The thing I like best about Florida doesn’t have anything at all to do with the huge theme parks it’s so famous for… For me it’s all about something at a much simpler level (and without any of the queues) – the wildlife!
Where else can you see an alligator whilst out for a walk, or stumble across an armadillo late at night whilst walking your Mother in Law’s dog (Mr R didn’t believe me for ages until he saw a squashed one on the road!)? Where else can you witness crazy legged Sand Hill cranes sauntering past as you eat your breakfast, or spend time admiring red cardinals over your morning grapefruit? And (perhaps not quite so appealing to some) where else can you find a tree frog in your spa or a snake in your swimming pool filter? And then there are wildcats and pelicans of course, not to mention wild dolphins, lizards, and turtles.
The people in the picture at the top do not share my love of industrial photography, and are not there simply to admire the power station itself, they are there to catch a glimpse of a creature that Florida is also home to (and in my opinion is perhaps the most special of the lot…) – the not so graceful, but incredibly sweet manatee! And a spot of manatee viewing is what you can see happening in these pictures (there were over a hundred here on this occasion) as these gentle giants take protection from the cooler winter weather in the warm clean waters regurgitated by this enormous electrical plant.
Unfortunately (and quite typically) I didn’t have my polarising lens with me which would have made for much better pictures of the manatees themselves, so you will have to take my word for it that they are easy to spot and swim really close to the viewing platform. The air is filled with gentle snorts as they rise to the surface to take gulps of air, and we stood admiring them for quite a while (and imaginarily commiserated with them over the battle scars quite a few of them bear from the odd collisions with boats).
Then it was time for a quick pit stop at the cafe, before venturing down through the mangrove boardwalk to spot the manatees from a different angle. There’s also a really nice butterfly garden at the end of the experience too, and a gift shop selling all things manatee, and all staffed by really nice volunteers.
If you are planning a trip to Florida between November and Mid-April, then please do add this to your list. It’s a great place to witness some of what Florida should really be most famous for, and quite surprisingly it’s also free – but you might want to leave a donation in lieu of payment, as all monies raised go towards the sanctuary of this gorgeous creature…
I love seeing manatees in Florida – but I have almost as much fun watching the little lizards that seem to scamper everywhere. We just don’t get them up north. Sure, in a forest or something, but not happily sunbathing on your front porch!
Thanks Jess. I completely know what you mean. The most exotic animal we get here is probably a squirrel! :D
Thanks heaps for linking up again :) And, yes move over Mickey! Who needs that guy, when you have all of this…and for FREE!
No problem… Haha, poor old Mickey! I think he is obviously a huge part of this little piece of the earth, but there’s just so much more to the place! :D
I love seeing local wildwife–it’s one of my favorite things about traveling. And, I love manatees! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
Thank you :)
Love manatees, love your post! Could do without the snakes in the pool filters though… Good luck!
I don’t think I like them either! I think most of the time they are ex-snakes though, so not much slithering about! Thank you! :)
I really love Manatees and you are completely right, there is so much more to Florida than just theme parks. Great post!
Thanks Travis! :)
Aw I love manatees! I’ve just seen one in Mexico and in aquariums but have yet to see them in the wild. I can’t wait to snorkel with some one day! Looks like a fun trip :)
They are so beautiful aren’t they? We did some Kayaking in Florida once and saw some really really in the wild! Thank you! :)
Must be something to stumble across an armadillo on your regular night walk. You cannot really blame Mr. R for not believing it :-). Photos are gorgeous. It would be great if you did have your polarizing lens. Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler.
Thank you. I know… Next time it’s definitely coming with me! :)
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! We saw manatees at SeaWorld and thought they were wonderful. How amazing to see them in the wild. We are desperate to go back to Florida as there is SO much to do there.
Thank you Sarah! If you are lucky, you can sometimes see them if you kayak there – even more wild! :)
Props for your frog pic! It’s really clear! Those little critters always manage to get away from me when I whip out the camera x
Thank you Gemma… This was taken with my phone camera too, so I am amazed it came out!
