Swimming with the manatees can be a truly spectacular adventure for people of all ages. No matter if you are coming for a girls weekend, a family vacation, or a couples retreat at Inn on the Beach, you don’t want to miss spending time with the sweet creatures.
Swim with Manatees and Stay at our Hotel in St Pete Beach
Spending time with manatees, also lovingly called sea cows, can be a fun and magical experience when visiting the Florida coast. At Inn on the Beach, you will be close to many manatee sighting locations such as Crystal River. Just a short jaunt north from your relaxing stay, you can snorkel and swim with these gentle giants. If you prefer to be on dry land when watching the manatees, Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, a designated manatee sanctuary, is just an hour away.
Tour Rooms
General Info
When encountering these gentle sea cows, you must always be aware of the rules put into place to protect them. Learning how and where to swim with the manatees is important to making your trip a success. These rules include, only being able to touch a manatee if they touch you first. Once that event happens you must be aware that you can only touch with one hand. Using two hands on a manatee is illegal. You should only touch their back or stomach once you get an opportunity.
Make sure that when you get into the water, you try to prevent any splashing and keep your movements slow and gentle. This makes it more likely a manatee will feel safe enough to come up and inspect you. Your tour guide will make sure you review these rules before you jump in.
Travel Tip
At Crystal River, there is a herd of manatees that stay there year round. Even so, the best time to swim with manatees in Florida is November through March when the manatees congregate near warm water springs. With clearer waters that are starting to warm, many people prefer visiting the manatees during March.
Magnolia
Located on the top floor of the Inn, the Magnolia is our “Honeymoon Suite” with Gulf and sunset views. This prime one-bedroom suite features the very best of the Inn with a king bedroom, bathroom with over-sized shower, living and dining area, fully sized kitchen, and private balcony.
Gulfstream
Located on the top floor of the Inn, the Gulfstream comes complete with a king bed, cathedral ceiling, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and wraparound balcony with Gulf and sunset views.
The Sea Loft
The Sea Loft is a second floor open plan apartment with a queen bed, fully equipped kitchen, living/dining area, sun porch, and balcony. The unit has cathedral ceilings giving it a spacious feel, and there are lots of windows providing stunning natural light. It's a peaceful, romantic escape just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Cottage
Next door to the Inn, this tranquil oasis has a large bedroom with a king bed plus a fully equipped kitchen. The living room is complete with seating area, cable television and a DVD player. The bathroom has a large shower. The outdoor deck has plenty of seating and a gas grill - perfect for outdoor suppers.