Pure Fort Myers Reports Manatee Season In Full Swing

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Feb. 11, 2015 - PRLog -- Local, water-based attraction Pure Fort Myers is reporting a high number of manatees in the waters off downtown Fort Myers. Sightings in season, Nov. 15 through May 31, aren’t uncommon, but the recent cold weather has made these popular, manatee sightings even more abundant.

Manatee season in the vicinity of Downtown Ft Myers occurs annually when the water conditions are 68-degrees or cooler according to certified naturalists and captains at Pure Fort Myers. Local boaters are urged to keep a close eye out for the beloved, endangered species and abide to waterway regulations of slow speeds, no wake. Spottings are most often seen in calm bay and backwater trips. The manatee, whose closest living relative is the elephant, can hold their breath for up to 24 minutes.

“The time to get out on the water and see them is now!,” said Florida Master Naturalist, Captain Marty Martino. Captain Marty has ties to Everglades National Park and joined the Pure Florida Group about one year ago. He leads the Caloosahatchee River cruises out of Pure Fort Myers, their newest location docked at The Marina at Edison Ford.

The Southwest Florida community and guests to the area who are looking to experience the abundant, seasonal wildlife can also expect to see several species of birds. Now in nesting season, the birds can be seen flocking to Mangrove Island, also known as the bird rookery, on the Caloosahatchee River around sunset.

For more information about the ecology and wildlife in Southwest Florida or to book an experience of your own, please contact Pure Fort Myers at (239) 919-2965 or visit www.purefortmyers.com.

ABOUT PURE FORT MYERS

Founded in 2014 by Captains Lance and Harry Julian, a father and son team, Pure Fort Myers is part of the Pure Florida Group and summarizes five generations of maritime connections. Similar to its sister company, Pure Naples, the company owns and operates the M/V EDISON EXPLORER for sightseeing, eco and river excursions as well as sunset cruises. Pure Fort Myers takes guests up the Caloosahatchee River to experience the nature, ecology and history of Fort Myers from the river with certified captains, naturalists and historians. Each of these trips gives passengers a panoramic view of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates from the water and the historic railway bridge, and up the river to see dolphins, manatees, birds and other abundant wildlife native to the area.

Pure Fort Myers river excursions depart from The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Contact (239) 919-2965 or www.PureFortMyers.com for more information or to book your next adventure.