Florida’s warm, clear springs are famous for their wildlife — and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the state’s most beloved residents: the manatee.
But for Ned Johnson, an eco tour guide with Paddleboard Orlando, one recent outing brought him much more than just a glimpse.
“They’re federally protected,” Johnson explained. “We never chase, feed, or disturb them. We just observe.”
And sometimes? The manatees choose to observe you.
🌊 A Surprise on the Springs
It started like any other paddleboarding day. Johnson and a few friends were gliding through the water, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Then, something large stirred beneath the surface.
At first, Johnson thought it might be a gentle bump — not uncommon with playful manatees. So he lowered himself onto his knees to steady his board. But what happened next was something he’d never seen in all his years guiding eco tours.
“The manatee came right up,” he said. “He was curious. Insistent.”
The massive, peaceful creature didn’t just pass by. It lingered — responding to Johnson’s voice, as if trying to communicate in its own quiet way.
“As I talked to him, he seemed to respond,” Johnson said. “It was surreal.”
🐾 A Moment of Mutual Curiosity
For Johnson, who’s spent countless hours on the water, this wasn’t just another sighting. It was a gift.
“You always hope for moments like this, but you never expect them,” he said. “It’s special just to see manatees from afar — but to have one approach like that, on its own terms? That’s magic.”
The encounter was brief, but it left a lasting impression — not just on Johnson, but on anyone lucky enough to see the video he captured.
It was a quiet reminder that when we respect nature, sometimes it leans in and connects with us — no words, just presence.
“I think we forget sometimes how curious and intelligent animals really are,” Johnson said. “And how, if we slow down, we might just get to see their world in a new way.”
