Kayaking With Manatees in Florida | 20+ Stunning Places

Every winter, thousands of manatees seek refuge from the frigid ocean by migrating to the perpetually warm waters of Florida.

These adorable, friendly gentle giants frequent springs and rivers around the state, plus parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Even in the winter, these bodies of water typicall average temps in the 70s!

Whether kayaking with manatees in Florida is on your bucket list or you’d be content just spotting one in the water, keep reading for a mega list of the best places to do so throughout the state.

Note: we included only wild, non-captive locations in this guide on where to see manatees in Florida. That means no aquariums, zoos, wildlife rehab centers, etc. 

Respect the Manatees

As gentle and fascinating as manatees are, it’s extremely important to remember that they’re wild animals — threatened wild animals, to be specific. If you get the opportunity to see them, give them plenty of space and observe them from a safe distance.

Do not touch, chase, scare, or otherwise disturb manatees, under any circumstances!

Not only is it tremendously irresponsible and cruel to mess with manatees, but it’s also illegal. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, it’s “illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy, or molest manatees.”

It should go without saying, but take care to follow any additional guidelines and restrictions, especially when kayaking with manatees in Florida. Some places allow you to swim alongside them, while others rope off specific areas when manatees are present.

This truly cannot be overstated: if you’re specifically seeking out the best places to see manatees in Florida, do so responsibly!

Fun Facts About Manatees

• Manatees are often called “sea cows” or “gentle giants,” for their peaceful, docile demeanor
• They’re slow swimmers, averaging 3-5 mph. For comparison, a dolphin’s “leisurely” pace is 7-8! That laid-back pace is part of what makes it so fun to kayak with manatees in Florida!
• Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes (although they typically surface every 3-5 minutes)
• Although they have poor eyesight, manatees navigate very well underwater  thanks to vibrissae, which are basicallyhyper-sensitive whiskers
• A group of manatees is called an “aggregation” or “herd”

Best Time to See Manatees in Florida

Although you’ll likely be able to see manatees in Florida between November and April, you’ll see the most manatees during the coldest months. Plan your visit between December and February for the best chance at seeing the most manatees.

Manatees are also known to be the most active in the early morning. Set your alarm clock bright and early if you want to see them at their most playful. Watching the sunrise while manatees swim beneath you sounds like a perfect morning to us!

Don’t rule sightings out if you’re unable to plan your visit during the winter months. While it’s not the best time to see manatees in Florida, keep your eyes open if you find yourself here in the summer, as there are typically some stragglers.

Where to See Manatees in Florida

From crystal clear natural springs you can paddle to urban settings with dedicated observation decks, there are many options for where to see manatees in Florida, all across the state!

Places You Can Go Kayaking With Manatees in Florida

Blue Spring State Park

• Location: Orange City
• Open: 8:00 am until sundown, 365 days a year
• Admission fee: $6 per vehicle
• Website

Blue Spring State Park is one of the very best places to see manatees in Florida. Along the beautiful St. Johns River, it’s home to some of the highest numbers of manatees.

During the winter months, this particular spring often draws up to 500 manatees at once, all seeking refuge from the cold!

Visitors can see manatees along the ⅓-mile-long boardwalk, or rent a kayak or canoe onsite for a closer view. The gorgeous scenery alone makes Blue Springs one of the best places to go kayaking with manatees in Florida!

For the ultimate relaxing night, check out the guided river boat cruises, where you’ll enjoy amazing views of the river and manatees swimming below the boat!

As a bonus, there are some awesome unique Airbnbs in nearby Orlando, including with a Harry Potter-theme!

Crystal River, arguably the most famous place people can go kayaking with manatees in Florida…and even swim with them!

Crystal River and Three Sisters Spring

• Location: Crystal River
• Open: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm year-round for land access (boardwalk) **note that the last entry tickets are sold at 3:30 pm
• Admission fee: Starting at $7.50 and varies, depending on the season (America the Beautiful/annual national parks pass holders also get a steep discount!)
• Website

Perhaps the Sunshine State’s most popular and famous natural spring for manatees, Three Sisters Spring tops many a bucket list.

The adorable sea creatures are so prevalent here that the county is widely known as the “Manatee Capital of the World!”

Three Sisters Spring is popular for kayaking with manatees in Florida, but it’s also the only place in North America where you can actually swim or snorkel with them!

In order to get in the water, you’ll have to use a public launch at nearby King’s Bay Park or Hunter Springs Park.  Note that US Fish & Wildlife may close in-water access at any time, and all signs and barriers must be obeyed at all times.

