Paddleboarding, surfing, and snorkeling are so much fun when you’re trying to take it easy and explore. These activities give you the opportunity to slow down a little and enjoy the water around you. I love any of these activities because they are non-motorized, so you get time to stop and smell the roses – or more appropriately, stop and look at the coral! And the best part? You’re not noisy or moving too fast, so you never know who will pop up! You’ve got way better chances at getting a surprise visit from a new friend, and there are all kinds of new friends to be made underwater! Friendly ones too, I’m not talking about sharks here.
In Jupiter, Florida, USA, two unsuspecting friends went to spend the day together on their paddleboards. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon that was made even better after they got a little surprise!
Celine Chasteen and her friend were paddling around the warm waters, enjoying the day off. The girls stopped to take a breather (paddleboarding can get quite intense if you’re going long distances) when not one, but two manatees came up from below the surface to hang out!
One manatee was a little shy and decided to stay off to the side, but the other was much more extroverted. He swam up to be right in between the two paddleboards. The funny, outgoing animal popped up his head and placed his two flippers on one of the girls’ paddleboards. It was exactly like he was hanging out, they could have had a cup of tea together with the paddleboard as their table, that’s how calm, cool, collected and up close he was!
The manatee was so well-behaved and looked like he just wanted a break from swimming around, so he found comfort holding onto the girl’s board. Whatever the playful “sea cow” was doing, his sudden appearance was well received. The two friends loved having him join their playdate; they’re laughing so hard, in total shock that they could be so lucky to have this adorable cow of the sea choose them to hang with! It’s so great the girls were able to enjoy his company and not touch him. Manatees are a protected species, and it’s against the law to touch or pursue one!
Have you had such encounters while being outdoors?
Click below to watch this cute and unexpected friendship form.
