I Swam with 100 Manatees!

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On this adventure Mark is heading back to Florida to attempt to find a legendary spring that is said to be one of the last strongholds of the Florida manatee. Every winter hundreds of manatees make their way to Crystal River to escape the cold but with their numbers in decline will the team be able to swim in this one of kind manatee paradise? Or, has the chance to swim with over 100 manatees become a thing of the past?
Get ready, this adventure is taking us underwater and into the realm of the most beloved creature in the state of Florida. It’s manatee time!
Swimming with manatee is fun but they need our help to survive the changes to their environment. Please visit www.savethemanatee.org to learn more about saving this threatened species!
The Brave Wilderness Channel is your one stop connection to a wild world of adventure and up-close animal encounters. SUBSCRIBE NOW and join the crew that brings you closer to the most beloved, bizarre and misunderstood creatures on Earth!   
Subscribe to the Mark Vins Channel: / bravemarkvins
Please do not attempt to recreate what you’ve seen in this video. The locations in this video are open to the public but please respect posted signs, rules and guidance from local wildlife officials when visiting.
For clarity here are some guidelines if you do enter the water with manatee in Crystal River, please refrain from:
Chasing or pursuing a manatee. (Note, when we entered the spring we "followed" general flow of traffic, not specific manatees. There is only one entry to the spring and it's nearly impossible to swim in without seeing manatee coming and going. If a particular manatee moves away from you, just wait for a bit, more will likely show up soon enough)
Disturbing or touching a resting* or feeding manatee
Diving from the surface onto a resting or feeding manatee
Cornering or surrounding a manatee
Riding, holding, grabbing, pinching, poking, prodding, or stabbing a manatee with anything, including your hands and feet. (Rangers recommend only passive touching with one open hand)
Standing on a manatee
Separating a mother and calf or separating a group of manatees
Giving manatee(s) anything to eat or drink
Actively initiating contact with belted/tagged manatee(s)
Interfering with rescue and research activities
The Brave Wilderness hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from their natural habitat while making this video.

[@BraveWilderness]

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[@Indoraptor924]

Ok

[@lisadyer5519]

I do!

[@wiadomosciodszczura]

have a nice day

[@leasurefunandadventures8031]

I want to help them!! I want to volunteer.

[@bossofallnb]

No comment.. I ask for a request on for next episode & no response.

[@green7449]

Oh my Gosh, when mark started rubbing its belly I lost it. So freakin adorable. That one told all the buddies to come over and get belly rubs.

[@meowzzer]

in florida i mean, idk how they are in less populated areas

[@jesseschmidt6910]

It's cute, but these are wild animals. Petting them hurts their wild instincts.

[@BH1-BH1]

@@jesseschmidt6910 Thank you for saying this. As tempting as it is, we should never touch them. If they brush up against you on their own, that is find but we should ALWAYS keep our hands to ourselves.

[@MADmosche]

It’s actually against the law to touch them. Making them comfortable around humans is exactly why they get hit by boats and are killed.

[@sarahsmith3016]

My cousin’s mom lives on a canal in Florida and when they sprayed the hose into the water a manatee would immediately appear and drink and play in the stream. So cute

[@PokeLover200]

Manatees are so cute and are trying hard to survive 😢 but meeny are still dying 😢😢😢 they are adorable and let's help these mammals!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@RegentDevil2]

So your aunt?

[@catospanky]

Thanks for drawing attention to the needs of these endangered animals and for sharing your love of nature.

[@brigidtheirish]

And they're just so unbothered by anything that trying to protect them is *really* hard. They won't *avoid* us and it's often hard to tell one is even *there* until it's too late.

[@superbrooket5605]

It's sad that a lot of people don't understand how we as humans are hurting these animals. They are just gentle giants. This video had me to tears just seeing what all these manatees are having to go through because of us humans.

[@cambrianperiod7438]

Lalalalalalaa

[@jgthejason8089]

@@cambrianperiod7438lalalaalla? What are you singing lol

[@zoeissleepy708]

​@@cambrianperiod7438 heartless

[@veedavies5056]

Same but I’ve never been buy a animal bigger than me

[@DarrkStarrr]

69 likes

[@bubsy_love5767]

Manatees being my favorite animals, I've never clicked on a video so fast

[@BraveWilderness]

Love it! Hope it was worth the click :)

[@gravedweller8205]

fr same here

[@carsonjasick]

​@Brave Wilderness Where did you find them? I was visiting Florida and was at a thing to swim with manatees, but we could only even find one manatee to swim with. I'm happy you found more though.

