Top 3 Must-Visit Places for Manatee Experiences

A Florida icon and beautifully graceful creature, the Florida Manatee is high on the travel bucket list for visitors and Floridians. See them in large groups during chilly winter days or don a wetsuit and experience an incredible up-close encounter with this gentle giant. 

How to Connect with Manatees in Florida

Florida is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. If you're a fan of manatees, then you're in luck! Florida is home to some of the best manatee experiences in the world. Here are the top 3 must-visit places for unforgettable manatee encounters:

 

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge and the largest spring on the St. Johns River. During the winter months, the spring's constant 72-degree water temperature attracts hundreds of manatees seeking warmth. Visitors can observe these gentle giants from the park's boardwalks or take a guided boat tour for a closer look. Swimming with manatees is not allowed in Blue Spring State Park to protect the animals, but we'll experience that in another location.

This is a great place for anyone of any physical ability because of the well-constructed boardwalk. However, as of December 2024, half of the boardwalk is under construction, and currently, the headspring and the water access areas are off-limits. 

Kayaking at Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Florida, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. Kayaking at Silver Springs offers a unique opportunity to paddle alongside manatees in their natural habitat. The peaceful waters and lush surroundings make for a serene kayaking experience, perfect for spotting manatees, birds, and other wildlife. Guided tours are available for those looking for expert insight into the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, we did not see any manatees on this kayaking trip because the crowds were enormous and rowdy. The guides saw many times where people were harassing the manatees, and so the manatees left the area until the waterways calmed down. There's a frustration between eco-centric businesses and the local/state governments because law enforcement is absent or not effective. If the general public scares off the manatee, it affects their businesses since people are paying to see manatees when they visit Florida.

Swimming with Manatees at the Three Sisters Springs - the Gem of Crystal River

If you want to get in the water and see the manatees in clear clear waters, then you'll want to book an experience with a tour company. Most of them will provide you a wetsuit and gear to experience this incredible opportunity. Some companies also have permits allowing them to take groups into the Three Sisters State Park to see manatees in beautiful blue water. Seeing manatees at the Three Sisters Springs is one of the most popular places to view manatees in Florida.

Because of this popularity, the area can get crowded with tour groups and other people in their personal kayaks and watercraft. I signed up for a semi-private group, but when we arrived at the springs, it didn't matter. The location was inundated, and it was tough to swim through all the people. I was even pushed aside by someone while I was trying to take video of a sleeping manatee. Not by accident, either. Feet were in my face and hands were hitting me, as people were swimming toward the manatees. 

The same story was expressed here by the guides: that the public have been observed harassing manatees without FWC enforcing the laws meant to protect the manatees. 

Manatee Season in Florida is from November to April, when the season changes and cools down for winter. Manatees are herbivores and don't have a layer of fatty blubber like dolphins and whales do, so they seek the warmer waters of springs bubbling up from the underground aquifers. These waters surface at around 72F (22C) all year long, creating winter refuges for the manatee. 

Manatees can be found along the coastal waters and rivers in Florida, and there are other locations to see the Florida manatee. But these are the beautiful state parks where you can see them in natural habitats. 

What is a Florida Manatee?

The Florida manatee, scientifically known as Trichechus manatus latirostris, is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. They are large, aquatic mammals that can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and grow up to 10 feet in length, and can swim as fast as 15-20 mph. These herbivores primarily feed on seagrasses and aquatic plants.

Manatees can also be found in the Amazon River in South America, in the rivers of Western Africa, and the Dugong in Australia (Photos taken at the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Sydney, Australia). 

Where Can You Find Florida Manatees?

Florida manatees are typically found in the warm coastal waters of the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida. They inhabit rivers, springs, bays, and coastal areas, where they can find ample food sources and warm water to regulate their body temperature.

The Florida Manatee has been known to travel up the eastern coastline to Georgia, the Carolinas, and even a few brave ones have been known to visit Massachusetts during the summer months. One manatee that frequented the Chesapeake Bay was even nicknamed "Chessie". 

Why are Florida Manatees Endangered?

Despite their size, Florida manatees face numerous threats in their natural habitat. Collisions with boats, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are some of the main factors contributing to the decline in some manatee populations. FWC states that the estimated total population is at minimum 8,350 manatees, which meant their 'Endangered' has been downgraded to 'Threatened' under the Endangered Species Act. What this means is that with the variety of laws protecting the manatee, their populations have increased. However, there is still a harassment and education issue with the public. 

How Can We Protect Florida Manatees?

Conservation efforts play a crucial role in protecting Florida manatees and ensuring their survival for future generations. Boater education, speed zone regulations, habitat preservation, and reducing pollution are key strategies in manatee conservation. By raising awareness and taking action, we can help safeguard these gentle creatures.

Next time you visit Florida, keep an eye out for these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat. By learning more about Florida manatees and their conservation needs, we can all contribute to their protection and well-being.

The Economic Value of Florida Manatees:

These wild animals are one of the reasons people visit Florida, and they will include a guided tour in their travels to see the manatees. They're paying hard-earned money and expect to see these gently giants, and local eco-centric businesses are keen to make an income while making an impact on this wild animal. If the animal leaves the environment, people are unlikely to help promote their business. There's a real livelihood connected to this Florida icon. 

As I went to experience these tours, I understood that manatees are wild animals and not guaranteed to be in a single location. But what I learned from the tour guides and observed from the other guests, is a developing story about the economic value of the Florida manatee. It brings tourism, supports local business, and supports habitats and parks. Florida artists are inspired by the manatee and other businesses incorporate the manatee name to draw out-of-state visitors. 

Could more law enforcement be effective in protecting the manatees for local eco-centric businesses? Is the message on manatee safety effectively practiced? This could be an interesting story on the varying impacts of the Florida Manatee.