Manatee Dive!

[comiso90]

Some of you have seen this on my Facebook but for those that havent, I gotta share.

Scratch one item off my "Bucket List".

I've been wanting to dive with these beasts for over three decades and it lived up to nearly all of my expectations. The water was clear and warm despite the 6:15am departure. The depth was usually 5 feet and only snorkel gear was allowed.. no scuba.

Wow, the manatees weren't just "friendly", they were co-dependent, needy, attention whores. Unlike most animals, they didnt need to be enticed with food or tricked into human interaction; all it took was patience and the willingness to give a 2000 pound sea cow a belly scratch.

It's difficult to overstate their desire to be social with humans - amazing.

 

[comiso90]

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[GrauGeist]

Dang man, that's extremely cool!

Great shots of the Manatees and really cool shots of the mist on the water (pix 6 and 11), well done!

What a cool experience!

 

[lesofprimus]

Hot sh!t Frank, looks like u guys had a great time....

 

[B-17engineer]

That's awesome!!

 

[Wayne Little]

Strewth thats cool!

 

[RabidAlien]

Amazing, bro! Great pics, above and below the waterline!

 

[ToughOmbre]

Very cool photos!

Definitely a "Bucket List" activity!

TO

 

[comiso90]

Thanks guys! They say that manatees could be the basis for mermaid legends. How much rum would it take to imagine one of those sea cows was a mermaid?

 

[ToughOmbre]

Thanks guys! They say that manatees could be the basis for mermaid legends. How much rum would it take to imagine one of those sea cows was a mermaid?

There ain't that much alcohol in the entire world!

TO

 

[Butters]

Very cool, and it sounds like the experience is something you'll never forget

I'm a diver and swimming with the manatees is something I've wanted to do for a long time also. Your account and pics makes me want to even more. And beautiful pics they are, too.

JL

 

[Clave]

So charming... yet so delicious too!

 

[Messy1]

Awesome! Looks like the experience of a lifetime. Great pics!

 

[evangilder]

Very cool! Great shots of a neat experience.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Very cool!!! I've always wanted to do that as well, great animals!!!

 

[diddyriddick]

Very cool, C! You said they were friendly...What about the cow w/ a little one?

 

[comiso90]

Very cool, C! You said they were friendly...What about the cow w/ a little one?

Thanks again guys 3 different cameras were used on 2 different trips.

The guidelines for interacting with the manatees are very strict. You're not allowed to swim above or pursue them . They have to initiate contact. On this last trip, i saw a baby nursing.

The mother didnt seem agitated or protective at all. They seemed to know that they were safe. Its amazing how fast they can swim when they want too!

 

[wheelsup_cavu]

Great pics Comiso.
It looks like it was a blast.


Wheels

 

[comiso90]

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[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

So I take it they are like dogs. If you scratch them on the belly you have a friend for life. Fantastic shots Comiso. I'm not a diver but you've got me wanting to try it.