Manatee Park

Not true. Only there when the gulf Temps are 68 or Lower.

You haven't dated your question, but there were manatees on 26 DEC 2017. The docent says they're here most of the year breeding. They need the warm water, currently 85°F, not cool weather. The viewing area has not been next to the power plant since 1997, it's about 1/2 mile away, on the other side of Rt. 80 [four lane divided highway], along the discharge canal into the Orange River. If helpful, please hit the Thumbs-up button below. Thanks.

They are at the park everyday

Manatees come to the park when the gulf waters cool down below 68 degrees, they need the warm water to survive.

I was there last week and saw three manatee. The water in the general area is warm so they don't need to come to the park for warm water. It will be hit and miss on any given day. Early morning is your best chance.

Only cost is for parking, approximately $2 as I previously posted. Trails are paved and very accessible. If helpful, please hit the Thumbs-up button below. Thanks.

Yes

Yes the Manatees are in the water at the park now.

Yes

That's why they stay by power plant. Water much warmer. They'll be there until March, few more weeks

I was there on Sunday. 1/12. Yes saw them.

FYI. The cooler the weather the more there will be. Yes, early morning is the best time. It's an amazing sight to see.

Yes there are a walk trail

Yes, I saw a few yesterday.

Are the manatees at the park? September

I didn't rent one but you can call them or visit there site

Absolutely, Went yesterday Feb 6th Saw at least a dozen Manatees

YES! I was there this weekend and we saw several!

I have seen manatees. The warmer it gets will make the manatees harder to see. Check along the edges and in mangroves.

There were a few.

It all depends.. chance it if you are nearby. If you see them great and if not it's still a nice walk. Good luck!

Yes, more come to the park in the cold weather. Warmer waters..

Free. $2 hour for parking

There were lots of them a week ago. . The lower the temperature, the more that will be there. So, if it's under 75 degrees out you should see alot of them.

Manatees show up most in this park when gulf/rivers waters drop to near 65 in the cold months. This is due to a warm water discharge from a power plant next door. This is why they congregate there in winter to warm up! As of yesterday the gulf shores were still near 80. I still saw one there, just poked his nose up a few times and made his presence known, but others said they hadn't seen any in weeks. So you might, but it's a much better chance to see multiples in the coldest months. Hope this helps.

Yes they are there. They like cooler weather. So go when it is not very warm out.

I was there 3 days ago and we counted 30+.

Multiple manatees were spotted yesterday, the staff said more show up when it's below 65degrees

It is worth trying. We were pleasantly surprised last week and saw at least 5 close up.

We were there Friday saw at least 6

Yes do you can see the manatees

None today. They are out and about for their summer feeding season.

I haven't seen alligators there, but it's always possible in any fresh water in FL. They do have kayak rentals in Summer not sure the prices, but you should be able to find out thru Google

Yes, they are there but just a few

Yes there is!

Yes.

Hard to predict , but good chance.

I was there a week/week and a half ago and saw lots of them!

there wasn't any when we were there 3 weeks ago

the main trail is sidewalk I would suspect no snakes

You Will See them. Just go early, like 7 am.

As David said, it is very unlikely but there possibly some mothers and calf show up.

There is always a possibly to see one, but they are more likely to be spotted during the winter

The park staff will be able to answer that for you. That is, if anyone reported a sighting. Although you may see them throughout the year, if one decides to stop in, they really only come to the park when the Gulf water temperature is 69 degrees or below.

Manatees need the water temp to be warmer than 68* F. They stay in this park in January and February when the gulf is cooler. It may be warm enough now for them to stay out in the gulf.

They will be leaving the park daily since the Gulf water temperature is over 70 degrees, the temp needed for their survival.

We were just there. I think it was last Wednesday. Anyway there was only a few. We did have fun there but more on just the trails. It didn't take very long to get through the trails. We did ride up to Sarasota and ho to the Mote Aquarium and that was awesome and they had manatees there. It was like $22 for Adults and $16 for kids and under 3 was free. It is definitely a all day event but my kids want to go back there next year.

The animals come and go as they please. They like to hang around there because the water is warmer due to the power plant nearby. No harmful things are added from the powerplant. It just warms the water in a safe way, and the manatees love it!

Most often asked question. The key is the temperature of the surrounding waters. If the water is cool then the Manatees will come to the warm water by the power plant discharge but if the surrounding waters are warm then there is no reason for the Manatees to come to the park.

Yes they should be there until the water temps start rising.

You can rent a canoe or kayak there or bring your own. They have a ramp to get in the water. The river is beautiful and you can go for as long or as short as you want.

