1Step 1 of 7
Draw the body
Draw a big chubby body like a fat jelly bean lying on its side. Press lightly so you can fix it later.
▶ Watch this stepHow to Draw a Cartoon Manatee
This cartoon manatee is a chubby body, a paddle tail, a round snout with whiskers, a small eye, a flipper and seaweed. Watch each step being drawn in pencil, then copy it on your own paper. It works for kids from about age 5 and for adult beginners too.
7 easy steps 15 minutes Easy level Ages 5 and up
Copy the dark lines in each step. The grey lines are the parts you already drew.
How to draw a cartoon manatee, step by step
2Step 2 of 7
Add the round tail
On the left end, draw a big round tail shaped like a paddle.
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3Step 3 of 7
Draw the snout
On the right end, draw a big round snout that sticks out a little.
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4Step 4 of 7
Draw the face
Draw a small eye with a white shine, two nostrils on the snout and lots of whisker dots.
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5Step 5 of 7
Add the flipper
Under the front of the body, draw a small rounded flipper.
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6Step 6 of 7
Add the wrinkles and bubbles
Draw a few curved lines on the body for wrinkles, some bubbles and a piece of seaweed.
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7Step 7 of 7
Color your manatee
Blue grey for the body, light grey for the snout, dark grey for the flipper, green for the seaweed and light blue for the bubbles.
▶ Watch this stepTips for a better cartoon manatee
1
Draw light first
Keep your first lines soft, then press harder once you like the shape.
2
Chubby body
Make the body big and round. Manatees are gentle and plump.
3
Paddle tail
The tail is round and flat like a big spoon.
4
Wrinkles
A few curved lines on the body make it look soft and wrinkly.
5
Go over the final lines
Trace your drawing with a darker pencil or a black pen so it stands out after coloring.
6
Make it your own
Once you finish your manatee, add a background, a friend or a funny hat.
Done? Now make it colourful
Colour your cartoon manatee in, or keep practising with more ideas to copy.
Questions people ask
Is this cartoon manatee easy enough for young kids?
Yes. Most children from about age 5 can follow it.
Why is a manatee called a sea cow?
Manatees are big, slow and eat sea grass, a bit like cows eat grass.
Are manatees friendly?
Yes. Manatees are gentle and calm and do not hurt people.
What colors do I need for a cartoon manatee?
Blue grey, light grey, dark grey, green and light blue.
Can I print the steps?
Yes. Right click or long press any step picture to save it, then print it and keep it next to you while you draw.
