As an aquatic tour guide in Florida, Kendra Nicole is used to the magic that lives just beneath the water’s surface. But one recent snorkeling trip reminded her that sometimes, nature has a way of reaching out — quite literally.
While exploring the clear waters of Crystal River, Kendra suddenly felt something gently grab hold of her leg. At first, she wasn’t sure what it was. But when she looked down, her heart melted.
A manatee had wrapped its flippers around her in what could only be described as a hug.
In a video shared to social media, the curious manatee clings sweetly to Kendra’s leg, as if inviting her into a warm, underwater embrace.
And although her instincts might’ve told her to hug back, she knew better.
“They don’t have to follow the rules!” Kendra joked, referring to the fact that while humans are prohibited from touching or disturbing manatees — a federally protected species — the gentle giants are free to initiate friendly encounters on their own.
“It’s so hard,” she added, “but I always tell them that it’s for their own good.”
Crystal River is one of the few places in the U.S. where people can observe manatees up close in their natural habitat. Known for their sweet nature and curiosity, manatees will often glide right up to snorkelers for a closer look — or, in this case, a tender snuggle.
For Kendra, the moment was a reminder that the wild isn’t just something we observe — sometimes, it reaches back to say hello.
