Where to See Manatees in Florida
Florida blue springs are a favorite swimming, tubing, and snorkeling spot in the summer, but some Florida blue springs act as a refuge for manatees in the winter. Manatees seeking a warm home in the winter months find the constant 72 degree water of Florida springs to be the ideal gathering spot. Blue Spring State Park is one of their largest gathering sites making it one of the best places to see manatees in Florida.
Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763
Entrance Fee: $6
Blue Spring State Park is a hub of activity in the spring and summer months. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boat tours, and more. However, from November to March, all water activities are suspended to protect manatees seeking a safe haven. In 2023, Blue Spring State Park provided a home for over 700 manatees.
Manatees, also known as sea cows, cannot tolerate water that is colder than 68 degrees. When manatees are exposed to these cold temperatures, they are prone to cold stress syndrome-similar to hypothermia. While the water in Florida springs is warmer, staff at Blue Spring State Park monitor manatees to ensure none are suffering from this condition. Blue Spring is also an ideal place for manatees to recover from illness or injury as well. Some manatees even return in the summer to birth their calves.
Read More: Summer at the Springs
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Blue Spring State Park makes it easy for visitors to spot manatees in their natural environment. A 1/3 mile boardwalk extends along the spring, so visitors can watch the manatees without disturbing them. This state park can get crowded during the winter months, sometimes closing when it is at capacity. Visit early in the morning or avoid weekends if possible.
De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce De Leon Boulevard
De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Entrance Fee: $6
De Leon Springs State Park is another Florida spring that is ideal for viewing manatees in the winter. While this spring doesn’t have as many manatees as Blue Spring, it is still worth the trip. You could even visit both springs in one day, as they are only 25 minutes apart.
After looking for manatees, visit the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House for a make your own pancake breakfast. This replica of the 1830s sugar mill turned restaurant is a favorite among visitors.
Read More: The Ultimate Florida Road Trip Guide
We hope you get a chance to visit one of Florida’s blue springs during the winter months, so you can see these amazing creatures up close. For more Florida adventures, click here.
