Protected by law, manatees are large, gentle herbivores known for their peaceful nature. Also affectionately known as “sea cows” or “mermaids.”
November was designated as “Manatee Awareness Month” by former Florida Governor Bob Graham in 1979, and manatee season in Florida runs from November 15 through March 31.
These amazing creatures need water temperatures above 68 degrees to survive, so when the water temperatures drop, they head to warmer springs or power plants (think Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center) and gather, which makes the perfect recipe for viewing them up close and in large numbers.
My first experience with viewing manatees was kayaking with them with my family in 2018 at Crystal River, also called the “Manatee Capital of the World.” Since we loved it so much, we decided to go back in 2021, but this time we swam with them. It was truly a magical experience that we all enjoyed and got me hooked on “manatee peeping.”
More importantly, about manatees, is that you understand that when you go to swim or kayak with them, they are protected by law. You must be aware of the rules of interacting with them, as there are very serious laws around these endangered beauties, and spreading awareness is key.
Best Places to See Manatees in Florida
The best time to see manatees in Florida is during the winter, specifically from mid-November through March, when they congregate in warm-water springs and power plant discharge zones to escape cold ocean temperatures.
Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs. Also called the “Manatee Capital of the World,” Crystal River was my favorite spot to view manatees because you can either kayak or swim with them. There are also boat tours and guides that you can book to view manatees right at Three Sisters Springs. Three Sisters Springs is unique because you can access to view the manatees either by land or water, but there are strict rules for swimming and kayaking with the beloved sea cows. Wherever you rent the kayaks from, there will be someone to go over the rules and watch a short video on how to interact with the manatees.
READ: Top 10 Family-Friendly Springs to Explore in Florida
Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center is a must! The Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling, then sends the water flowing clean and warm back into the bay. In the winter months, the manatees leave colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.
Blue Spring State Park. Blue Spring State Park is another good option for viewing manatees. Swimming or snorkeling is not permitted during the winter months due to the manatees in the springs staying warm, and you can only view them by land, but it’s an amazing sight to see 700 or more manatees all gather on colder mornings! There are kayak and boat tours available in the state park, but check the website for up-to-date seasonal information.
Manatee Viewing Dos & Don’ts
First, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill them. Violations against these protected creatures can lead to federal penalties, fines, or even prison. That’s how serious it is. When you book kayak tours or swimming and boating adventures with companies, they will most certainly give you all the information you need to know and how to interact with the manatees. Every time I’ve rented a kayak, they’ve always provided a video for us to watch to reiterate the rules.
You cannot feed them, touch them, chase them, or separate a mother from her calf. It’s best to observe manatees from a distance and let them initiate contact. They can touch you, but you cannot touch them. Give manatees space to move and avoid noise and splashing. They are peaceful creatures, so not giving them their space or making noise can stress them out.
My number one tip, wherever you decide to go to see manatees, is get there early. Go early to beat the crowd. Go early so you aren’t waiting in line to enter the spring or state park. Go early with the tour guides if they have early slots available, because there is nothing like being in the calm, quiet waters without the crowd, and the water is still clear and not murky from all the boating and kayak traffic.
Boating restrictions. Slow speed, idle speed, and no-wake zones are enforced to prevent collisions, which are the leading cause of injury. Ever see a manatee with white marks across its body? Those are propellers from boats.
Conservation. Florida manatees can be found in coastal waters, rivers and springs, it is so important that we protect and conserve their natural habitats for eating. Unfortunately, poor water quality in Florida has been causing a decline in seagrass for many years, leaving manatees to quite literally starve to death. (Another sad face.) Reducing or avoiding the use of fertilizers that can feed algae growth that impacts manatees and other fish and wildlife is a way you can help.
How You Can Help
If you see a sick, injured, or dead manatee (sad face), call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
You can also visit the National Wildlife Federation for more information, along with its Florida Manatee Program.
My final tip would be, just enjoy these beautiful creatures and do everything you can to help make a difference, whether it is donating to the wildlife programs, spreading awareness, respecting the rules and following them, or teaching your children (the future generations) how they can protect the manatees. I hope by sharing this article, it will inspire you to do a little research and planning and go visit a spring near you to view these magical beasts. You will not be disappointed!
