Florida’s lesser-known side has powder-white sand, 22C turquoise waters and enormous ‘cows of the sea’

I BREATHE calmly into my snorkel and gently float as a manatee and its calf leisurely swim beneath me. Just two hours’ drive from a world of Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters, these magical creatures — also known as sea cows — can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast. 5 Sea cows can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast Credit: Alamy 5 The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work Credit: Getty 5 The plush Opal Sands Resort I’m staying at The PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge on Kings Bay, the ideal hub for making the most of this natural paradise on the Gulf of Mexico.

As I slip into my wetsuit, dive expert Jake, from Waterfront Adventures, guides us through the etiquette of meeting these gentle giants. We set sail before sunrise in search of manatee activity, which can be identified through “footprints” — oval-shaped ripples on the surface of the water. Our boat stops in the Three Sisters Springs where these marine mammals bask in the 22C turquoise waters.

Read More on Travel SEA YOU THERE European seaside city nicknamed the 'summer capital' has 33C sea temperatures SANDS BAD Greece crackdown on tourists as cruise ship passengers must pay to visit islands It takes some bravery to pause and float as a 500kg animal swims towards you. But it is as if these creatures give off a calming energy throughout the water as they hoover up the gr.