[@isabellabassett7200]

Omg same

[@megb9763]

Wow cool

[@mialazarine5612]

Manatees are so sweet creatures they should always be protected

[@thebat893]

These Manatee's are so beautiful and sweet. We must protect them from suffering the same fate as they relatives, the Stellar's Sea Cow. These angelic babies are worth it.

[@beluga9925]

Never seen these watery guys before! Beautiful creatures!

[@BraveWilderness]

Oh manatees are the coolest, you should check out some of our others videos with them

[@American-Wilderness]

@HaydGamer99 Its not the real beluga

[@YOLOMCM1324]

The first time I've heard of Manatees was back in 2nd grade and always thought of them as such a unique and adorable creature. I'm now a junior in high school and more and more I have seen stories about these loveable giants dying from natural causes and from humans...It's so sad to see what's happening to them and I severely want to do my part to help these animals not disappear forever.

[@alissaharder]

The manatee that made the call was probably like: “this one is good at scratching. Good deep scratches and pets.”

[@thedogfather1204]

I was surfing with a manatee today! it was incredibly friendly. it would swim up to each surfer one by one and say hello. it was an experience of a life time and changed my life.

[@people_playground_]

That’s really cool!

[@ferociouscat8766]

They look like curious little kids…. So adorable 🥰

[@anonview]

I am so jealous yet also grateful that you shared this experience with us. It's been hard to protect our marine and aquatic species here too (Philippines). Lots of trash still end up in the water.

[@19mychaellee71]

What a fun episode. Thanks for representing us in such a respectful fashion, we're going to need all the help we can get.

[@Kealiile]

They are so cute and sweet! I love how they pretty much shook your hand

[@josephadelhardt5669]

We can't lose hope in saving these magnificent animals. I personally want to do everything I can to help keep their waters clean, thrive on healthy food grounds, and always swim slow on a boat to visit their homes.

[@mind_frame]

Wonderful views and scenes. I hope the manatees live long and healthy😄

[@BraveWilderness]

Thank you so much for the kind words

[@200damage9]

the bravest man to interact with animals this closely (nice vids keep it up )

[@BraveWilderness]

Thank you thank you 🙌

[@kenyagary6249]

I’ve swam in Crystal River two times now, and have been able to find manatees both times! My absolute favorite experience I’ve ever done, cannot wait to go back!

[@shawneldridge4465]

Manatees are gentle and they're like the coolest of all. How can you not enjoy seeing these precious and awesome animals.

[@LordPenguinVR]

Me and my dad took our Scuba Diving Certification in 2008 in Florida and we actually saw a real manatee when we where out diving. It's a really fascinating creature and it so much more awesome to see one in real life.

[@noposicle]

Coyote and his team interacted with all types of animals, starting with the cutest and the deadliest but to my surprise they never interacted with a capybara. I would really like to see him and his team react with these guys!

[@American-Wilderness]

I've been to Crystal River before and swam with the manatees. It was a very cool experience, and I would love to do an adventure with Brave Wilderness. The education of animals and conservation is very important and that is in these videos. This channel has inspired me to explore and catch animals. So far I have caught many painted turtles, a 4 foot long fox snake and an iguana, plus countless frogs.

[@robertseptim3579]

I had no idea they lived in areas like that, that’s kinda creepy! I thought they lived out in the open ocean. But my god are they so sweet and intelligent! That language and the sound it made to have them all come to you was so incredible and cute! We must protect these majestic beasts at all costs!

[@noelramirez1551]

Lol why is it creepy?

[@LongClawzHidden]

Literally the most harmless animals on this earth. Beautiful souls!

[@JulieAnn627]

That one manatee was telling the others about the belly rubs, for sure! Shout out to Ace on the great editing too, congrats on joining the BW team! +=

[@AlphaFemmeXtine]

My great aunt used to work at a wildlife sanctuary type place in Homosassa Springs, FL when I was a little kid in the early 90's and she let me swim w the manatees. They're my favorite animal and it was an awesome memory 🥰❤️

[@BraveWilderness]

Thanks for sharing that story, so many people have great manatee memories, awesome to hear another one:)

[@Elloderbud]

Manatee's are like: yo hi wanna swim and vibe?

