The best time to see manatees in Florida is November to March, when the weather cools down, and they head to warmer waters. Florida’s springs and power plant outflows become their go-to spots, so that’s where you’ll find them in big numbers.

Best Places to Spot Manatees:

Crystal River & Homosassa Springs – The ultimate manatee hangout, and you can even swim with them!
Blue Spring State Park – Near Orlando, this place gets packed with manatees on chilly mornings.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center – Free and easy to visit, with warm waters that manatees love.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – A great spot near the Space Coast to see them in the wild.
Manatee Springs State Park – A peaceful spot where manatees come to warm up.

For the best experience, go early on a cold morning (below 68°F/20°C) when they huddle together. If it’s warm, they tend to spread out, so plan accordingly!

Manatees at Fanning Spring State Park

When we visited Florida in May, we had no clue if we’d actually see any manatees. It was warm, and honestly, we were just looking for a good swimming spot. But as we drove through Fanning Springs State Park, it looked too pretty not to stop.

And wow, what a surprise! The place was gorgeous—peaceful, lush, and with crystal-clear water. Then, out of nowhere, we spotted manatees just chilling, slowly gliding through the spring. We couldn’t believe it! Seeing these gentle giants up close, totally unplanned, made it even more special.

Did we jump in? Nope! First, we didn’t want to crash their peaceful hangout. And second… I saw a huge snake in the water. That was my cue to stay on dry land!

Even without swimming, just watching the manatees in such a beautiful setting was amazing. If you ever visit Florida outside peak manatee season, don’t give up hope—you might just get lucky like we did!

What to Do at Fanning Spring Park

• Swim in the refreshing waters of Fanning Springs, which maintain a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. During our visit in May, we found many people enjoying the water, sharing it with numerous manatees, which was super cool. Our swimming plans took an unexpected turn when a sneaky snake decided to crash the party. Let’s just say, our synchronized swimming routine turned into a speedy exit from the water!

• Stroll along the boardwalk, transported back to the charm of old Florida. Towering cypress knees, some reaching up to a whopping 6 feet, surround you in this breathtaking cypress swamp. As you reach the end of the boardwalk, you’re greeted by a stunning view of the Suwannee River from the overlook. And if you visit in the summer, keep an eye out for the spectacle of massive sturgeons leaping from the water!

• Enjoy kayaking along the scenic Suwannee River, immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings and exploring the park’s waterways. I recommend 8 mile paddle from Fannings Spring to Manatees Springs. Get prices and more info here.

How Much Time Do You Need at Fanning SP

Do not touch or feed: Refrain from touching, petting, or attempting to feed manatees. While they may seem gentle, interference with their natural behaviors can cause stress and harm to these protected marine mammals.

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