Those hoping to stay dry can also see manatees from multiple viewing platforms along the boardwalk.

Kayaking with manatees in Florida at Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

• Location: Fort White
• Open: 8:00 am to sundown year-round (the south take-out gate is closed to vehicle traffic from April 1 – October 1)
• Admission fee: $6 per vehicle
• Website 

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a true wildlife haven. In addition to spotting manatees in the pristine turquoise water, you may see turtles, beavers, gators, gar, and other river-loving wildlife.

The state park covers over 2,600 acres, with the highlight being the 6-mile Ichetucknee River. Far from your average river, the Ichetucknee is made up of eight crystal clear springs, including the famous Blue Hole.

After kayaking with manatees here, you can (and absolutely should!) tube down the river. We travel extensively, and this experience was one of our all-time favorites!

Experienced divers will also likely be interested in exploring the Blue Hole, but note that you’re required to have cave diving certification.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

• Location: Homosassa
• Open: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm year-round (ticket counters close at 4:45 p.m)
• Admission fee: $13 adults, $5 children
• Website

Homosassa Springs is so much more than a typical state park! This is an excellent option for where to see manatees in Florida, with several unique experiences.

Of course, visitors get to admire the sparkling spring water and resident manatees.

But because it’s one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Florida, they also get to visit with other native wildlife such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes and even the oldest hippopotamus in captivity!

Perhaps best of all, there’s even a unique underwater observatory to check out!

Although there are no rentals within the park, nearby River Adventure Tours offers a variety of kayak and SUP rentals, plus guided tours.

Tarpon Springs

• Location: Craig Park/Spring Bayou
• Open: 7:30 am – dusk daily
• Admission fee: FREE
• Website

About 45 minutes north of Tampa, Tarpon Springs is a hotspot for sponge fishing and incredible Greek food. It’s also one of the best hidden gems for where to see manatees in Florida.

Head to Spring Bayou, which is actually a man-made lagoon in a cute neighborhood park. The lagoon has a natural freshwater spring, attracting manatees in colder months. There’s a walkway around the lagoon, as well as a saltwater boat launch.

Note that while there’s an opportunity to kayak with manatees here, you need a boating permit in the winter. Call ahead or check park signage when you arrive.

The city also runs a live manatee webcam!

Full disclosure: Crystal River and Blue Spring State Park are within an hour of Tarpon Springs, and manatee sightings are much more plentiful in both places.

Tarpon Springs is still a great option if you’re in the area, as it’s one of the cheapest beach towns in Florida, but isn’t the best choice if seeing manatees is your goal.

Stunning Lovers Key State Park, one of the best places to see manatees in Florida

Lovers Key State Park

• Location: Fort Myers Beach
• Open: 8:00 am to sundown, 365 days a year
• Admission fee: $8 per vehicle
• Website

It’s exceedingly rare to find a 2-mile stretch of unspoiled, pristine beach. Lovers Key State Park is an absolute gem, and a lovely spot to search for manatees in Florida.

Kayakers can paddle 2.5 miles through the serene mangroves in search of not just manatees, but dolphins, eagles, and even alligators. Lovers Key Adventures offers a variety of kayak and SUP rentals, plus guided tours.

While visiting Lovers Key, you can also enjoy five miles of biking trails, search for seashells (this is one of the best shelling beaches in Florida!), and even fish for sharks from the beach after hours (with the appropriate permits)!

And if the name didn’t give it away, you may even see a wedding on the sparkling white sand!

Kayakers know the Lee County Manatee Park is THE spot for where to see manatees in Florida

Lee County Manatee Park

• Location: Fort Myers
• Open: 8:00 am to sunset year-round
• Admission fee: $5 per day to park, or $2 per hour
• Website

37 miles north of Lovers Key State Park, you’ll find a lesser-known place to go kayaking with manatees in Florida.

Lee County Manatee Park has kayak rentals and a self-launching ramp onsite, so visitors can explore the Orange River at their own pace.

Although the water isn’t as clear here as other springs and rivers around the state, you’re practically guaranteed to see manatees during the chilly winter months.

Silver Springs State Park

• Location: Silver Springs
• Open: 8:00 am to sunset, year-round
• Admission fee: $2 per person at the Main Entrance on SR 40
• Website 

Silver Springs State Park is home to the famous glass bottom boat tour. For just $13, you can experience one of Florida’s oldest, most iconic attractions while also admiring the underwater world.