Yes

Yes. For parking. 2 USD per h from Dec to Mar. 1 USD per h other months. Or 5 USD per day.

Only servicedog

Not if too hot .

You pay to park only. It's like $5 a day and no additional cost to walk the park.

Yeah they are the temperature hasn't changed much so they are staying where it's warmer still

Yes!! :)

2 pm

Yes

Manatee Park in Ft Myers is excellent if you've had a few cool days.

Yes. Many

There is a gift shop that has: chips, chocolate candy, fruit snacks, beef jerky, peanuts, trailmix, ice cream, and a big fridge full of different drinks.

Yes. Lots

The colder the gulf of Mexico is the more manatees will head up the river to the warmer water near the energy plant. We only saw a couple the day we went in early January. The later in January and earlier in February will probably be the best times to see them. We heard that there can be insane numbers of them there during that time.

Try calling the park and ask. I was there a week ago, and we saw 3 swimming around our kayaks.

Some can go to park in summer but usually just in winter

There is a nominal parking fee. There is no swimming area, but you can kayak.

Didn't see any when I went a week ago :( guess its a matter of luck and temperature

No longer until the waters cool below 68 or so ... Not till next late fall/winter.

It's late in the season for them but if you are out on the water you might see some. I did last week.

I don't think so but you can rent a kayak

We didn't see any this time (mid February). January is the best time. Too warm in April.

Probably good. Chilly out so manatees will be there

Yes

Yes, but not as many as will be there in February and March

There were some coming in around the fishing pear

They can be present from time to time, but winter season is the best time to visit.

Doubtful. Water is too warm. We went a few days ago and there was none and not even any other people lol.

Sadly, no. They only gather at that park in the winter months. This is bc the plant there feeds warm water into the river (from the north of 80). Manatees must stay above a certain temperature or they will die. So when temps drop, they have learned to gather to the safety & comfort of this year-round warm water source (that they have come to rely on). You can still see manatees year round in their normal patterns. You just have to watch & catch a bit of luck.

If you can't read all the other answers to this question how would you be... able... to..... nevermind.

Most likely. The temps are still good. By April they have typically moved out to the warmer waters

The park is completely free minus the kayaking and gift shop. It's donation based.

Why is it so hard to find an option to stop getting questions from one place. This place and only this place. Over and over and over and over and over and over...... Did you one click something that auto fills and sends the question? Something so easy and fast reading the hundreds of answers to this question would be an inconvenience...

Too hot this week to see them most likely. Cool mornings are best for sure

They are there every day in the winter months through spring. When the heat of summer comes they move out toward the ocean.

Yes there are manatees there. No pets

I was there yesterday. We saw about 10.

Yes, there is a power plant that provides the area with heated water, so in truth, the cooler the weather, the more manatees you will see. They come to this particular spot for the warmth of the water. Have a great time, and enjoy

When I was there 3 weeks ago there were about 20 along the walkway.

They stay around the area where the water is rushing out of the power plant. Ive been there when it was lower than 70 and they stay around the area where the water rushes through

Probably

There were 5 a few days ago, 12th of February, 2020

Yes

We were there Jan 29th and they were everywhere! At least 30 or more!

Yes. 30 or so

No

Saw many manatees Today. The place is small so you can just park for 1hour

Sometimes you just have to go out and see. It's beautiful out there even if you don't see any manatees or a few. Great friendly atmosphere and ppl. Their setup is just nice, easily accessible for anyone.

The canal where the Manatees hang out there is no fishing of any sort. The river that the canal drains into at the back of the park, fishing is allowed from a Jerry. Normal Florida fish licence applies. For blue crab don't know.

They only go there for the warm water if it's cold. It's the coldest day all year...

$2/ hour

The colder the better chance you'll see them..

I was there today and it was cold. We only saw 3 and that was at 10:30

The colder the better. Today and tomorrow are the coldest days all year. So yes.

Oficcially dezember and january is the best time to see them there the whole day. 2 weeks before around 1 pm and warm we saw really many many many of them.

I would go in the morning hours. They seem to be out then because the weather is cooler.

Whenever our lows are in the 50s there is a good chance of manatees in the park early but once temps reach 70 or higher they may go out toward the gulf.

I have no idea how many they have. But I know there's more than 3 lol. And there always there.

The cooler it is outside, the more manatees you will see at the park, as they try to "huddle" together in the park area to keep warm.

Yes. We saw some Dec 20 and 18.

