The Magical Manatee of Little Sarasota Bay
If you kayak around Sarasota, you will likely encounter a manatee. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large aquatic mammals that are native to the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. These gentle creatures are known for their slow movements, peaceful nature, and adorable appearance.
Manatees are herbivores, and their diet primarily consists of seagrasses and other aquatic plants. They can eat up to 100 pounds of vegetation in a single day! They are also known for their slow metabolism, which helps them conserve energy in their environment.
Manatees are endangered
Manatees are endangered species, with the population of the West Indian manatee being the most affected. The biggest threat to their survival is human activity, such as boat strikes, habitat destruction, and water pollution.
To help protect manatees, it is important to be aware of their presence when boating in their habitats and to obey posted speed limits. Additionally, it is important to support conservation efforts and organizations that work to protect and preserve these gentle creatures.
Where manatees live
Manatees inhabit rivers, bays, canals, estuaries, and coastal areas moving freely between fresh, saline, and brackish waters. Florida estuaries and freshwater lakes, springs, and rivers provide beds of seagrass and abundant freshwater aquatic vegetation that provide the manatee’s primary food sources. Manatees are peaceful, adorable creatures that are an important part of the marine ecosystem. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve these endangered species for future generations to enjoy. With our help, they can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
Manatees in Little Sarasota Bay
Manatees are a common sight in Little Sarasota Bay, which is located on Lido Key and it is where Sea Life Kayak Adventures launches its guided tours. Little Sarasota Bay is a part of the larger Sarasota Bay, which is a shallow, estuarine system that provides crucial habitat for many species of marine animals, including manatees.
Manatees winter in Little Sarasota Bay manatees, as the shallow waters and warmer temperatures provide an ideal habitat for them to rest and feed, but they are abundant in the bay during the summer months. We’ve been seeing them regularly as the waters warm. Book a kayak tour with Sea Life Kayak Adventures now.
Reminder: Manatees are a protected species in Florida, and it is illegal to harass or harm them in any way. Visitors to Little Sarasota Bay are encouraged to observe manatees from a safe distance and to avoid approaching them or disturbing their natural behavior. Sea Life Kayak Adventures adheres to protocol regarding manatees.