Wow you all wne to Florida, I’ve not been since pre kids, but I agree it is not just about theme parks. Thankyou for sharing on Country Kids
Theme Parks – Definitely not the best thing about Florida at all! Thanks Fiona! :) xx
A manatee is what they call a sea-cow isn’t it? They are such funny looking creatures, but always look so graceful. I’m not entirely sure I could cope with Floridian frogs and snakes!
Nipping over from Country Kids
Thank you! I think they are so sweet! I will return the favour very shortly! :)
Lovely post! Good to read about the wildlife in Florida! What an amazing place :) x
http://mumx3x.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you… That side of things is so lovely there! :) x
I think of Florida as a bit ummm tacky! is that bad? anyhow, I hadn’t thought about the wildlife – I like the sound of it more. I had to google image mantees (clearly a knowledge gap) – I love them. I can see how you would be captivated.
Parts of it are, but this side of it is brilliant! They are so sweet aren’t they?? :)
Argh, you scared the living daylights out of me with this post. I thought I was going to see a photo of Mickey but then came across my biggest fear … a frog! I struggle to even look at photos of them. Can you warn me in advance next time please :-)
You and my sister have a lot in common! I wonder what the name for frog phobia is… :D
So lovely to see sun and sun-hats, Emma. I need a Florida holiday too! And I know a little girl who’d give anything for some wildlife spotting :)
I bet C would do some incredible manatee pictures too! Thank you Pia!
Fabulous photos! So wish I was there in that lovely sunshine. I remember as a child, how different the warmth was in Florida, and I was so thrilled that the rain was warm! Fab place, I’d love to go back one day x
Thann you Mama S xx
Great post, although I am not a fan of frogs!! ;o) xx
But this one was very cute, honest! :)
Great to read about the wildlife of Florida. How amazing to see the manatees finding warmth at the power plant. A bit like me always sitting in front of the radiator!
That made me laugh. I do hope you snack on something more exciting than lettuce when sitting in front of the radiator…
Lovely post – the wildlife sounds amazing, and really good to know, because it’s usually Mickey and oranges or CSI Miami that pop into my head when I think about Florida. Or the Florida Keys which do look beautiful! Maybe the Everglades and alligators too.. I’d love to go one day and would love to see manatees – rather like the idea of watching them from a kayak :)
The kayaking is great. We have seen so much wildlife this way, just don’t forget the suncream! Thank you xx
I don’t want frogs in my spa no matter how pretty but I do want manatees in my power plant water. How fantastic.
Thank you K :)
Oooh we are heading out to Florida in 4 weeks! We are incredibly excited and we love going off the beaten track so I have taken down everything and will be adding this to our list of places to visit!!!! (Though B Lloyd is rather excited about seeing Mickey’s house)
I would love to see a manatee! XX
You will love it, I am sure… Sadly I am not sure the manatees will be at the power station then, but we have also seen them in the wild when kayaking nearby which is also fantastic to do for a full or half day… http://crystalriverkayakcompany.com/ Bet B would love it too, and you would get some great pics! :)
Oh manatees are great creatures. We have them in Jamaica as well but they are very difficult to spot. We were very lucky on a visit with my husbands family after our wedding to see two swimming lazily about!
Wow, that’s fantastic! An extra wedding present! :)
Fabulous! I have always wanted to see a manatee in the wild. Actually, I’d be happy with an armadillo too! Great post
The armadillo was hilarious, although I thought it was a dog in a costume at first… Very cute! Thank you x
How amazing – it always makes me stop and realise quite how resilient and adaptable the creatures that live around us are when you see something like this. What a great experience.
They have a lot to put up with with us messing up their environment most of the time, don’t they? Thank you :)
I’ve still never seen a manatee, but it’s on my list. I’m a big wildlife fan myself – this sounds worlds better than Disney to me! I’ve only ever seen one armadillo alive – despite years in Texas, I’ve only seen them as roadkill.
When you make it to Florida, make sure you go when they are here, they are so sweet! Thanks Caroline xx