8 Places to View Manatees During the Winter Months

8. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

A great location to view and learn about manatees is this Florida state park. There are daily manatee programs offered at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.

In addition to the elevated boardwalks, the Fish Bowl underwater observatory allows for up-close views of the manatees as they swim by. Additionally, there is a live-feed TV screen on the sundeck that provides underwater views.

7. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Near the Spring Hill area, the manatees are at Weeki Wachee year-round. Yet, wintertime is still the season that they favor, due to the warm spring waters.

A unique way to spot manatees and possibly see them up close is from the seat of a rented kayak. Watch in amazement as these gentle giants possibly swim beside or underneath your kayak.

6. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Manatees reside year-round within this state park but are most commonly spotted from October to January. There are plenty of other wildlife living in the river corridor and other areas of the park. Guests taking the riverboat cruise will be able to gain clear views of birds, gators,

This state park is open year-round, from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. There is a flat rate of $6 per vehicle to enter the park.

5. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

In Titusville, part of the Space Coast, this wildlife refuge is an impressive 140,000 acres. Plenty of wildlife, plants, and birds can be found throughout the refuge, as well as manatees year-round.  

In fact, there is a manatee viewing deck on Haulover Canal that provides a good chance of seeing a manatee or two on the move. Another place to view them is the Bairs Cove Boat Ramp, as they can be seen sometimes in the nearby cove.

4. Blue Spring State Park

Just outside of Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is a popular location for watching the manatees. Although swimming is prohibited during the winter season, kayaking is allowed in certain areas. The boardwalk is a great place to view the manatees, and it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning. The manatees head to the St Johns River later in the day, plus arriving early will help avoid the crowds.

3. Tampa Electric Power Plant

Just outside of Tampa, the Big Bend Power Station at Apollo Beach is a prominent spot for manatee sightings. The warm waters in this man-made source offer the manatees a refuge from cold water.

Not long after manatees started migrating here, the Manatee Viewing Center was opened and currently operates from November 1^st to April 15^th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. After visiting the education center to learn about manatees, guests can stroll down the boardwalk to see the manatees firsthand.

2. Three Sisters Springs

The small town of Crystal River is famous for its manatee sightings. Situated about two hours from both Orlando and Tampa, this crystal-clear spring is probably the most popular location for manatee sightseeing opportunities.

On the coldest days, visitors can expect to see at least 200 manatees. Crystal River is one of the only locations that allows visitors to swim with manatees within the state of Florida. Kayak, snorkel, or swim beside the giants. Or, for those land lovers who wish to view the manatees, there is a boardwalk that runs along the edge of the spring.

1. Hunter Springs

For those who want to swim with the manatees in winter as well as summer, Hunter Springs is the perfect place. Just a few miles from Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, this place is a lot less packed.

Rent a kayak from Three Sisters and enjoy a quick, 20-minute paddle to Hunter Springs. Spend the afternoon in their swimming area and see how many manatees swim by.