Manatee season near: Where to see sea cows
Florida’s ever-so-slightly-cooler fall temperatures serve as a sign of an annual event right around the corner: manatee season.
November through March, the Sunshine State’s sea cows flock to the region’s abundant springs, which provide life-saving warmth when other bodies of water dip below 65 degrees. On especially cool mornings, it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of manatees congregating in 72-degree Blue Spring near Orange City or at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.
Thanks to conservation and research efforts by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and non-profit organizations, manatees, which were once listed as endangered, number in the thousands in Florida. Population estimates in the last several years range from 5,700 to more than 6,000.
These sea cows, however, are considered threatened. They have no natural predators but face threats from loss of habitat, boat collisions, cold stress and entanglements with fishing line and litter.
Here are places in Florida to learn more about the state’s beloved manatees and view the aquatic mammals in the wild.
Blue Spring State Park
Orange City’s Blue Spring State Park is a gem among Central Florida’s springs, known to many as a prime place to view manatees when the weather gets cool. Walk along a 1⁄3- mile boardwalk to view the sometimes hundreds of sea cows congregating in the 72-degree spring run.
Before the peak of manatee season, non-motorized boats are allowed into the spring run before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. However, from Nov. 15-March 1, Blue Spring run is closed to all human visitors, who can instead view the manatees from any number of points along the state park’s boardwalk.
The park and Save the Manatee Club work together to get daily manatee counts, which are available at savethemanatee.org and by calling Blue Spring State Park at 386-775-3663. The club also offers manatee webcams.
Cost: $6 per vehicle Address: 2100 W
French Ave. in Orange City
More information: floridastateparks.org
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Especially during cooler months, the Haulover Canal within Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as a place for manatees to congregate and graze vegetation along the manmade channel.
The refuge provides a manatee observation deck on the east side of Courtenay Parkway, just past the Haulover Canal bridge.
Florida’s sea cows will also congregate near the Bairs Cove Boat Ramp, which can be accessed by making a left turn shortly before the bridge.
Address: Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
More information: merrittislandwildlifeassociation.org
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River
Crystal River and Citrus County claim the title of the “manatee capital of the world.” During a 2015 aerial survey of the county, one-sixth of Florida’s manatee population, more than 1,000 manatees, were found in Citrus County.
Many tour groups in Crystal River offer visitors the rare chance to swim with manatees, taking tourists near Three Sisters Springs where the sea cows congregate. Just be sure not to touch or get too close to these gentle giants.
Cost: $12.50 per adult in the summer, $20 per adult during winter months (Nov. 15-March 1)
Address: 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail in Crystal River
More information: discovercrystalriverfl.com
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Just south of Crystal River, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park helps visitors discover the “wild side” of Florida with captive animals including alligators, black bears, red wolf and an old hippopotamus.
An underwater observatory allows guests to see fish and manatees swimming without having to get wet. Manatee feedings occur three times daily. The park also offers webcams through Save the Manatee Club.
Cost: $13 per adult, $5 per child ages 6-12
Address: 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa
More information: floridastateparks.org
Lee County Manatee Park
This Fort Myers park near Orange River provides up-close views of manatees in Florida’s colder months. Lee County advises that optimum viewing months are December through February when the Gulf’s temperature dips below 68 degrees.
Kayak rentals are also available at the park provided by Manatee Kayaking Company.
Cost: $2 per hour or $5 per day for parking
Address: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd. in Fort Myers
More information: leegov.com or manateekayakingcompany.com
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