Yes! We saw 5 in small lagoon just off the walking trail past the butterfly garden.

No that I saw

No, but you do have to pay for parking. I believe parking is $2 per hour or you can pay $5 for the day.

Yes, they are at the park year round I believe.

Last month.no

Hours of operation listed are 7AM-8PM daily

I think you're more likely to see them in the cooler months.

Yes you can see manatees

In the morning when water temp is cooler

Yes, try for a cooler day. They come for warmer water.

The best time to see them at Manatee Park is in the fall and winter of the year because the power plant nearby sends out warm water into the caloosahatchee. They are drawn to that.

Have not heard of any lately. Still a good place to see plants and rent a kayak this time of year.

I've never seen any at the park but definitely if you kayak the river. They have kayak rentals there

They will be sparse at best. High season is January and February.

I don't think so because the water it is to warm for them there

The park is closed during the summer because it is warm outside right now

Don:t hold your breath waiting. Very few to none. Water in the Gulf is warm enough for them at this time of the year and there are better places for them to eat than in Manatee Park. Manatee high season in the park is January -February. So enjoy the butterflies and the walkway while you are there.

None in May, it's too warm for them

Although it is unlikely there will be manatees present, it is still worth a visit at other times of the year for the educational displays, butterfly garden, and bird watching. Our first visit was "out of season" too (September), but still quite enjoyable.

Its free no charge its a park pwrking free its grest

Recent comments have said a few remain, but most move out as surrounding water warms up

you have to go to find out why they sometimes look and sometimes they do not

I went there march 22, and it was not much there and very small ones

Never been in the men's bathroom.

Call and ask them

No guides.

I'm not really sure. I bet you could call them and ask though. Good luck

They were there a week ago.

We were just there again today and only saw one manatee. Its mid eighties now so unless there us a cool down during the time you are here, chances are getting slimmer.

There was yesterday so I would say there will be

Yes..was just there a few days ago.....its awesome

Highly unlikely.

They are there, can't predict if near viewing areas

It's not a zoo. The manatees come on their own for the warm water from the discharge from the nearby FPL plant. The cooler the Gulf and the Caloosahatchie are, the more manatees you'll see. When local water temperatures are 68F (20C) and below, you'll see a lot there. Lately temperatures have been a bit higher - 70s. Might not be a lot there. Best viewing is January and February.

Maybe better chance today because the temps are low and the water near the park is always warm which attracts them.

I was there March 3 and seen one. Theres no guarantee that you will see one any time of the year, but generally if it's cooler you have a better chance of seeing them.

No they moved out to other waters

Yes. We saw a number of them. Best to rent a kayak and be on the water next to them.

We had seen one on Monday that was it.

When we were visiting, they said the manatees usually stayed till some time in March. Obviously, it depends on the temperatures.

I wouldn't. It's perfect for a walk.... like on a sidewalk. How's a bike gonna work with people and other children? Honestly, it's not that big a park really. Worth the walk.

Even if you don't see any manatees it's a beautiful place to kayak. The waters are warming up fast this year so, who knows. Hope you and your niece spot a few.

Is there a place to dock a 25 ft boat with a tee top.

I think it was $30 for half day

Yes during the winter when the water is cooler

Should be, great viewing area

In the morning every day in the morning

Yeah nah...

Yes. Many were there Saturday Feb 2 and the county website still reports they are present today

Yes!

Yes bc it's cooler you'll see a lot

65°. So wasn't to crowded.

The general rule is that the colder it gets, the more of them that flock to the park.

I dont believe so.

Yes

Yes

$5 for parking. If not parking on site then it is free.

I think the water is getting cool enough now. They usually start to arrive about now!

Yes, the colder the weather the better the viewing

Today is the 6th and we saw only one there.

We got there at 7, and saw tons, and got to hang out before the crowds were there. Then you get to get a kayak before anyone else - that's what I'd recommend, if you don't mind just hanging with the manatees for a couple hours.

No admission fee. $5 parking for all day. If renting canoe/kayak there is charge for that.

Yes between 1-2 cuz of high tide

I hope they're open we're planning on going there

Go see and report back

Yes, if you want to see more go to the Crystal river..

Yes they are easy to see

I was there on the 29th and seen a few.

Yes

I think so. They were there last days, so they will be there now.

I heard from a co worker that manatees hang out in the manatee park because the electric plant near by warms the water. But when I was there last week I didn't see any.

Yes, you can unload close to the launch then park, just bring a few dollars for parking.

No they are not there yet. Crystal River is now.

We were there last week, but no manatees. Manatees are in Crystal River now.

