Are there alligators in the Manatee River in Florida?
The Little Manatee River is home to many freshwater and brackish water species. Frequent river sightings include turtles, alligators and fish, with occasional sightings of otters and seasonal wildlife like the manatees.
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That said, swimming the Manatee River is not recommended. Instead, keep your eyes on the surface and by the shore, and you may be lucky enough to spot a few beady eyes and scaly backs in the shallows. Manatee River alligators tend to sleep below the surface during the day but are often seen surfacing at dusk.
While Little Manatee River State Park offers family-friendly outdoor activities, swimming isn't recommended in these brackish waters, which can house dangerous animals.
Wildlife in and around the river includes alligators, herons, manatees, dolphins, and fish such as bass, bluegill, catfish, and gar. Bull sharks are occasionally found in the brackish water near its low-lying outlet. The river includes the Upper Manatee River Canoe Trail for paddlers.
Swimming with manatees is a great activity to do if you are visiting central Florida during the winter months and want to do something outside of the theme parks. You can swim near the animals and observe them while snorkeling in a wet suit.