[@BraveWilderness]

Totally!

[@Katalina10101]

6:22 I think the manatee told its buddies hey this man gives good belly rubs

[@S.E.C-R]

This was amazing, they are such an interesting and adorable creature!

[@cas4040]

Thank you so much for sharing this much needed information and footage of our beautiful manatees! ❤

[@kylleethekiwi2175]

I just read a book on manatees so this came out at a good time! This creatures are so amazing and I hope one day I can encounter them

[@BabyGoatSoccer123]

Who else remembers all the good memories with Coyote Peterson for example the bullet ant, blood worms, and coconut breakfast love you Coyote your a real brave generous kind person and we’ll always remember you.❤️❤️❤️ Thank you guys for making vids thank you for keeping up the channel and help to entertain us, please share this to Coyote if you can.

[@Shadowlies674]

What happened to him?

[@BabyGoatSoccer123]

@@Shadowlies674 coyote?

[@Shadowlies674]

@@BabyGoatSoccer123 yes

[@ZakGoat2]

Manatees are 5th most favourite animal ty for making a video on them

[@Lc.524]

Going to crystal river in a few months as a part of my diver certification. So looking forward to spending time with these wonderful animals. ❤️

[@Roby.boby69]

That’s probably one of the best video i’ve ever seen on youtube! This chanel really deserves an oscar for the best,scientific and educational content! Keep going guys ,you are awesome

[@BraveWilderness]

Wow! Thank you, very kind of you to say and means a lot to me and crew. Working hard out here to bring the world more stories like this 🙌

[@41052]

That is so beautiful, they knew you were safe after one said so.

[@maijacriner-harrison5161]

This made me cry! 🥺Those poor water angels

[@TheThreeScoots]

I read the book a while ago and I read the chapter ’Swimming with giants’ or something and I remember hoping that yous would be able to go back, so glad you have been able to see this amazing animals again!

[@BriDia3]

I think he told all his friends: "check out this weird fish! It gives pets and scratches and belly rub!" I'm so jealous! I wish I could experience that

[@itzgreyish711]

This dude is the national geographic for you tube

[@canadiankid5566]

Finally manatees, few years ago I have seen them in key west Florida and now I am refreshing my memories with brave wilderness 👍 thank you 😁

[@daveweaston287]

Thanks, Mark!! This is a wonderful video, from one of my favorite places!!! One of my favorite animals!!! Thanks, again, for the information and conservation message!!! Gator Dave

[@BraveWilderness]

Thank you Dave!!

[@SecretsOfMartialArts]

What an animal! Today I have learned about these species for the first time

[@OmegaWolf747]

Such beautiful and sweet creatures. Pure angels living in the water. ❤😇

[@elsemusic3550]

thank you for sharing this beautiful experience and encouraging people to help save these adorable, precious creatures

[@histoclash]

Coyote if you see this Please continue the Beyond Dinosaurs series It was so good Also epic video I love manatees they are one of my favourite sea mammals

[@lunaitor-uq9hz]

The happiest man in the world:

[@maximus-decimus-meridius]

Awesome video Mark, good job man! Interesting learning about these gently giants, and sad knowing they’re on the endangered species list - There are three manatee species worldwide West Indian, West African and Amazonian where all three are listed as being vulnerable to extinction.. Sad but true fact, this is our doing 😔

[@SB.07]

Love from India ❤️

[@MrPiccolop]

Pretty beautiful

[@Calypso-PoppySeed]

Oh I love manatees so much, I wish everyone appreciated them and respected them even if they are not a fan of them. All animal species should have our respect if nothing else

[@WILDFL]

Amazing Adeventure Mark! Next time you and the crew are in Florida, we will have to linkup!

[@jessicatownsend3933]

That was so lovely

[@jesseburk9135]

Thanks for posting this video, it made me smile

[@nickcuervo4226]

Really enjoyed this content. Videography and editing were great here too

[@2024-ze4mz]

Wow, it is a really beautiful and cute animal. I love it and I love dolphins and whales. They are the most beautiful marine creatures. We must protect them from extinction and hunting by humans. Greetings to you from northern Iraq.

