Bird's Underwater Manatee Dive Center

3 Best Day Trips from Orlando, Florida | Condé Nast Traveler

"Who doesn't love manatees and the chance to swim with them? Bird's Underwater has been running tours for years from a dive and snorkel shop right on the docks. Board pontoon boats and take the short ride to the spring heads where the manatees gather. The animals are attracted to the relatively warm water of the springs, which stays around 72 degree in the winter (when the Gulf of Mexico gets much colder). January, February, and March are the best times to go. Baby manatees are often very curious, and seeing one through your mask underwater laying alongside its mother nursing is something you won't soon forget. While you're not allowed to swim after the animals in chase, there's nothing to say they can't approach you for a curious nuzzle, and they often do." - Terry Ward, Laura Ratliff