Manatee Tours
Florida is one of the best places in the world to see manatees, and there are numerous locations where you can take manatee tours. These tours allow you to experience these gentle sea creatures in their natural habitat, particularly in the winter months when manatees seek warmer waters.
1. Crystal River & Homosassa (Florida’s Nature Coast)
- Tours: Crystal River is one of the top locations for manatee tours in Florida, often referred to as the “Manatee Capital of the World.”
- Popular Operators: River Ventures, Crystal River Watersports, Manatee Tour and Dive, and Bird’s Underwater Dive Center offer guided swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours to view manatees.
- Season: Peak manatee season is from mid-November to March when manatees gather in the warm spring waters.
- Location: Citrus County, on the Gulf Coast.
2. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)
- Tours: Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge where hundreds of manatees gather in the winter.
- Popular Operators: St. Johns River Cruises and Blue Spring Adventures offer riverboat and kayaking tours to view manatees and other wildlife.
- Season: Best visited from November to March, but manatees can be spotted year-round.
- Location: Central Florida, near Orange City.
3. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)
- Tours: Manatee tours operate in the waters around the refuge and in the Indian River Lagoon.
- Popular Operators: A Day Away Kayak Tours and Florida Adventurer offer kayaking tours that combine manatee sightings with other wildlife experiences, including dolphins and birds.
- Season: Tours are available year-round, though winter months typically offer more sightings.
- Location: East Coast, near Cape Canaveral.
4. Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River)
- Tours: Part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Three Sisters Springs is one of the most popular locations for swimming with manatees.
- Popular Operators: Get Up And Go Kayaking and Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees.
- Season: Winter is peak season, but manatees can be spotted in the spring’s warm waters throughout the year.
- Location: Crystal River, Florida.
5. Fort Myers & Naples (Southwest Florida) (area info)
- Tours: While the waters around Fort Myers and Naples are also home to manatees, many tours focus on manatee habitats along with dolphin sightings and bird watching.
- Popular Operators: Manatee & Eco River Tours and Seafari Adventures offer boat tours through estuaries and bays where manatees congregate.
- Season: Best viewed in winter months when manatees migrate to the warmer waters.
- Location: Southwest Florida.
6. Tampa Bay Area (area info)
- Tours: Several tour operators offer guided tours in the Tampa Bay area, particularly focusing on the areas around Apollo Beach and the TECO Manatee Viewing Center.
- Popular Operators: Manatee Viewing Center (TECO) offers self-guided viewing areas and kayak tours.
- Season: Best viewed from November to April.
- Location: Apollo Beach, near Tampa.
7. Sarasota & Bradenton (area info)
- Tours: In the Sarasota-Bradenton area, manatee tours are often combined with dolphin tours and eco-tours.
- Popular Operators: Sarasota Paddleboard Company and Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals offer guided kayak tours.
- Season: Manatees are best viewed in the winter, though tours are available year-round.
- Location: Southwest Florida.
These locations across Florida offer a variety of ways to experience manatees, from kayaking to boat tours, and snorkeling for a close encounter with these gentle giants.
Before Heading Out
Before heading out for a manatee tour in Florida, here are some key things to be aware of:
1. Manatee Protection Guidelines
- No Touching or Harassing: Manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so it’s illegal to harass, touch, or chase them. It’s important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
- Passive Observation: If you’re swimming or snorkeling, practice “passive observation.” Stay calm and let the manatees approach you. Many tours stress the importance of not initiating contact.
2. Seasonality
- Best Time to See Manatees: The peak season for manatee tours is from mid-November to March, as manatees seek out warmer waters in Florida’s springs and rivers during the winter. While you can see manatees year-round in some places, their numbers are significantly higher in colder months.
3. Tour Requirements
- Booking in Advance: Many popular locations like Crystal River and Blue Spring State Park have limited space, and tours often sell out, especially during peak season. It’s best to book your tour in advance.
- Age and Health Considerations: Some tours, particularly those that involve snorkeling or kayaking, may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness. Be sure to check the tour company’s policies .
4. Environmental Awareness
- No Feeding or Provoking: Feeding manatees can disrupt their natural foraging behavior, and it’s illegal to do so. It’s important to follow environmental guidelines set by tour operators to protect the manatees and their habitat.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Sudden movements or loud noises can startle manatees. Whether on a boat or in the water, it’s important to stay quiet and move slowly.
5. Weather and Water Conditions
- Weather Cancellations: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter. Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to storms or unsafe water conditions, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and tour policies regarding cancellations.
- Water Temperature: Manatees seek warm waters (around 70°F or higher), which is why they gather in springs and warm-water discharge areas during the winter. Ensure you’re prepared for the cooler water temperatures if you’re snorkeling or swimming.
6. Tour Equipment
- Gear Provided: Many tour operators provide wetsuits, masks, and snorkels for swimming tours. If you’re doing a kayak or boat tour, life jackets are usually provided. Check with your tour operator to see if you need to bring any additional gear.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a safe and respectful manatee tour while helping to protect Florida’s beloved marine mammals.
