What are manatees?

Manatees are large, gentle marine animals that have been around for millions of years. They are found in many different warm environments. Manatees have large, round bodies that are gray in color and are usually around 8-13 feet in length, and weigh anywhere from 800-1,300 pounds. They have two small forelimbs, or flippers, that they use to help them steer and navigate the water. They also have a small, flat tail that helps them swim with little energy. Manatees are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants, and they can consume up to 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation every day, earning themselves the nickname of sea cow. Their biggest threats are the loss of food sources and habitat.

Where do manatees live?

Manatees live in shallow coastal areas, rivers, estuaries, and bays; anywhere they can find warm water and plenty of food. Manatees can live in fresh water and salt water. These large marine mammals are found throughout the world in tropical regions where the water temperature is rarely below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). In the United States manatees can be found near Florida’s coasts as well as in parts of Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. They also inhabit waters off Central America and South America as far south as Peru. 

Where do Manatees live in Florida?

Manatees are found throughout Florida. There are generally considered two different groups of manatees, the 'East Coasters' and the 'West Coasters'. Nothing but distance separates these two groups and they can change groups just by swimming farther. Manatees can travel hundreds of miles during the warm summer months in pursuit of their favorite meal, eelgrass.

Typically, the West Coast manatees use the shallow, coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean to move north and south. While migrating, manatees can swim into any river connecting to the ocean. There have been documented sightings as far north as Cape Cod and Rhode Island. One manatee named Chessie travels north frequently and is even rescued and flown back to Florida for the winter. These West Coast manatees generally use the natural springs along the St. Johns River to stay warm during the winter months.

The East Coast Manatees have a different migrational route and tend to stay in the waterways connected to the Gulf of Mexico. These manatees can be found migrating to Texas during the summer months by following the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Once the temperature starts to drop, they turn around to come back to Florida for the winter. They use Florida's natural springs and power plants along the coast to stay warm during the coldest months. The largest population of wintering manatees is found in Citrus County, which hosts several natural springs including Three Sisters Springs, a favorite amongst the manatees.

What is an ideal water temperature for manatees?

The most important factor for a manatee's habitat is its temperature. Manatees need warm water to survive because their bodies aren’t able to regulate their own temperature like other mammals. During cold snaps, when water temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees seek out warm-water refuges such as power plant discharge canals or springs with temperatures between 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit (21–27 degrees Celsius).

What waterways are warm enough for manatees in Florida?

During the summer months, all the water in Florida is warm enough for manatees. Even in the wintertime, waterways in the southern parts of Florida are still warm enough for manatees. But, manatees that frequent the northern waterways of Florida must find a warm water source for the coldest months of the winter.

The best sources are the natural springs found throughout northern Florida, which pump out water at 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Many of these springs have protections in place for manatees to rest undisturbed in the winter months when the springs are needed the most. During cold weather, the largest numbers of manatees in the state can be found at spring-fed, Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.

In addition to natural springs, manatees also use man-made warm water sources such as power plant discharge canals. The most well-known is the Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, Florida. Hundreds of manatees gather here in the wintertime to stay warm.

Where can I see manatees?

Manatees have adapted to living in many different habitats across the globe—from rivers and bays to coastal areas and even power plant discharge canals during cold weather spells! But all of these habitats must provide them with warm water. If you’re looking for a place to spot a wild manatee on your next vacation, make sure you check out the following hot spots.

Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Florida has a viewing boardwalk where you can observe the wild manatees during the winter months. During the summer, the springs are open for swimming because there are few manatees.

Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida has a healthy manatee population all year. This is one of the few locations where you can swim with manatees. If swimming with manatees is too adventurous for you, there are also several other options including a boardwalk, kayak tours, and eco boat tours in Crystal River. The best manatee tours are found at River Ventures, your one-stop adventure shop!

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa, Florida is a park that rescues and rehabilitates various native Florida species including manatees. In the wintertime, you may even be able to spot some wild manatees from the viewing platform located within the park.