Florida is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling amusement parks.
However, during my last visit, I was more interested in a less popular attraction- watching manatees. It was a nice change, especially for those seeking a break from the energetic crowds.
In this article, I will cover some of the best times and locations where you are guaranteed to encounter these magnificent animals.
Winter – A Congregation of Manatees
Manatees are often hard to see since they spend most of their time underwater eating, swimming, or resting.
The winter months, from November through March, are considered the prime time for manatee sightings in Florida.
This is because manatees cannot handle prolonged exposure to water temperatures lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
And so during winter, they congregate in large numbers and migrate from the colder coastal waters into the warmer parts of the state, such as Florida’s warm springs and power plant discharge areas, to seek refuge from the colder ocean temperatures. This migration and gathering pattern makes them much easier to find during winter.
It’s worth mentioning that the colder the day, the more manatees sightings. Therefore, the best time to see manatees is early morning when they are often more active.
Some of the well-known locations to observe manatees during winter are:
- Crystal River (check out this VIP tour)
- Blue Spring State Park (take a look at this tour)
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (get this tour)
Before planning your journey, remember to book your accommodations in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during the peak manatee tourist season.
And for convenient transportation to the manatee-watching sites, car rentals are readily available throughout the state.
Spring- A Season of Change
As spring arrives and temperatures gradually rise, manatees disperse from their winter sanctuaries and explore various water bodies throughout Florida in search of more abundant food sources.
During this period, it becomes even more exciting to spot manatees, as they can be found in different locations. Still, some manatees may linger in the warm springs like Blue Spring State Park before returning to the open sea.
Another prime destination for manatee viewing is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located on Florida’s west coast. Check out this guided tour.
This park features an underwater observatory and offers educational programs to learn about manatee conservation efforts.
Fort Lauderdale also proves to be an excellent place for spotting manatees in their natural habitat during spring.
The waterways winding through the city, such as the New River, provide opportunities to catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures while enjoying a boat tour or stroll along the riverside.
Tip: During spring, it is advisable to check local manatee viewing centers or park websites for updated manatee counts and sightings.
Summer – A Time for Adventure
The summer months are generally not the most ideal time to see manatees in Florida due to their increased mobility.
Summer in Florida brings sun-soaked days and warm ocean waters, driving manatees further offshore to explore various coastal regions in search of abundant vegetation.
Therefore, during this season, you are better off enjoying the vibe of the numerous party beaches in Florida.
However, snorkelers keen on spotting manatees during this season may have to venture to coastal areas, such as the Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee River.
Here, manatees swim, feed, and enjoy the coastal currents. Though they may be more spread out than in the winter, it is still possible to see them grazing in coastal seagrass beds and even playing in the surf near beaches.
It is worth noting that some areas, like Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Crystal River, have resident manatees that stay year-round.
These places are also close to another Florida attraction, the Kennedy Space Center.
Fall – A Return to Coastal Waters
Fall is a transitional period for manatees in Florida as they begin their journey back to the warmer springs and power plant runoff spots.
As the temperatures gradually drop, manatees seek refuge in these warm waters, creating excellent opportunities for observing them up close.
Places like Blue Spring State Park once again become a hub for manatee activity during this season. You will probably love this guided tour. Check it out!
It is advisable to visit these areas in late fall, around October and November, to increase the chances of spotting a manatee.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to see manatees during your visit to Florida, timing is everything.
While manatees can be found throughout the year, the best time to increase your chances of an encounter is during the winter months, specifically November through March.
During this time, manatees seek the comfort of warm waters in various locations, such as Crystal River and Blue Spring State Park.
