the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, where manatees migrate to spend the winter months in clear spring-fed waters.
Manatee viewing in Florida
“It’s almost that time of year in Florida when the Manatees start grouping up & moving into warmer waters. Making it an ideal time to go kayaking in crystal clear spring waters,” declares the YouTube video caption from See Through Canoes.
Nobody gets a clearer or more unobstructed manatee viewing experience than in this completely transparent canoe-kayak hybrid, which takes the idea of a glass-bottom boat to a whole new level. Even the manatees seem to wonder if the boat is there at all as they nudge the clear hull before swimming away.
Protect the endangered manatee
If this video makes you want to hop in a clear kayak and see a manatee for yourself, make sure to book with one of the reputable tour operators located throughout Florida. Most importantly, always follow the rules and regulations in place to protect these magnificent marine mammals.
