Florida is a top-notch destination for so many reasons. But there is one thing you can do in Florida that you can’t do anywhere else in the country—see manatees.
The warm waters along the state are ideal for these gentle giants. As the colder months bring cooler coastal waters, the manatees migrate inland, where natural springs in Florida provide a warmer haven.
It’s at these springs throughout the state where you’ll have the best chance to see these majestic creatures. Kayaking through the spring’s clear waters and shallow depths makes viewing manatees ideal.
It’s important to remember that manatees are a protected species. So make sure to know and observe all of the viewing guidelines for manatees.
Kayaking with the manatees is an absolutely magical experience. To help make this dream a reality, this list has the best places to kayak with manatees in Florida.
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Bring a Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch
One thing you’ll want to buy before you hop in your kayak is a good waterproof phone pouch so you can take pics without worrying about damaging your phone.
While you can usually buy these at the kayak rental places, it’s a good idea to have a waterproof phone holder on your packing list before you go kayaking, just in case they are sold out on location.
That said, I found that I was so mesmerized by the manatees that I basically forgot to take photos most of the time, but I was thankful to have my phone safe in the waterproof case.
One more thing I wish I would have brought for kayaking is water shoes, because they’re much better than flip-flops.
Crystal River
At the top of the list is Crystal River. Known far and wide for the clear spring water, this magical place attracts locals, visitors, and manatees.
During the colder winter months, manatees migrate to the warmer spring waters of Crystal River. When I visited in late November there were already manatees at Crystal River, and they hang around until late March.
You can bring your own gear, rent a kayak, sign up for a manatee kayaking tour, and even join a guided swim alongside the manatees. Just remember the guidelines for viewing manatees to help protect this endangered species.
Crystal River is also on my list of 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is a perfect place to go kayaking with Manatees in Florida.
During the colder winter months these gentle giants seek out the warm waters at Blue Spring, making it one of the best places to spot them.
With hundreds of manatees in Blue Spring State Park the spring itself is often closed off to kayaks. But you can still paddle along the St. Johns River to catch a glimpse of them.
Book a guided tour of Blue Springs kayaking and manatees
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)
Waters at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for manatees during the winter.
The sun warms the shallow waters, making it perfect for sea cows to keep warm. In the refuge you’ll find information on manatees and other creatures who call Merritt Island home.
There’s an observation deck designed to catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals.
To get a closer look, you can even kayak with the manatees. Glass kayak tours will give you the best view hands-down.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs is an incredible place to spend the day.
For decades visitors have been coming to enjoy water slides, boat rides, and even see an underwater mermaid show.
But the truly awesome thing about Weeki Wachee is that you can actually kayak with manatees.
Launch your own kayak or rent one at Weeki Wachee Springs. Once on the water head upstream along the river, where you’re likely to see the gentle giants.
If you prefer to take a guided tour you can book this clear kayak Weeki Wachee tour.
Manatee Park in Fort Myers
Manatee Park is a favorite hangout spot for manatees during the winter months.
The warm waters that attract them are created not by a natural spring but by warm waters discharged from a local power plant.
You can rent a kayak or bring your own to explore the area.
The canal where the manatees mostly stay is off limits, but you’ll definitely spot some as you paddle the surrounding waters, including the Orange River.
You can also book a paddleboard dolphin and manatee adventure tour in Fort Myers.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs is well known for incredible wildlife viewing.
And, lucky for us, this includes manatees during the winter months. This means it’s one of the best places to kayak with manatees in Florida.
You can bring your own kayak, rent one, or join a kayak tour. A guide will help you navigate the waters and easily find the manatees.
Silver Springs State Park
The Silver River is the ideal place to paddle alongside the manatees.
It’s easy to spot them in the 5 miles of crystal clear waters, making Silver Springs one of the best places to go kayaking with manatees in Florida.
Silver Springs has been a favorite destination for generations.
So it’s outfitted with everything you need for a great day, including places to rent kayaks, grab a bite to eat, and visit a museum.
You can rent a glass-bottom kayak for the best viewing!
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park is a sure thing for spotting these chubby gentle giants—It’s even in the name!
They love the warm waters of the first-magnitude springs, which are ideal for them during the cooler winter months.
At Manatee Springs, you can launch your own kayak or rent one.
There’s also an 800-foot boardwalk that’s perfect to see these gentle giants without getting in the water.
Ichetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a beautiful place to kayak or float in an inner tube down the river.
The gorgeous nature and gentle current of the river are what draw visitors to Ichetucknee all on their own. It’s also a place where manatees are known to have been spotted.
Although it doesn’t draw hundreds of manatees like some of the other places on this list, it’s still a fabulous place to spend the day and see a manatee or two.
Your best chance to spot one of these beautiful sea cows is during the winter months.
Tarpon Springs
Palm trees line the white sandy beaches at Tarpon Springs. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
The added bonus is that you can enjoy the dreamy water scene and also kayak with Manatees.
That’s right, this beautiful place is one of the magical places to spot these adorable gentle giants.
Your best chances are to head to the fresh spring of Spring Bayou in Craig Park between December and March.
You can launch on your own, but it’s super cool to take a tour on a clear kayak.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the best places to go kayaking with manatees in Florida. As you can see, there are a bunch of places throughout the state where you can paddle alongside these gentle giants. This way you can have this once-in-a-lifetime experience again and again.
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