Swimming With Manatees In Belize: An Unforgettable Experience

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, and there are several places where you can see them in their natural habitat. Manatees are large, gentle, slow-moving animals that live in the water. They are sometimes called sea cows because they eat plants and have thick, grey skin. They can grow up to 4 metres long and weigh up to 600 kilograms.

Belize is an important habitat for West Indian manatees, which can be found floating in mangroves, lagoons, rivers, and the ocean, looking for seagrass and other plants to eat. The best places to spot manatees in Belize include the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary.

Swimming with manatees in Belize is a rare and amazing opportunity to get close to these endangered animals and observe them in their natural habitat. However, it's important to remember that swimming with manatees is not guaranteed, as these animals are wild and elusive. They may only pop up to the surface for a breath before heading back under the water.

If you do get the chance to swim with manatees in Belize, it's important to follow certain rules and guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being. It's recommended to keep a distance of at least 10 feet from the manatees and avoid touching, chasing, or feeding them. Wearing appropriate gear, such as a mask, snorkel, and fins, is also essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Where to see manatees in Belize

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, and there are several places where you can see them in their natural habitat. Here are some of the best spots to see manatees in Belize:

Northern Lagoon

This is part of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the northern part of the country. It is a shallow and calm lagoon where manatees like to rest and feed. While you can spot manatees here, swimming with them is not recommended due to the risk of crocodiles.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 7-11 kilometres from Belize City, this is one of the most popular places to see manatees in Belize. It is a protected area established by local conservationist Chocolate Heredia. You can take a boat tour from Belize City or Caye Caulker to this sanctuary and snorkel with the manatees. However, swimming with manatees is not allowed in this protected area.

Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Southern Lagoon, just offshore from the southern part of the Belize District, this is a remote and pristine area where manatees congregate in large numbers. You can stay at the Manatee Lodge in Gales Point village and take a boat tour to the Placencia Lagoon or other areas where manatees feed and play.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a great place to increase your chances of seeing manatees. While sightings are never guaranteed, several snorkelling tour operators on the island advertise the possibility of spotting manatees. If you see a manatee during your tour, you may be allowed to slowly enter the water and swim alongside it respectfully.

Ambergris Caye

You can also find tour operators on Ambergris Caye that offer snorkelling or diving tours with the possibility of spotting manatees. Some operators even offer tours that combine a visit to Caye Caulker with the chance to swim with manatees.

Manatee conservation in Belize

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, with approximately 1,000 manatees living in the country. The West Indian manatee species found in Belize can be spotted all year round, with the dry season (from November to April) being the best time for swimming with manatees.

The Antillean manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is the type of manatee that inhabits Belize and other parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Belize has the highest known density of Antillean manatees in the world.

Manatees are gentle, curious, and social animals. They are also very sensitive and vulnerable to human activities, such as boat strikes, habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. In 2008, the West Indian manatee was declared an endangered species. The good news is that manatees are protected by law in Belize, and various conservation organisations are working hard to protect them through habitat safeguards, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local communities.

Conservation Efforts

• Wildtracks is a manatee and monkey sanctuary in Belize that cares for orphaned or severely weakened young manatees and injured adult manatees. In 2021, the Burgers' Zoo Conservation Foundation awarded a donation of €50,000 to Wildtracks to support their conservation efforts.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) Research Institute scientists and collaborators provide data, expertise, and scientific exchange that the Belize government uses to establish sanctuaries, speed zones, laws, and regulations to safeguard manatees.
• The Belize Manatee Conservation project was initiated in 1997 by Dr. James "Buddy" Powell, Bob Bonde of USGS, Nicole Auil of the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority, and a CMA Research Institute associate research scientist.
• The Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Belize is one of the most reliable places to see manatees. It is part of the Corozal Bay, which is home to one of the world's largest populations of Antilles manatees.
• The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, established by local conservationist Chocolate Heredia, is another protected area where manatees can be spotted.
• The Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary is a remote and pristine area in Belize that is a popular manatee feeding site.
• The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in Belize is another protected area that is home to mangrove trails, ancient Mayan canals, and a pristine coral reef.

Guidelines for Swimming with Manatees

It is important to follow guidelines when swimming with manatees in Belize to ensure a safe and responsible experience:

• Wear appropriate gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket.
• Keep a distance of at least 10 feet (approximately 3 metres) from the manatees at all times.
• Be patient and respectful, avoiding any actions that may harass or disturb the manatees, such as chasing, feeding, or making loud noises.
• Do not wear sunscreen or insect repellent, as these can harm the manatees' skin.

