Florida's cold spell earlier in the week worked in our favor because many of the manatees had not yet made their spring migration out to the Gulf waters.
The jade green water isn't a photographic trick -- it really is that beautiful and clear, making it easy to see these beautiful blobby shapes loafing around in the water.
When we were there, so were dozens of other people in the springs kayaking and snorkeling, and several tourist boats anchored just outside the area. The "manatee police" -- a guy in a kayak with a tall flag who was shouting directives at nearly everyone in earshot -- was a constant presence. You can tell the whole situation is a contentious issue pitting wildlife groups that no doubt want to make Three Sisters a true sanctuary for the manatees and the tourist businesses that allow people like us to get up close and personal. It won't surprise me to see more restrictions on human access to the springs in the future. But it was a great experience to be so close to the social animals and I'm glad we got the chance to spend an afternoon here.
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National Geographic just finished a photo shoot at the same location. Their pictures are slightly better (okay, waaaaayyyyy better) thank mine. Video
