7 Top Places To See Manatees Near Orlando - Your Guide To Meeting Them

 7 Top Places To See Manatees Near Orlando

Can you see manatees in Florida? Absolutely – as long as you know where to look. These gentle giants prefer warm waters, so this is the ideal climate for them.

Since Orlando is located in the central portion of the state, you might not realize that manatee viewing is a possibility here. But it is, and we’re here to help you check this item off your bucket list. 

In this article, we’ll clue you in on where to see manatees near Orlando.

1) Explore Manatees At Blue Spring State Park

Just north of Orlando, you’ll find a designated manatee refuge that’s one of the largest winter safe havens for these gentle creatures. The boardwalk, which runs for 1/3 mile from the St. Johns River to the headspring, is one of the best places to view manatees in Florida.

Today, more than 500 manatees make their home in the crystal clear waters of Blue Spring State Park. While manatee viewing is the main attraction here, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the spot. The Pine Island Trail offers excellent hiking, and canoe and kayak rentals are available. If you’re traveling with little ones, there’s also a playground and gift shop.

Book our Manatee Discovery Tour in advance and try to arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend during manatee season. The park is popular and fills up quickly.

2) Stop By Homosassa Wildlife State Park

You’ll need to drive 90 minutes or so to reach Homosassa, but it’s well worth the trip. Anyone who wants to see manatees in Florida should definitely consider making this state park one of their stops.

Step into the “fishbowl” observatory to check out the manatees’ underwater behavior, or watch them from the pavilion overlooking Blue Water. The park also serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured manatees. If you’re interested, there are a number of educational programs offered daily.

3) Visit Hunter Springs Park In Crystal River

Just north of Homosassa Springs, you’ll find this sweet city park. The titular spring feeds into Crystal River, making it a great place to spot manatees in Florida.

After walking along the circular boardwalk – the prime manatee viewing area – have a picnic on the little beach, or launch a kayak into the crystal clear waters. Note that the trolley that provides access to Three Sisters Springs can also be used to reach Hunter Springs Park.

4) Drop By Three Sisters Springs In Crystal River

This attraction is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and is a great spot to view manatees. After a short trolley ride, you’ll reach the spring, which is encircled by a boardwalk offering prime viewing spots.

In addition to manatees, you can expect to see a plethora of native birds – and perhaps a few reptiles. Here are some bird species to encounter:

  • Cormorants and darters

  • Herons and bitterns

  • Hawks and falcons

5) Drive The Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway

This gorgeous coastal road trip offers amazing views of the Atlantic, as well as the opportunity to spot loads of native wildlife. Stretching for 156 miles along Florida’s east coast, this is an experience to savor.

To traverse the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway, you can start at the Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County for a north-to-south trip. If you’d prefer to start at the southern end, head to Jupiter first, then make your way up the coast.

Along the way, you’ll see charming coastal villages, peaceful natural landscapes, and wildlife such as manatees, pelicans, and dolphins. The best time to take the drive is between November and May when the animals will be more active.

6) Take A Trip To Canaveral National Seashore

Many families work a trip to Canaveral National Seashore into their Florida itinerary. If you’re among them, you may have the opportunity to spot manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The observation deck can be found where the Kennedy Parkway crosses the Haulover Canal. While you’re waiting for the animals to appear, check out some of the information panels to learn more about their habits. Be aware that if the weather is too cold, the manatees will abandon this spot in search of a warmer habitat.

7) Find Out If Manatee Springs State Park Lives Up To Its Name

To reach this state park from Orlando, you’ll have to drive a little over 2 hours. But if you’re in Florida to visit with the manatees, how can you pass it up?

The water is cool and refreshing – perfect for swimming, although you’ll want to be careful not to get too close to the manatees if you spot any. Be aware that they’re only around during the colder winter months, so if you visit in the summer, it might not be worth the trip.

A Basic Primer On Florida Manatees

The Florida manatee is – you guessed it – native to the Sunshine State. They are a sub-species of the West Indian manatee, with leathery skin and two forelimb flippers that they use to guide themselves through the water. They also have powerful tails for propulsion and curved snouts that give them an endearing appearance.

We’ve already established that these gentle creatures prefer warm waters. So if you want to see manatees in Orlando, you’re in luck – the weather is generally warm year-round.

In the summer, you can sometimes find manatees as far north as Massachusetts. During the colder winter months, though, manatees migrate back to Florida. So if you need to time your visit around a school break, you should be able to observe manatees in the crystal clear springs of the Orlando region.

How To Observe Manatees

The golden rule of wildlife viewing is to let the animals exist in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Resist the urge to touch or feed the creatures, and enjoy viewing them from a distance.

Bear in mind that Florida manatees are an endangered species. If you attempt to feed them or interact with them in any way, you could be disrupting the balance of the ecosystem that sustains them. So take a good look and snap a few photos if you wish, but be as unobtrusive as possible.

Whenever you spot any dead or injured manatees, you should report it to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation. If you’re on a guided riverboat cruise or another tour, be sure to tell the guide so they can report the find themselves.

