My friend and I would love to see manatees in the wild. We hoped to travel to Crystal River in Florida, with snorkelling, diving and other wildlife viewing in mind. Any ideas? Chris McCombe, by email
A Sunday Times travel expert responds: Also known as sea cows, these large and peaceful creatures have captivated man’s imaginations since early sailors managed to mistake them for mermaids.
The creature’s ponderous movements and curious natures ensure a snorkel in their vicinity is a safe and enthralling experience - they weigh in at almost 1000kgs and are usually happy to swim around, and even ‘hug’ humans.
Florida’s Crystal River is the best place to see some of the 400 creatures that migrate here between November and March. Although they have no natural predators, they are endangered owing to the depletion of their habitats, and by collisions with powerboats and propellers.
Wildlife Worldwide (0845 130 6982, www.wildlifeworldwide.com) has a weeks trip to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge departing January 14th from £1,195pp, with six nights B&B accommodation at the Plantation Inn (www.plantationinn.com), up to six swims with manatees, plus snorkeling, bird watching, and kayaking, and all transfers. Expect to pay from £400 for flights from the UK to Orlando. Tailor made trips at other times can also be arranged.
For information on locally based trips, and on how to help save the species, visit www.savethemanatee.org, or www.manateecenter.com
Swimming with manatees
The Sunday Times opens its travel clinic on a daily basis to answer your holiday queries. Today: manatees