Manatees seen from the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park. Silver Springs is one of Florida’s largest and most consistent spring systems, and its clear, constant 72-degree water makes it an important refuge for manatees, especially during cooler months. Manatees are slow-moving, herbivorous mammals that rely on warm water to regulate their body temperature. Springs like Silver Springs provide stable conditions when surrounding rivers and coastal waters drop below safe temperatures.