Exploring Florida’s waterways often brings surprises, but one tour group at Silver Springs State Park experienced a moment that was nothing short of magical. Guides from Get Up And Go Kayaking (GUAGK), known for their clear-bottom kayak tours, spotted an intimate interaction between a mother manatee and her baby — and it was all captured on camera.
“A baby manatee and her mama sharing hugs on the river today,” shared Get Up And Go Silver Springs (GUAGSS) on Instagram, alongside heartwarming photos.
As the group floated quietly by, they witnessed the baby manatee swim to her mother and gently place a kiss on her chin. In response, the mother wrapped her flippers around her calf in what appeared to be a loving embrace. The magical encounter left the kayakers speechless, their hearts full from witnessing such a tender moment.
Florida’s Silver River is home to manatees year-round, but the cooler months between November and March, known as Manatee Season, attract even more of these gentle giants. The colder waters draw manatees looking for food, warmth, and, often, to expand their families. Dubbed “sea cows,” these slow-moving aquatic mammals are a beloved sight in Florida’s state parks.
While guides at GUAGK often encounter wildlife, moments like this are rare and cherished. The team is committed to ensuring these peaceful creatures remain undisturbed, especially new mothers and their calves.
“If you come across a manatee mom and baby, always keep a safe distance,” GUAGSS advises. “Newborns need space to surface for air, and mothers need uninterrupted time to graze and care for their young.”
As this year’s Manatee Season continues, the guides and their guests remain hopeful for more unforgettable encounters. Whether or not this particular manatee family stays after the season ends, the memory of this loving interaction will remain.
“There’s something so peaceful about watching manatees drift with the current,” GUAGSS shared. “We could watch them swim gracefully all day long.”
Florida’s Silver Springs State Park recently became the scene of an unforgettable wildlife moment. During a clear-bottom kayak tour, a guide from Get Up And Go Kayaking captured a rare sight: a baby manatee lovingly kissing her mother, who embraced her calf with her flippers.
The heartwarming interaction left the tour group in awe, offering a glimpse into the gentle bond between these aquatic mammals. While manatees inhabit the Silver River year-round, the influx of manatees during Manatee Season (November to March) creates a unique opportunity to witness these animals up close. Cooler waters draw manatees seeking food and shelter, making this the perfect time for animal lovers to explore Florida’s waterways.
Get Up And Go Kayaking ensures every encounter is safe and respectful. They emphasize keeping a safe distance from mother-and-baby pairs, allowing them to surface for air and care for each other without disruption.
Whether these manatees remain after the season ends, moments like this remind us of the beauty and serenity of nature. Observing manatees in their natural habitat is a privilege — one that leaves lasting memories for all who experience it.
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