Plus, learn the dos and don'ts of swimming with them before you go. My preferred water temperature for swimming here in Florida hovers around 85°F, but when winter rolls around, I suck it up and ...

Floridians love manatees. The marine animals, lovingly known as "sea cows" or "gentle giants," spend the winters swimming in rivers, bays, canals, estuaries and coastal areas from Nov. 15 to March 31.

Crystal River is hailed as the "Manatee Capital of the World," and for good reason. Every winter, about 800 manatees migrate to the warm springs of Kings Bay, seeking refuge from the chilly waters.