Where to Spot Manatees in the Wild

These slow-moving, plant-munching marine mammals (often called “sea cows”) thrive in the warm, shallow waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're kayaking through mangroves or exploring our state parks, here are some of the top places in Sarasota County to possibly spot manatees in the wild – plus two bonus spots in controlled settings where seeing the manatees is guaranteed at their rehabilitation and viewing exhibits. 

When’s the Best Time to See Manatees?

While manatees can be spotted in Sarasota County year-round, the best months are November through March. In the cooler winter months, manatees seek out warmer areas, such as natural springs, creeks and protected bays, whenever the Gulf's water temperature drops below about 68º F.  

Manatees are often described as being more active during the early morning hours. During this time, they are seen feeding on seagrass beds near the shorelines.

South Lido Mangrove Tunnels, Lido Key

One of Sarasota’s most scenic paddle destinations, the mangrove tunnels at South Lido County Park offer a peaceful, shaded water maze that’s home to herons, turtles, crabs, a variety of fish and, yes, the occasional manatee. These calm, majestic channels provide a unique opportunity to encounter one up close (but always keep your distance and never touch or feed them). 

Best Access: Launch a kayak or SUP from the south end of Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and paddle over to the heavily rooted grouping of trees and shrubs seemingly floating above the water – those are the mangroves, which will have an entrance and exit to paddle through. Kayaking SRQ offers rentals as well as tours here, so you can follow the guide's direction and local expertise.

Jim Neville Marine Preserve, Siesta Key

For your best chance to see local marine life around Siesta Key, venture to Jim Neville Marine Preserve tucked in Little Sarasota Bay. Just a short paddle from Siesta Key’s Turtle Beach, the preserve is renowned for its lush mangrove forest, calm inlets, coral reefs and thriving wildlife. Kayakers and SUPers often glide past curious manatees, dolphins, coastal birds and fish while weaving through shaded channels and tidal lagoons.

Local Tip: Explore during low tide – then float quietly and let nature come to you. Rent your vessel of choice from SURFit USA, or opt to take their Sarasota Mangrove and Hidden Beach Kayak Tour. Local guides of the eco-tour know the area manatees' whereabouts and behaviors the best, so follow their lead around the preserve's mangrove islands and over to a secret beach. 

Myakka River State Park, East Sarasota County

Manatees are attracted to the Myakka River when water levels are sufficiently high – offering them access upstream from Charlotte Harbor to Myakka River State Park's waterways, which are mixed with fresh and brackish water. The Park’s scenic riverbanks and boat tours offer a peaceful way to observe all sorts of wildlife, from alligators, waterfowl and otters to turtles, spoonbills, sandhill cranes and the main character manatee.

Best Access: If available, hop on the Wildlife Boat Tour (offered daily at the park) for a better chance at seeing a glimpse of the elusive manatee in this vast wilderness area. The leisurely boat tour is fun and informative for all ages and offers a safe, smooth ride, so you’ll have no problem taking photographs.

Phillippi Creek, Sarasota

The calm, quieter waterways of Phillippi Creek are a favorite hangout for manatees because of the river's relatively narrow span, minimal boat traffic and abundant feast of vegetation. If you’re dining dockside at one of the local seafood restaurants, like Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar, or fishing along the shoreline nearby, keep an eye on the water – you might be surprised by a pair of nostrils breaking the surface or the smooth back of a drifting manatee. 

Local Tip: Mothers and babies are commonly here due to the quiet safety this area provides. Because of these gentle giants, the Creek is a no-wake zone. So the ideal way to experience Phillippi Creek is by kayak or paddleboard. Secure your rentals at the nearby Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, just up the road. 

Lemon Bay Park, Englewood

Along the protected Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve in Englewood, Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center is teeming with marine life, and a prime spot to look for manatees gliding through calm estuarine waters, as the shallow bay is rich in seagrass (vital manatee food). Enjoy interpretive signage and shaded trails while keeping an eye out for manatees near the grassy shoreline. You may also spot soaring eagles, breaching dolphins, pinfish, pelicans and snook. 

Best Access: Opt for late fall to early spring, when water temperatures dip and manatees seek these sheltered waters. Stroll and scout the docks in the early mornings when there are less crowds and the manatees are more likely to be actively grazing. You can also carry your SUP to the park's launch access to paddle the winding mangrove- and seagrass-lined channels.

Venice Jetties, Nokomis and Venice Beaches

Along the rocky edge of Nokomis Beach's North Jetty and Venice Beach's South Jetty, discover a happening spot for surfing, fishing, boating and wildlife-spotting. Seabirds, flying mullet, pods of dolphins and beloved sea cows are frequently seen at the Venice Jetties. Manatees are more likely to be seen during the summer months when they are known to gather in warm Gulf waters for feeding and mating season. Visitors to the North Jetty area have recently reported seeing herds of manatees, with some even capturing video and photos. 

Local Tips: Bring polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and spot the dolphins and manatees more easily beneath the surface. If you're swimming or surfing in these waters, and a manatee happens to accidentally bump into you (they can be aloof and curious creatures), remain calm and avoid touching the animal.

Warm Mineral Springs Creek Preserve, North Port

Just a short drive from Venice, discover the only “warm” spring in Florida, with a steady temperature of about 87 degrees year-round. This makes Warm Mineral Springs Creek Preserve naturally warmer than other springs in the state, and a great refuge for manatees in the winter. While the spring head lies within Warm Mineral Springs Park—mostly known for its therapeutic waters and historic significance—manatees occasionally drift into the surrounding canal systems nearby for people to spot.

Local Tip: Public viewing of manatees at the springs is not permitted during the winter months (November 15 to March 15) due to the restoration and protection of the area as a manatee refuge. During this time, the area is designated as an FWC No Entry Zone to ensure manatees can safely access the warm water without disturbance.

How to Safely View Manatees

While manatees are a common sight in Florida, it's important to remember that they are protected under federal law. Wildlife officials recommend observing them from a safe distance and avoiding any actions that might disturb them.

• Keep your distance: Avoid charging or approaching
• Paddle quietly: Avoid loud splashes or sudden movements
• Don’t touch or feed: It’s harmful to manatees and against the law
• Report injured manatees: Call the Florida Fish & Wildlife hotline at 888-404-FWCC
   

Bonus Spots: Aquarium & Museum Exhibits

For a guaranteed manatee sighting—without needing to paddle or scout and hope for the best—visit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new location, Mote SEA – set to open later this year. The state-of-the-art exhibit will be the newest home to resident manatees, Lou and Buffett. Get an up-close and educational experience to learn about manatee anatomy, behavior and the threats they face in the wild.

Just north in downtown Bradenton, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is home to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, a care center for manatees recovering from injury or illness. You can view their newest rescues in a naturalistic, interactive aquarium setting. This exhibition allows above and underwater viewing and offers guests information about the anatomy and life history of manatees, plus the challenges they face. 

Why these spots are special: Every manatee you see at either Mote or Bishop is part of a larger conservation effort to preserve and protect the Florida-native species.