Amidst the diverse landscapes and crystalline waters of Florida, lies a gentle giant—the manatee. From the cool springs of West Volusia County, to the warm havens of Fort Myers, Tampa Bay, and Central Florida, these majestic creatures find refuge and care in various sanctuaries, parks and natural habitats. Here are some of the best places to see manatees in the Sunshine State.
West Volusia County
Blue Spring State Park is one of the biggest winter gathering sites for manatees in Florida. From the Blue Spring’s observation boardwalk visitors can see manatees in the crystal-clear spring water from above without disturbing the creatures. Visitors can see manatees socializing and even catch a glimpse of mothers nursing their small calves without influencing the manatees’ natural behaviour or bothering them. The park is also an ideal spot to release rehabilitated manatees back into the wild after they have recovered from sickness or injury. Because it’s easy for researchers to monitor manatees they can be sure they adapt to life back in the wild.
Fort Myers
Manatee Park, a Lee County Park located in Fort Myers is a wonderful place to spot manatees during the winter. Manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter. Ideal months for manatee viewing are December to March.
Tampa Bay
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park stands alone as the sole non-profit hospital and rehabilitation center in the nation dedicated to caring for injured West Indian manatees. Since 1991, the zoo has helped hundreds of manatees and, where possible, released many of them back into the wild. Within the confines of the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, wild manatees undergo treatment and are subsequently reintegrated into the waters of Florida.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center is a state and federally recognized manatee sanctuary. During the center’s open season, which runs from Nov. 1 through to April 15, displays, interactive exhibits and more educate visitors regarding the life cycle of the manatee and the struggles it faces.
Central Florida
In Central Florida, the cooler months offer the best chance of spotting manatees. When the temperature drops, manatees come to the springs to enjoy the warmer water. Here are some of the top spots to see manatees in Central Florida:
Epic Paddle Adventures presents a Silver Springs Clear Paddleboarding and Kayaking tour, offering the chance to encounter manatees, turtles, and even monkeys. The pristine, crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs provide an ideal setting for observing diverse wildlife.
- Get Up and Go Kayaking also has a Silver Springs kayaking tour during the season where participants can see manatees in their natural habitat.
- A nice tour for beginners, BK Adventure offers a Florida Manatees and Dolphins Kayaking tour on the Indian River in Titusville, Florida.
- Check out Real Florida Adventures for a manatee snorkeling tour at Crystal River. Crystal River is considered the manatee capital of the world.
- Viking Ecotours provides pedal kayak tours amidst Florida’s most enchanting natural springs and waterways. These tours offer a unique opportunity to witness manatees in their natural habitat, along with other indigenous wildlife. With morning and afternoon options, the tours take place at the scenic Canaveral National Seashore.
St. Pete/Clearwater
The winter months offers an excellent chance to observe manatees in their native environment. Individuals eager to delve deeper into understanding these gentle sea creatures can explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which offers guests a comprehensive interactive educational display focused on manatees and their ecosystem. The aquarium has also launched a rehabilitation center for manatees.
Crystal River
Known as The Manatee Capital of The World, Crystal River, Homosassa, and the waters of Florida’s Citrus County, offer some of the best places in the country to see the creatures. There are plenty of ways to experience manatees, from kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding and boat tours, to visiting the fully accessible boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Refuge in Crystal River and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa.
Bradenton
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature houses the The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The 60,000-gallon habitat is home to manatees rescued from the wild due to sickness or injury. This facility operates as a Stage 2 rehabilitation facility, serving as a transitional residence where manatees can reside once their initial care needs are addressed at the hospital. To date, the facility has provided care for 45 manatees. To view the sea creatures in the wild, head to Robinson Preserve or the Manatee River, where kayakers may be able to see a manatee. During the winter season, Bean Point is also a super place for spotting a manatee.
St. Lucie County
Discover manatees in the serene waters of St. Lucie County. Affectionately referred to as “vanishing mermaids” and hailed as the gentle giants of the sea, manatees enchant hearts with their endearing charm and captivating behaviors.
The Indian River Lagoon is a diverse ecosystem where manatees have been seen throughout the year, especially during the cooler months when they seek the warmth of the lagoon’s waters. You can enjoy leisurely boat tours with Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours, relaxing clear kayak tours with Get Up and Go Kayaking, or even try a stand-up paddleboard with On Local Time Water Excursions to explore the lagoon’s serene waters and catch glimpses of manatees in their own environment.