You really have to experience this! Thirty minutes after setting up camp. We took a five minute walk to see the springs! Beautiful turquoise color tapering down into a deep blue. The first thing we noticed were rangers yelling at swimmers to get away and move closer to the viewing station we were on and then we spotted them out across the springs…six manatees lazily moving from shade to sun and then back again into the shade. This picture below is from our afternoon viewing.
Manatee Springs flows directly into Suwannee River. The ranger shared that the water is always 72*. The picture below is of a scuba diving cave 90′ deep. Divers are not allowed to use artificial light. I don’t know what the point would be. It is called Catfish Hotel.
After dinner, Harry had to walk over to where he could find WIFI. It is very close to the springs and what he saw brought him running back to get me. The crowds of people had disappeared and there were at the very least, 16 manatees who had moved in and they were slowly dancing to a silent symphony, only Harry and I were able to enjoy. So very touching to us. We stood on the observation stand and the manatees came close…right below our feet.
I really wish the WIFI here was strong enough to upload our video. Will try again when we have a stronger signal. This has been so exciting! Wish you all could be here!
hkdorr 
How amazing! What s special treat to get to see all those manatees! Memories forever!
We have loved it, Debbie!
You should submit one of these to the Johnson City Press: bestshot@johnsoncitypress.com
The photographer here is jealous! Dan
Dan…Which would you send? Thank you for your kind words! Karen
So awesome! Amazing that the manatees came so close to you!
It truly was magical!
We were at Manatee Springs last year and loved it! So glad you are enjoying the beautiful scenery!!!
Pretty spectacular place! Glad you have seen it!
That is a beautiful day and pictures.
Thank you for sharing.
Wish you were here!