These warm waters are essential for manatee survival. The refuge is accessible only by boat. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and make reservations with one of the many dive shops and marinas in town for a manatee snorkel tour. Refuge islands and surrounding waters provide excellent habitat for a large number and variety of wildlife species. Some of the more common fish you may see are mullet, largemouth bass, alligator gar, crevalle jack and tarpon.
Birds are also abundant.
Common species you may see are laughing gulls, cormorants, anhingas, herons, egrets, ospreys and white ibis. Manatee Encounter Guidelines Back to Top Swimming with the endangered manatees is a privilege most people may never experience. Keep to the public area - do not enter designated manatee sanctuaries for any reason. Sanctuaries are in effect from November 15 - March 31. They are marked with orange-white buoys.