The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, but for some thrill-seekers and leisure hunters, it can be one of the most magical and interesting places in the world.
Two paddleboarders in Florida recently got a once-in-a-lifetime experience when a friendly sea creature swam up to their boards and decided to hang out.
Celine Chasteen and her friend were out paddleboarding near Jupiter, Florida when they encountered a magical sight.
Then, a big gray head popped up. Celine relaxed when she realized the creature underneath her paddleboard was a friendly manatee!
Manatees are peaceful creatures, typically spending their days lounging and lazily swimming through the soft currents of the warm bayous. Sometimes they’ll surface, acting more like sea dogs than any frightening image that visitors may have conjured up.
“We were going along the coast and I saw what I thought were rocks, but then they started moving,” Celine told The Dodo. “The next thing I know, there’s a manatee putting his flippers on my board.”
Celine’s friend quickly grabbed her camera and documented the amazing encounter. The manatee hung onto Celine’s board, putting his big flippers on top of it. Both girls couldn’t believe what they were seeing!
“At first, I was like, ‘What is going on?’ But honestly, it was so cool. I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” Chasteen said.
Celine added that she found the animal “really cute.” Recalling the incident as a “nice” experience, she further hoped that her new friend might drop by again.
Manatees are a protected species and should never be touched or pursued as it’s against the law, reminds The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If a manatee is avoiding people, it should not be followed for a closer view. If they are like this playful one, then do what Celine and her friend did, look but don’t touch.
I would have been tempted to give the manatee a high-five. But luckily, the two women had enough sense to just enjoy the moment.
Celine called it “the craziest thing ever.” And luckily, her friend caught the whole thing on camera. Watch it below:
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