Paddle Through Blue Spring State Park On A Thrilling Kayak Tour

Make sure to check out the details of our most adventurous kayaking tour, the Manatee Discovery Tour, to find out if this trip is right for your group. The slow paddle through the Blue Spring State Park area offers prime opportunities to see wild manatees in their natural habitat.

Viewing these gentle giants in the manatee capital of the world is an unforgettable experience. 

Make sure you hop aboard our Manatee Discovery Tour before you leave Florida – it’s sure to be one of the highlights of your visit.

Drawing a heart into the bioluminescence.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
3 to 10

Florida Bioluminescence Kayak Adventure

Get ready for a breathtaking adventure with Venture Outdoors' bioluminescence kayak eco-tours, the closest to Orlando, located just an hour away in the Indian River Lagoon and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These tours offer a magical nighttime experience where the waters come alive with glowing microorganisms called dinoflagellates (pronounce /dī-nō-ˈfla-jə-ləts/). As you paddle through the bioluminescent waters, each stroke of your kayak and movement of marine life ignites a stunning blue-green glow. Operating during the warmer months from June to October, when the bioluminescence is at its peak, Venture Outdoors' tours promise an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Join our tours and embark on this must-do adventure, experiencing the unique beauty that awaits just a short drive from Orlando.

31 Reviews verify
from
$65
A delighted paddler captures a moment with a manatee hugging his kayak during a fun day on the water.
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Manatee Discovery Tour

Get up close and personal with Florida manatees in their natural habitat, without the stress of crowds just 40 minutes from Orlando.

There’s something magical about being on the water… Whether it’s the heart-pounding excitement of spotting a massive manatee gliding just beneath your kayak, the quiet wonder of watching hundreds gather in the crystal-clear spring, or the pure joy of seeing one surface beside you with a gentle puff of air. With calm, scenic waters and Florida’s incredible wildlife all around, you’ll feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as alligators bask lazily on the banks, hear the distant cry of an osprey soaring overhead, and breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of towering cypress trees. Whether you're here for the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter or the peaceful escape into nature’s beauty, you’ll leave with a deep sense of wonder—and memories to last a lifetime.

286 Reviews verify
from
$70
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
2 to 10

Wekiva River Kayak Explorer

Embark on a wildly fun family adventure with our Wekiva River kayak tour, just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando! The Wekiva River, one of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in Florida, awaits you with its outstanding beauty and exciting surprises.

Paddle through the captivating landscapes of the Wekiva River, exploring the Seminole State Forest and the Wekiwa Springs State Park. Brace yourselves for the possibility of spotting bears along the way! It's a real treat for the whole family, adding an exciting element to your adventure.

Get ready for a wildlife extravaganza! Depending on the season, you might encounter manatees, alligators, turtles, otters, deer, and even bobcats. The skies above are teeming with Eagles, Osprey, Ibis, Limpkin, and a symphony of Woodpeckers. And don't forget the charming bears that might make a surprise appearance!

As you paddle, marvel at the vibrant riverbanks adorned with Orchids, Bromeliads, Spiderworts, and other exquisite vegetation. Our knowledgeable guides will keep the journey light and entertaining, sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem and the history of this unique river.

Midway through the tour, take a break for a refreshing swim – a perfect way to cool off and add a splash of excitement to your family adventure. Join us on this eco-friendly, educational, and downright delightful journey along the enchanting Wekiva River!

Couple of kayakers enjoying the callenge of the Blackwater Creek.
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Nature Escape Kayak Adventure on Blackwater Creek

Join us on our exclusive Blackwater Creek kayak tour, where adventure meets solitude in the heart of Seminole Forest!

As the only authorized tour operator for Blackwater Creek in the Seminole Forest, we offer a unique chance to explore this hidden gem which has been featured in several survival reality shows.

Embark on a 3-hour journey through the pristine wilderness of Blackwater Creek, led by our expert guides. With small group sizes of maximum 6 people, our tours provide a personalized experience, rich with opportunities to learn about Blackwater Creek's ecosystem.

Paddle on this gentle river so secluded and peaceful it's highly unlikely you'll encounter another soul allowing you to immerse yourself completely in nature's embrace. You will likely encounter wildlife such as alligators, turtles, Florida black bears, various wading birds and more. The route varies based on water levels, ensuring each trip is unique.

This tour fills up quickly due to high demand and limited space. If you're ready to escape the crowds and discover the untamed beauty of the Old Florida - the REAL Florida - then book your adventure today and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Lake Norris Explorer Kayak Tour

Lake Norris is a spectacular darkwater lake and is one of the oldest cypress swamps in Florida. The shoreline of the lake is ringed by “dwarf cypress”, which give the lake an out-of-this-world appearance. One of the special highlights of this property is its high concentration of osprey nests. More than 100 active nests have been reported in the cypress trees that ring the lake.

A habitat for many animals and birds, this property expands the Florida black bear corridor. River otters, alligators, turtles, and various types of snakes call this place their home. While weaving between and through cypress trees many of these animals and birds can be observed.

Join us on this magnificent experience featuring one of Florida’s most beautiful, hidden, and unheralded places. This is a Disneyland for nature lovers!

This is an exciting out-and-back guided tour.