Columbus mistook the manatee for a mermaid

Though a distant relative of the elephant, its broad girth and whiskered snout makes the Florida manatee look more like an oversized toothless walrus.

Strange then, that despite this appearance of cheerful caricature, Christopher Columbus' crew is said to have mistaken the docile beasts for mermaids.

But they are certainly enchanting in other ways that are best appreciated on a snorkel or diving trip. This will give you the unique experience of seeing these endangered gentle creatures first hand and watch the slow movements and docile grazing on seagrass that has them dubbed 'sea cows'.