After your boat tour, you can rent one of the onsite kayaks or canoes and head five miles downstream. The staff will even pick you up and shuttle you back!

If you don’t want to paddle the entire five miles, Silver Springs also offers hourly rentals. This way, you can go kayaking with manatees in Florida at your own pace!

Chassahowitzka River Seven Sisters Spring

• Location: Homosassa
• Open: No set hours if bringing your own kayak
• Admission fee: $5 to launch or rent a kayak from the Chassahowitzka River Campground
• Website

The Chassahowitzka River is a beautiful 5-mile-long spring-fed stretch 30 minutes south of Crystal River. Affectionately called “The Chazz,” it’s best known as a popular paddling route to Seven Sisters Spring.

In addition to being one of the best places to see manatees in Florida, Seven Sisters has fantastic snorkeling. You can bring your own kayak, or rent one (or a paddleboard or even jon boat) from the Chassahowitzka River Campground.

Kayaking in Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park

• Location: Chiefland
• Open: 8:00 am to sundown, year-round
• Admission fee: $6 per vehicle
• Website

If the name didn’t give it away, Manatee Springs State Park is an excellent place for where to see manatees in Florida. The best viewpoint is the 800-foot boardwalk, which manatees like to congregate under and near.

While you can absolutely kayak with manatees here, we don’t recommend it unless you’re a more experienced paddler.

The spot where the spring empties into the Suwannee River has a notoriously strong current. Also, many speed boats traverse this stretch of river, and lots of sturgeon call it home. Sturgeon get BIG and they jump…less than ideal for kayakers.

After hanging out with the manatees, you can explore the park’s 8.5 miles of nature trails or go for a swim. There’s also a popular year-round campsite.

If you want to get certified for cave diving, you can also do that at Manatee Springs (not many places offer cave certification!).

Glass-like water at Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs State Park

• Location: Fanning Springs
• Open: 8:00 am to sunset 365 days a year
• Admission fee: $6 per vehicle
• Website

Very much a hidden gem in terms of where to see manatees in Florida, Fanning Springs is among the smallest state parks. Just 14 miles from Manatee Springs State Park, this pristine spring offers a much more laid-back experience.

You can reach Fanning Springs State Park by driving or via boat from the Suwannee River. In addition to trying to spot manatees from a kayak or the boardwalk, you can also swim, snorkel, dive, play sand volleyball, and hike.

The park’s cabins are also exceptionally nice, and provide an excellent alternative to camping at nearby Manatee Springs.

Other Places to See Manatees in Florida

The observation deck at Manatee Lagoon | Photo credit: AP News

Manatee Lagoon

• Location: West Palm Beach
• Open: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, November 15 through March 31
• Admission fee: Free
• Website

For people who want to learn more about these magical creatures, head to the Manatee Lagoon! At this FREE educational facility, you can not only see Florida manatees, but also explore hands-on exhibits in a 16,000-square-foot space.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) creates warm-water outflow, attracting tons of manatees in the colder months. Manatee Lagoon is actually an FPL Eco-Discovery Center, with a beach area and observation platform.

Between visits, be sure to check out the live webcam on Manatee Lagoon’s homepage!

TECO Manatee Viewing Center

• Location: Apollo Beach, Tampa
• Open: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm November 1 through April 15 (trails close at 4:00 pm)
• Admission fee: Free
• Website

The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is one of the best things to do in Tampa. Much like Manatee Lagoon, warm outflow creates a natural sanctuary that manatees seek out in the winter months.

There are several boardwalks, a viewing tower, and an educational center to explore during the open season. Best of all, most of the staff and volunteers worked at TECO for years, so they’re extremely knowledgeable about the local manatees!

As a bonus, several of the best breweries in Tampa are within a short drive. We’re partial to Coppertail and Magnanimous! Siesta Key Beach (you know, the one named the best beach in the US many times) is also just over an hour away from here. 

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

• Location: Wakulla Springs (just south of Tallahassee)
• Open: 8:00 am to sundown 365 days a year
• Admission fee: $6 per vehicle
• Website

Home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs State Park should be on your Florida manatee bucket list!

Visitors can see the manatees from the diving platform or the popular historic river boat tours. Tours ($8 per person) operate 365 days a year starting at 9:40 am, and depart continuously throughout the day based on demand.

Glass-bottom boat tours, a great alternative to kayaking with manatees in Florida, are sometimes offered, but are not dependable. The park recommends calling ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Wakulla Springs also has nine miles of hiking trails and a 1930’s Spanish-style hotel onsite, the Wakulla Springs Lodge.

