And here’s the best part: you don’t just have to admire them from afar. Depending on where you go, you can spot manatees from boardwalks, kayak quietly alongside them, or even snorkel in crystal-clear waters for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
If you’re making a travel list of things you absolutely need to see,
manatees should be at the top of your bucket list. Their slow, peaceful nature makes them some of the most endearing creatures you’ll ever meet.
Here are five of the best places in the U.S. to see manatees and experience the magic for yourself.
1. Bradenton, Florida
Best Season: November to March
If seeing manatees is on your bucket list, Bradenton might just be the perfect place to do it. Unlike other busier destinations, Bradenton offers a more relaxed, up-close experience that feels like you’ve stumbled onto your own secret manatee hideaway. The gentle sea potatoes often gather in the Manatee River, Palma Sola Bay, and the scenic Robinson Preserve where the calm waters make it easy to spot them rolling and gliding near the surface.
Robinson Preserve, a sprawling coastal wetland with mangrove tunnels and peaceful blue waterways, is a favorite spot for kayaking. It’s not unusual to quietly paddle through the preserve and suddenly find yourself sharing the water with a curious manatee swimming alongside your boat. The preserve’s mix of trails, observation towers, and waterways makes it the perfect family-friendly adventure, whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or by kayak.
2. Crystal River, Florida
Best Season: November to March
Crystal River is often called the manatee capital of the world, and for good reason. It is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees, making it a bucket-list dream come true for wildlife lovers. In winter, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm 72-degree waters, offering countless opportunities for close encounters. Whether you choose to snorkel beside them, glide over the water in a kayak, or join a guided eco-tour, Crystal River delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you face-to-face with these gentle sea sausages in their natural environment.
3. Blue Spring State Park, Florida
Best Season: Late fall through early spring
When the weather turns chilly, Blue Spring State Park becomes a manatee paradise. Each winter morning, you can find hundreds of manatees lounging in the crystal-clear spring run, staying warm in the constant 72-degree water. The park has an extensive boardwalk system that stretches along the river, giving visitors excellent views without disturbing the animals. Families especially love this spot, as kids can easily watch the manatees float, roll, and cluster together. It feels like nature has put on a show just for you, making it one of the most magical manatee encounters in Florida.
4. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Florida
Best Season: Year-round, with peak numbers in winter
Homosassa Springs is special because it offers a mix of wild and rehabilitating manatees. The park serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned sea potatoes, which means visitors are guaranteed to see them any time of year. Elevated walkways and an underwater observatory give you multiple perspectives of these calm and curious creatures. Visiting here also gives you a deeper appreciation for conservation, since the park works hard to protect manatees and educate the public about their importance in Florida’s ecosystem. It is both a heartwarming and educational place to enjoy these gentle giants.
5. Three Sisters Springs, Florida
Best Season: Year-round, with peak numbers in winter
Homosassa Springs is special because it offers a mix of wild and rehabilitating manatees. The park serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned sea potatoes, which means visitors are guaranteed to see them any time of year. Elevated walkways and an underwater observatory give you multiple perspectives of these calm and curious creatures. Visiting here also gives you a deeper appreciation for conservation, since the park works hard to protect manatees and educate the public about their importance in Florida’s ecosystem. It is both a heartwarming and educational place to enjoy these gentle giants.
Manatees are some of the most heartwarming creatures you’ll ever encounter, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an experience you’ll never forget. From the world-famous springs of Crystal River to the calm, scenic waters of Bradenton, there are countless opportunities to meet these gentle sea potatoes. If you’re planning your next adventure, make sure seeing manatees is on your bucket list.