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Other Mammals

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 6500

Most people think of whales and dolphins as the stars of the marine mammal world but there are more animals to this group than just these fast swimming cetaceans. Pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), sea otters, dugongs and manatees are some of the other beautiful yet exciting marine mammals to see while scuba diving. These other marine mammal species can be found in a variety of locations throughout the world from the warm tropics all the way to the chilly poles.

© iStock-Michael Zeigler

Manatees can be encountered by divers and snorkelers alike in both salt and freshwater and are extremely abundant in the rivers and bays of Florida in the United States. Diving with sea lions and seals is always an exciting adventure as they are extremely curious and hardly shy. There is nothing like being buzzed right overhead by a fast swimming sea lion or getting your snorkel chewed on by a friendly seal. If you are looking for a stimulating dive with one of these cute and curious marine mammals then check out our list which includes the elephant seal, fur seal, sea lion, dugong, and manatee to learn more and to explore the best dive sites around the world where you can dive with each one.

Animals in this category

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Alamy/imageBROKER
Manatee

Manatee
Divesites
4
Sightings
307

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 13

iStock-Will Tudor
Otter

Otter
Divesites
4
Sightings
73

Dive sites with this animal

Lake Hickory Scuba, Inc., 28681 Taylorsville
Gray Quarry <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Gray Quarry (★4.3)

Gray Quarry is a 501-c3 non-profit organization that seeks to promote the sport of scuba diving by providing a safe family-friendly fun environment for recreational scuba diving and training. All money from dive entry fees goes to maintaining the quarry and making dive site improvements.
Heroes Dive Center, 34698 Dunedin
Buford Spring <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Buford Spring (★4.7)

Buford Spring is located in a swampy area of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Hernando County, FL. Divers must check in at an iron ranger at the main entrance off US 19 and pay a $3.00 daily fee. The maximum depth is about 50 mtr/165 feet at the siphoning downstream end of the main cavern/cave.
Alexis M. (#3686675)
Alexander Springs <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Alexander Springs (★4.2)

Alexander Springs is located within the Ocala National Forest within the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and offers camping, picnicking (with charcoal grills and two reservable shelters), swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), and nature hiking.
John R. (#2915428)
Blue Spring State Park <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Blue Spring State Park (★4.4)

Blue Spring State Park is a state park located west of Orange City, Florida, in the United States. The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing, SCUBA diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming.
Mares
King Spring <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.9)</span>

King Spring (★3.9)

King Spring is a Florida spring at the Crystal River head in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The spring is 65 ft deep and 200 ft in diameter. Average visibility is 31 to 35 feet. This dive site provides bathrooms and air fills. To access the spring, you will need to rent a boat at the nearby dive shop or bring your own.
Mares
Rainbow River at KP Hole Park <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Rainbow River at KP Hole Park (★4.4)

Sitting about 100 miles north of Tampa, Rainbow River is a jewel of a dive site in the middle of Florida. Crystal clear, as it’s fed from a natural spring, this river is full of unique freshwater fish, turtles, and alligators.
Mares
Three Sisters Springs <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.8)</span>

Three Sisters Springs (★3.8)

Three Sisters Springs is a complex of three spring areas, with many vents and sand boils that help feed Kings Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River. These springs also constitute one of the most important natural warm-water refuges for the endangered Florida manatee. The site entrance is blocked from boats.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Hospital Hole <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.8)</span>

Hospital Hole (★3.8)

Hospital Hole, Weeki Wachee River is a shore accessible fresh water dive site, located at 7244 Shoal Line Blvd, Weeki Wachee, FL 34607. The maximum depth is 141-150ft/43-46m. The average visibility is 36-40ft/11-12m. Access is restricted from land, but the site can be accessed via boat or canoe from Roger’s Park.