Manatees in Florida
Everything you need to know about Manatees in Florida
You can spot these friendly and curious giants in the wild in Florida. The Manatees skin is comparable to an Elephant, yet it lives in the sea. There are several places in Florida where you can spot the Manatees in the wild. Curious? Read on!
The manatee
Manatees hang out in coastal areas and even freshwater, basking in warm waters of around 20°C (they’re not about that cold-water life). Right now, there are five species of these gentle giants, found not just in Florida but also in the Amazon, West Africa, Asia, and even near the Sea of Okhotsk. These aquatic cuddlers can weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 kilos and grow up to three meters long. Think of them as the oversized couch potatoes of the sea—just floating, grazing, and living their best life.
Etiquette bij het bekijken van manatees
Manatees are sadly on the brink of extinction. But hey, the good news? You can still catch a glimpse of them in the wild in Florida. Just remember, there are a few ground rules to keep in mind:
- Look, but don’t touch – Resist the urge to give them a friendly pat.
- No feeding – They’ve got their plant-based menu covered, trust us.
- Don’t play tag – Following them in the water is a big no-no.
- Keep it down – Noise isn’t their vibe, so let’s keep it chill.
- Respect their swim crew – Spot a group? Steer clear and don’t cut them off.
Locations in Florida to spot Manatees
Three Sister Springs - Crystal River
Three Sister Springs is the winter hotspot for manatees—a must-visit if you want to see these gentle giants up close. During the colder months, you can admire them from a designated viewing platform. And in summer? There are still around 30 manatees hanging out, soaking up the chill vibes.
The area has some pretty strict rules (for good reason), but don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to get closer to the action. You can swim, kayak, or paddle alongside the manatees, but only with a guide. Because hey, these sea potatoes deserve the VIP treatment!
Blue River Spring State Park - Orange City
Blue River Spring State Park is one of Florida’s top spots to catch a glimpse of manatees in the wild. This 2,600-acre gem is located just above Orlando in Orange City. From November to March, it transforms into a cozy winter retreat for these aquatic cuties.
The best way to see them? Stroll along the boardwalk that winds through the park, where you’ll also find plenty of info about manatees to level up your knowledge. But heads up—swimming with them isn’t allowed here. Sorry, no underwater selfies this time!
Lee County Manatee Park - Fort Myers
From November to March, manatees make their grand entrance at Lee County Manatee Park in Fort Myers. The warm water here? That’s thanks to an old power plant, turning this spot into a cozy manatee hangout.
Catch these gentle giants from the observation platform, where the shallow waters make for prime viewing. While you’re there, take a stroll through the park’s trails and soak up some fun facts about manatees and the other wildlife that call this place home. Nature walk and manatee spotting? Sounds like a win-win!
Manatee Electric Viewing Center - Tampa
The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is basically a VIP lounge for manatees. It’s a safe haven where these gentle giants can live and breed in peace. Plus, you get to learn all about manatees and their habitat through interactive exhibits—think of it as a crash course in all things sea cow.
But wait, there’s more! This spot also shines a light on the Big Bend Power Station, where electricity is generated for the community in a super eco-friendly way. Manatees and green energy? That’s a power duo we can get behind.
Seaworld Orlando
If your wild manatee spotting mission doesn’t quite pan out, don’t worry—you’ve got a backup plan! Head over to SeaWorld in Orlando, home to a top-notch manatee rehabilitation center. This is where manatees in distress get the TLC they need to bounce back.
Florida’s manatee population has been struggling lately, thanks to a serious food shortage. Orphaned calves or injured adults? They all find a safe haven at SeaWorld, where experts step in to nurse them back to health. It’s like a VIP rescue squad for sea cows—because even these chill creatures need a helping hand sometimes.