Best Places to See Manatees in Florida Year Round

The historic Aqua Belle river boat in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

• Location: Weeki Wachee
• Open: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm daily
• Admission fee: $13 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and FREE for kiddos 5 and under
• Website

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is magical in more ways than one — especially for families. Not only will you likely see Florida manatees, but you’ll definitely see mermaids!

The park hosts live mermaid shows three times a day, where the mermaids perform part of The Little Mermaid, underwater of course! The wildly popular shows are first-come, first-served, and do sell out.

There’s also a water park, Buccaneer Bay, with a sandy white beach and four huge slides. Two of them even plunge you directly into Weeki Wachee’s springs!

As if that all weren’t enough, Weeki Wachee is also home to the country’s deepest freshwater cave system. Experienced divers can explore this awe-inspiring underwater world!

If diving isn’t your thing, you can swim or paddle the spring. Kayak and SUP rentals are available onsite, so this is one place where visitors can kayak with manatees in Florida.

Finally, if a guided tour is more your style, the park also offers a Wilderness River Cruise for viewing manatees, gators, and other animal residents. Like the mermaid show, boat tours are first-come, first-served, and they run throughout the day.

Wakulla River Park

• Location: St. Marks
• Open: Sunrise to sunset year-round
• Admission fee: Small launch fee if kayaking
• Website

Near Wakulla Springs, Wakulla River Park offers a tranquil, no-frills peaceful spot that manatees love. The “river” itself is actually the spring’s run, and it’s so close to the Gulf of Mexico that it’s warm virtually all year. So close that the sugar-fine beaches of 30A are less than two hours away!

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has a short boardwalk for viewing manatees and other wildlife. There are also several places for a picnic.

If you want to get out on the river, you can go kayaking with manatees in Florida here by heading to the launch at the bridge crossing the Wakulla River, just off US 98. If you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, rent one from Harry Smith Outdoors near the launch.

There’s a 3-mile designated paddling trail from the bridge to the junction with the St. Marks River.

A Florida manatee feeding in Cocoa Beach | Photo courtesy of Kayak Cocoa Beach

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 

• Location: Space Coast/Titusville
• Open: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm daily
• Admission fee: $10 per vehicle
• Website

Although Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) may be best known for the Kennedy Space Center and as a bird lovers’ paradise, it’s also a hotspot for kayaking with manatees in Florida. As a major bonus, this is one of the most fun things to do in Orlando for teens!

The refuge is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, so it’s a fantastic place to spend time observing manatees and other wildlife in their natural habitat!

Specifically, you’ll want to head to Cocoa Beach, the Haulover Canal, or Upper Indian River Lagoon (also a popular bio bay tour spot!). Several local outfitters offer guided tours, or of course, you can bring your own kayak.

You can launch just about anywhere in the NWR, with two notable exceptions: restricted areas in the Kennedy Space Center, and anywhere along Wildlife Drive.

Round Island Riverside Park

• Location: Vero Beach
• Open: 7:00 am – sunset daily
• Admission fee: Free
• Website

With access to both the Indian Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, this spot is arguably one of the best places to see manatees in Florida.

In addition to a 400-foot observation boardwalk, you can launch a kayak or canoe to get closer to the gentle giants. The park also has hiking trails, a fishing pier, an observation tower, picnic areas, and a playground.

Walk to the other side of the park, and you’ll find a beautiful (and usually pretty quiet!) sandy beach!

Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

• Location: South Florida
• Open: 24 hours a day, year-round
• Admission fee: FREE for Biscayne, $15 per vehicle for the Everglades
• Biscayne National Park website and Everglades National Park website

Both of these spectacular and incredibly unique national parks should be on your list of where to see manatees in Florida year-round. Aside from being home to some of the most diverse plant and wildlife in the US, the waters are especially warm.

In Biscayne, the best place to spot sea cows is just north of the park visitor center, in the harbor.  You can also rent kayaks, SUPs, or canoes and experience kayaking with manatees in Florida here!

In the Everglades, head to the marina near the Flamingo Visitor Center (the main one, in Homestead). Like Biscayne, you can rent kayaks or canoes here, plus it’s the launch point for several wildlife boat tours.

If you’re visiting the Everglades with kids, one of these tours is a must!

While you’ll likely see manatees while out exploring, you may also spot a vast variety of birds and other marine critters (plus alligators, in the Everglades!). Each park also has many trails, guided tours, and other activities to check out.

Map of the Best Places to See Manatees in Florida