For most Floridians, spotting a manatee isn't as easy as stepping into your backyard or optimistically venturing to your nearest waterway. It takes a bit of strategy and a touch of luck.
While the beloved mammals roam Florida's waterways for much of the year, they typically seek warmer waters, such as springs and power plant discharge basins, when temperatures drop during the winter months, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). This usually happens between November through March.
To kick off "manatee season," New Times has compiled a handy dandy list of spots across South Florida where you can respectfully observe the sea cows. You'll find an interactive map at the bottom of this story.
Please note that it is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, wound, hunt, or annoy manatees. FWC kindly asks that if you visit any of the wild manatee viewing areas to give the manatees the space they need and do not disturb them.
Happy passive observing!
The Little River: Manatee Bend Park
It might not be Miami's largest or most aesthetically pleasing park — but with a name like this, it'd be suspicious if one could not see manatees here. Situated just west of Biscayne Boulevard and south of NE 79th Street (where the historic Little River actually bends) Manatee Bend Park is a bonafide local hot spot where the gentle giants gather.The Little River: Belle Meade Island Bridge
The bridge that connects Belle Meade proper to Belle Meade Island is another great spot to see the mammals. New Times' very own Tom Finkel says you can see them passing through in the mornings and evenings on their daily peregrinations from Biscayne Bay and back. Look for the telltale circular ripples their bodies create as they move through the water below the surface.The Little River Dam
Manatees like to gather near the dam on the river near NE 82nd Street and NE Fourth Place, says Christopher Boykin of Miami Waterkeeper. "It's best when it's cold. We have seen 50 manatees during a cold snap in Little River!" Amalia Fernandez, an executive assistant at Miami Waterkeeper, tells New Times.Don't believe her? Check out the screenshot below!
Here's proof manatees love to gather at the dam on the Little River north of NE 82nd Street.
Google Maps screenshot
Virginia Key Lagoon
Aggregations of manatees have been known to inhabit the Virginia Key lagoon off the Rickenbacker Causeway during winter months. Visitors can pay to paddleboard and kayak in the lagoon. Everglades National Park: Flamingo Visitor Center
Situated about 38 miles (a one-hour drive) south of the Homestead entrance point to Everglades National Park, the visitor center has boat ramps where manatees congregate year-round. ("If you're lucky, you might also see American crocodiles," says one Redditor). North Miami Beach: Oleta River State Park
Visitors to the state park, which is located in North Miami Beach and is one of Florida's largest urban parks, have spotted manatees (and dolphins!) swimming in the nearby waters over the years.South Miami-Dade: Black Point Park and Marina
Manatees have been a common sight along the docks and shallow waters surrounding the Black Point Marina, which is the largest public marina located in Miami.South Miami-Dade: Boat Basin at the Deering Estate
The historic estate's boat basin on Biscayne Bay is considered one of the best places in Miami to see manatees up close. The supply of fresh water combined with the calm nature of the bay draws manatees to congregate and mate (!) in the bay.West Palm Beach: Manatee Lagoon
While it is not in Miami, the Manatee Lagoon is considered one of the best spots in hailing distance of the 305 to see manatees. Located at the FPL Eco-Discovery Center, the free attraction has an observation deck for viewing manatees up close near the Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.Did we miss a spot? Let us know at [email protected].