[@4jesus1981]

Wow this was an amazing video

[@owkelpton]

Having been there is beautiful. One of those places you’ll never forget just based on scenery and clear water, if not for the manatees.

[@n908qd7]

I swear, manatees are some of the cutest animals to ever exist

[@DanitiaAfonsoewa]

Manatees are so cute 😍❤️

[@moixdollASMR]

you are fortunate to interact with such a beautiful creature

[@ThePollaton]

What an incredibly blessed encounter you had.

[@pookha50]

I love manatees!! Thank you for this video - they are adorable!!

[@hamsterlrw4181]

hormones making me cry over how cute they are 😭

[@Demonslayer232]

Manatees are incredible 🥺

[@muddy.paws4]

Manatees are my favourite animal. I’ve only seen them one then said THEY ARE THE BEST ANIMALS EVAAAAA

[@romulo560]

Great video! Thank you for speaking up for these wonderful beings.

[@BraveWilderness]

Thank you for watching! Please share the video

[@heetkantariya4622]

Loved the interaction between manette and human loved it

[@nicolasmiller4533]

My aunt used to work at homasassa springs in Florida and we would always go see the manatees there so cute and see that many of them in the beginning was beautiful

[@theenderdestruction2362]

100 manatees sounds more like a mystic dream along with everything else only really gives that idea

[@lorenzo8495]

I ❤ manatees... I cried when they approached you! I'm gonna go do that...

[@Dr_Mario2007]

They're cool laid-back Gentle Giants of the Mammal world. Hopefully there's still a chance of saving them.

[@Maplewaffle]

They are so cute

[@jammasterjay]

No way, I just took my 11 year old son here! The springs were closed off for winter, but we were able to swim with them at a couple open spots; he was totally blown away by them! They’re such an amazing being!

[@sarahorgar9193]

i swam with manatees @ crystal river 2 weeks ago. it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. they are most gentle giants ❤

[@Lita1]

Interesting video Mark & Crew I think some sailors thought they were mermaids 😂🤣 I liked this video yes!!!!👍😅

[@tabithawaltertw]

They are so cute! I never realised how much I like mantatees!

[@Thefrogbread]

Manatee I love them

[@dangergran]

This is amazing! These videos never get old

[@BraveWilderness]

Happy to hear it! There’s always time for watching manatees

[@dangergran]

@@BraveWilderness Haha agreed! This channel is what really got me into wildlife! I kid you not, I used to be terrified or butterflies and moths. Now I just pick them up like a petal, so I believe I speak on the behalf of everyone here when I say thank you so much for all that you have done for everyone!

[@caitlinbeatty303]

Manatees are amazing and beautiful animals.

[@nhurly25]

I love crystal river and the area around it so much

[@_ray_of_sunshine_]

Oh my god. I can't believe brave wilderness is still here. I watched these guys religiously as a kid and it's so nice to know they're still posting.

[@planetzoocreations8154]

they cant starve out these creatures are so special

[@yellowfrog2259]

0:05 They look like little fish!

[@matthewg2561]

These videos are so cool!

[@bethbaeza8428]

Thanks!

[@brodieStratton]

these awsome magestic creatures are wonderful thank you mark for showing us these marine animals there's only about 1 chance in a life time to see these animals thank you so much mark and coyoteand well se you on a next 1

[@cultg0thic]

I WENT THERE I SWAM WITH MANTEES!!!!!

[@zemmy1413]

I used to watch this guy for a long time.

[@thebluesboy2009]

Its been so long since I've seen a brave wilderness video and I'm glad this is my reintroduction

[@kyliestorm_music]

I've never seen or heard of them BUT they are soooooo CUTE!!

[@user-po8rt2hb1s]

That one manatee: Hey I found a new manatee!

[@ryanh5746]

I hope this opens many eyes and minds, I love animals and it's importsnt thT we protect/conserve the lives of animals because I grew up in the ocean so marine biology has my heart

[@tiffinwonderland7243]

What a beautiful experience! I had an experience many years ago at Crystal springs. Never had one approach me though! What a unique experience to have a whole pod approach. (Is that what they are called pods)

[@Maggot.-.]

Love your channel

[@hecxhockgames4114]

Bros reading a fanfic out here- like jeez man we get it, the water is majestic/j

[@Degenerate_Chimp]

omg they all just wanted some loving

[@christinewest3320]

I love manatees!! The video shots you got are stunning