Make Way for Manatees!

Forget Shark Week: manatee season is almost here, and the springs are filling fast! From November through April, these gentle giants drift into Florida’s warm, clear springs, seeking refuge from chilly Gulf and Atlantic waters. It’s the one time of year when you can count on seeing them up close, and there are plenty of spots around the state to find them!

Crystal River, known as the Manatee Capital of the World, is the only place in Florida (and the entire U.S.) where you can legally swim alongside sea cows. But this isn’t a splashy pool party: park officials emphasize “passive observation,” which means no chasing, poking, or selfie invasions! The best encounters happen when you simply float, breathe, and let the moment happen. (Bonus tip: Early mornings and weekdays are prime time for peaceful encounters and fewer crowds.)

Where to See Them

If you’re planning your own slow-paced pilgrimage, here are some spots to check out: 

• Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River): Walk the boardwalk for an unbeatable above-water view.
• Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): A must-see spot for families. Manatee counts can reach over 500 on a cold morning.
• TECO Manatee Viewing Center (Apollo Beach): Reopening for the season November 1, this spot’s warm water outflow from the Big Bend Power Station attracts huge herds of happy herbivores.
• Manatee Observation and Education Center (Fort Pierce): Spot manatees from the waterfront observation deck and learn more about their habitat through hands-on exhibits.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a local who never gets tired of spotting that telltale round nose breaking the surface, manatee season is Florida at its purest: unhurried, natural, and deeply calming.

Looking for tour guides or viewing tips? Drift over to guidetoflorida.com/sports-fitness for information on boat rentals and river tubing services!