Best time to see manatees

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, with around 1,000 of these gentle giants inhabiting its waters. While you can spot manatees in Belize all year round, the ideal time for manatee spotting is during the dry season, from September to February. During these months, the calmer waters make it easier to spot manatees, whereas the increased rainfall during the wet season between June and August can reduce visibility.

If you're looking for the best time of day to spot manatees, early morning or late afternoon are ideal as the sun is not too strong and the water is cooler. During these times, manatees are more likely to come up to the surface to breathe and socialise.

Best locations for spotting manatees

There are several locations in Belize where you can increase your chances of spotting manatees:

• Northern Lagoon: Part of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Belize. It is a shallow and calm lagoon where manatees often rest and feed.
• Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 11 kilometres from Belize City. It is a protected area established by local conservationist Chocolate Heredia. You can take a boat tour from Belize City or Caye Caulker to this sanctuary and snorkel with the manatees.
• Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary: Found in the Southern Lagoon, just off the southern part of the Belize District. It is a remote area where manatees gather in large numbers. You can stay at the Manatee Lodge and take boat tours to manatee hotspots.

How to swim with manatees responsibly

Swimming with manatees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's important to do so responsibly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of these endangered animals. Here are some tips for swimming with manatees in a sustainable and ethical manner:

Choose a Responsible Tour Operator

Select a tour company that prioritises ethical and responsible wildlife tourism. Look for companies that are passionate about marine conservation and have knowledgeable guides who enforce strict guidelines for interacting with manatees. Avoid operators that feed the manatees or allow close contact, as this can disrupt their natural behaviour and put them at risk.

Respect the Animals

Maintain a respectful distance from the manatees and do not attempt to touch, chase, feed, or harass them. Keep your movements slow and calm, and avoid making loud noises that may scare them. Let the manatees approach you if they are curious, and always respect their space. Remember, these are wild animals with their own behaviours and personalities.

Wear Appropriate Gear

Wear a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket when swimming with manatees. Consider wearing a rash guard or a wetsuit to protect yourself from the sun and jellyfish stings. Avoid wearing sunscreen or insect repellent, as these can harm the manatees' skin.

Be Patient

Interacting with manatees in their natural habitat is a privilege. Remember that sightings are not guaranteed, and their behaviour can vary. Sometimes they may be playful and friendly, while other times they may be shy and elusive. Be patient and enjoy whatever encounter you have with them.

Choose the Right Location and Time

Opt for locations that offer a higher chance of spotting manatees, such as protected areas and sanctuaries. In Belize, this includes the Northern Lagoon, Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary. The dry season, from November to April, is typically the best time to swim with manatees, as the weather is favourable and the manatees are more active and visible.

Follow Local Guidelines and Regulations

Manatees are protected by law in many places. Familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations specific to the area you're visiting. Respect any designated sanctuaries or restricted areas, and follow the instructions of your tour guide.

Spread Awareness

Use your experience as an opportunity to learn about manatee conservation and spread awareness about the importance of responsible wildlife tourism. Support organisations working to protect manatees, and consider how your choices can contribute to their long-term survival.

Manatee fun facts

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large, gentle, slow-moving marine mammals. They are herbivores and eat a lot of greenery, including seagrass, mangrove leaves, and algae. They are typically found in shallow coastal areas and rivers.

Manatees are grey or brown and have 'whiskers' to help them find food. They have a paddle-shaped tail and two flippers. They can grow up to 4 metres long and weigh up to 1,300 pounds (though one source states they can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds). Despite their size, they are not well insulated and can get cold in water below 68°F (20°C).

Manatees are social animals and often form groups of two to six individuals. They communicate using sounds like squeaks, chirps, and whistles. They are very sensitive to touch and can differentiate colours.

The closest living relative of the manatee is the elephant. Like elephants, manatees have very thick skin and three to four toenails. They use their prehensile lips to grasp food, similar to how elephants use their trunks. They also continuously replace their teeth throughout their lives.

Manatees are not great at moving quickly. They swim at an average pace of 3-5 miles per hour and need to come up to the water's surface to breathe every three to five minutes. They can, however, hold their breath for up to 20 minutes.

There are three species of manatee: the Amazonian manatee, the West Indian manatee, and the West African manatee. The West Indian manatee is the one found in Belize. This species has two subspecies: the Florida manatee and the Antillean manatee, with the latter living in Belize and other parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

Manatees are vulnerable and at risk of extinction. They have no natural predators, but humans pose a significant threat. Hunting, boat collisions, habitat destruction, and toxic red tides all endanger manatee populations.

Frequently asked questions