Are you dreaming of seeing manatees near Orlando? Dream no more! We’re going to tell you where to see manatees near Orlando during your upcoming visit. Florida is one of the only areas in the United States where you can actually view manatees in the wild.
From Florida’s Gulf Coast to its spring-fed rivers, there’s no shortage of places where these majestic beauties like to pop up! During the winter months, swarms of manatees take refuge in the warm waters of Florida’s spring-fed rivers and waterways. The experience of getting close to these gentle giants is every bit as magical as you would expect!
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Start imagining the feel of warm waters all around you as you lay eyes on a true Florida manatee while we break down the best places to see manatees near Orlando.
1) Paddle Adventure on the Dora Canal
While manatees don’t frequent the Harris Chain of Lakes as often during the colder months, the Dora Canal remains a must-visit location for wildlife enthusiasts. At Adventure Outdoor Paddle, we offer guided tours and rentals for exploring this scenic waterway. On our tours, you’ll paddle through a lush, tropical environment teeming with otters, birds, and turtles. While it’s rare to spot manatees in our waters during winter, every paddle promises an unforgettable connection to nature.
As the go-to provider for Dora Canal tours and rentals, we have everything you need for a fantastic day on the water. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a big group, we offer kayak and paddle board rentals tailored just for you. Our friendly experts are here to help you gear up and create a custom itinerary that suits your style.
With us, you’ll enjoy:
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All-inclusive options that ensure you don’t have to show up with anything other than your sense of adventure
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State-of-the-art equipment and gear
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Options for single or tandem kayaks
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Expert local guides
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Pre-excursion lessons to ensure you feel confident in your abilities
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Fair, transparent pricing
Our paddle route takes you on an exciting 3-mile journey that typically takes two hours to complete. It’s the perfect way to explore the beautiful Dora Canal and all its wonders. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for playful otters, colorful birds, and the lovely plants that grow along the banks.
For manatee enthusiasts, we partner with Venture Outdoors Nature Excursions to offer a Manatee Tour at Blue Spring State Park, one of Florida’s top wintering spots for these incredible creatures. This unique tour allows you to paddle in the St. John’s River and view the manatees near the crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring, where hundreds of manatees gather during the colder months.
2) Let Hiking Trails Lead You To Manatees At Blue Spring State Park In Orange City
This popular tourist destination is where hundreds of manatees make their home each winter. The famous Blue Spring offers 72-degree water along the St. Johns River. You can easily find manatee viewing spots by hiking along the spring, and don’t forget to check out the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail while you’re there.
In addition to being one of the best spots to see manatees near Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is also home to abundant collections of ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. Plus, while you’re enjoying the park, you can swing by the gift shop or grab a bite to eat. It’s a great way to spend a day in nature!
Pro Tip: For an even closer encounter, join our recommended Manatee Tour with our partnership with Venture Outdoors Nature Excursions, where you can paddle alongside these incredible creatures in a serene, eco-friendly setting.
3) Get Lost In Nature At Manatee Springs State Park
The 800-foot boardwalk within this park winds through a cypress swamp from the spring to the river to offer unparalleled opportunities to spot manatees and other wildlife.
In addition to being one of the best spots for manatees in Florida, Manatee Springs State Park is a recreational paradise! Here’s a look at how to enjoy the amenities:
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Camping – Book one of 80 campsites within walking distance of the spring
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Fishing – Enjoy freshwater fishing from the boardwalk to look for catfish, mullet, largemouth bass, and other fish
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Hiking – Loop through 8.5 miles of trails that cover uplands, swamps, and sinkhole ponds
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Scuba Diving – Explore the underwater world where you can see fish and other aquatic life up close
Manatee Springs State Park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you’re camping under the stars, fishing from the boardwalk, or hiking the trails, there’s something for everyone. So grab your family or friends, and come make some wonderful memories in this beautiful park!
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the gentle manatees gliding through the water – they’re truly a sight to see!
4) Swim With Gentle Giants At Crystal River
Crystal River is the name that comes up most often when people talk about where to see manatees near Orlando. This designated manatee refuge is famous for being the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with wild manatees. While you can technically see manatees in Florida all year, peak viewing here at Crystal River and other places to see manatees near Orlando runs from November through April.
For an unforgettable experience, consider swimming or diving with manatees through Crystal River Watersports. As one of the top-rated tour operators in the area, their guided excursions offer an up-close and respectful way to interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, their knowledgeable team ensures a safe and memorable adventure.
Within Crystal River Preserve State Park, Three Sisters Springs is considered both the most magical and the most easily accessible option for visitors. Prized for its warm waters that allow you to see straight down to your feet, this natural inlet in the river is teeming with wildlife. Combine a visit to the springs with a tour from Crystal River Watersports for a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience.
5) Randomly Spot Manatees At Hunter Springs Park
Containing one of the springs that feeds the Crystal River and Kings Bay, Hunter Springs Park is a popular recreation area. It features a boardwalk, canoe launch, playground area, picnic area, and many other amenities.
In addition to relaxing by the water, you can swim within a roped-off area at the beach. While manatee viewing here is more passive compared to a place like Three Sisters Springs, it’s quite common to see manatees floating by during the cooler winter months.
For a more immersive experience, Paddles Outdoor Rentals offers kayak and paddle board rentals and guided tours from Hunter Springs Park. Exploring the calm, clear waters by paddle allows you to get closer to the manatees and other wildlife, making your visit even more memorable.
6) Go “Under A Spring” At Homosassa Wildlife State Park
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Homosassa Wildlife State Park is home to a wild tapestry of flamingos, panthers, cranes, alligators, wolves, and bears just a little more than an hour outside of Orlando. It’s also notably one of the best spots to view manatees.
The highlight of Homosassa Wildlife State Park is its unique underwater observatory that allows you to experience the sensation of “walking underwater” beneath the spring to watch manatees swirling around below the surface in their natural habitat.
7) Bring Your Heart On A Manatee Rehabilitation Center
When manatees become too ill or injured to survive in Florida’s scenic rivers, they rely on humans to nurse them back to health. One of the places where manatees are cared for near Orlando is the Manatee Rehabilitation Center at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A two-hour drive from Orlando, this facility invites the public in for tours to see the efforts that are being made to save at-risk manatees.
During this experience, visitors can observe the center’s residents through underwater manatee viewing windows. Supporting the center helps with efforts to conduct rehabilitation until manatees can safely be released back into the wild. If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to tour a real working marine life hospital.
Make Spotting A Wild Manatee A Must-Do On Your Bucket List!
If you’ve ever dreamed of spotting a wild Florida manatee, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Every paddle through Florida’s scenic waterways brings you closer to encountering these gentle giants. Why not start your adventure with a kayak or paddleboard rental from Adventure Outdoor Paddle?
Located near Orlando, Adventure Outdoor Paddle offers a front-row seat to Florida’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re gliding through the enchanting Dora Canal or exploring the Harris Chain of Lakes, every trip is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and enjoy the unique charm of Florida’s waterways.
As passionate nature lovers, we’re here to help you create unforgettable memories on the water. Book your experience with Adventure Outdoor Paddle today, and let’s make your manatee encounter a highlight of your Florida adventure!