You just never know when you will see one there I've been in April and in November and it's hit-or-miss but it's still a nice park to walk. There's different signs telling you about the manatee in about the different animals that come through there. The people who work there are very nice and informative.

The reason they go to Manatee Park is to seek warmer water. They Gulf of Mexico is still warm enough for them at this time.

It's probably still to hot...

All the time. Pkus Dolphins. Just look for the circular swirls in the water and watch for them to appear.

Not sure, but probably

Believe the water is to hot.

Probably not. When the water is warm, they're not there. In the winter is the best time to see them.

Why would you bring your metal detector there?

Nope. It's too warm. They come in the winter months because the water from the electricity is warm.

Park for 2 bucks and that's it, no charge

You only pay for parking $2-3 at one of those parking machines that give you a slip to put on your car dashboard. Otherwise it's free.

Sorry to say, but not likely! The manatees only come to the park when the water is 68 degrees or lower! Which is between November til March. The other months they are in the Gulf! The park is very very lovely though so if you go you will enjoy its beauty!

No, it is too warm. They go out to cooler water for the spring and summer

They congregate there during the winter because of the warm water. As the gulf water warms up again it the spring, they head back out. Usually, by the end of March or start of April, they have pretty much cleared out.

No. They only go there in the winter months to get warm They are out in the gulf now.

No, unfortunately they won't be there during the summer. We were able to see some toward the end of March. But they leave the park area as the ocean waters warm up.

No because its warm out but in the colder day yes... But u can do other things

Thete were many of them 2 weeks ago. They should be gone by now.

It's like $2 an hour for parking but the park itself doesn't require an admission fee

Thank you. .grand daughter is excited to see manatee tomorrow. .hope to see

Went the other day and saw lots! It was amazing. They keep the water warm there so they stay

There was dozens and dozens of them last weekend when I went so maybe

check the temp of gulf if less than 68 they r probably there

I don't know. I am not in FL now.

Yes definately this week with the colder than normal water temperatures

Optimum viewing months are late December, January, and February when the gulf temperature is below 68F. Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. Current Gulf temperature may be found at SCCF Recon.

We were there in January just after the attic freeze and they were all there because of the warmer water.

Even if they aren't there it's a nice place. I think you have a pretty good chance of seeing them with the power plant pumping out warm water

No not that we saw.

Do you come to Naples Amando?

More manatees appear the lower the temperature is outside. You do not get to see a "full" image but rather their backs and occasionally their noses.

Should be i think there almost always there because of the power plant.

I was told that they stay there until the weather search to improve and stay warm

None there last week.

You might luck out and see some there since it has been a bit cool out. Its not guaranteed.

I think it was about 35 half day 2 people

You won't see Manatee when it's this warm. Nice park for a kayak trip though.

It's normally still to hot outside for them to gather

Too warm no longer around the park! Try canals and beaches might get lucky?

There were not any there last week.

No

Don't think so. Water has to be cold to bring them hete

Probably not. The water is pretty warm outside of the park.

As long as the water is warm they are not there. On Wednesday the water temperature was 80 degrees.

Not there

No, it is too warm

Call the park. They'll have an update.

No bikes.

Yes, they should be but depends on weather. Bad weather means more at park.

Manatees are there most days beginning in mid December.

Generally the manatees don't come into the canal unless the gulf is less than 68 degrees. Also water is cooler in the morning.

Water is still cold but you can see manatees at Florida Power and Light canal

Pretty sure they are there everyday

You can't hardly see them.

Today and Wednesday would be good seeing its going to bit a bit chilly

I think at 10 or 11! But if you call they have a very good phone answering program!

No pets allowed.

Yes

Yes

We saw quite a few. They were under the water but saw enough to make it enjoyable.

Yes they are. The gulf waters are to cold for there return. They will be there all next week.

Look at the Lee County Parks website. It tells you.

Yes, they have benches but i spend most of my time. Staring at the water and views.

I would say no but it would be best to call and ask please give a thumbs up if this helped

They are always open just pay the parking fee but I was there last weekend and only saw 2 manatees

The best way to know if there will be any sightings is to call them they are very nice and friendly there always willing to help and inform you. . That is the easiest way to know for sure. Please hit the thumbs up if this helped thanks

On 12/26/2017, 1pm...yes, about 4 of them. Well, their backs barely breaking the surface. For a picture, see my Review. If helpful, please hit the Thumbs-up button below. Thanks.

I rented a kayak there 2 weeks ago. I believe it was about $30 for 1 hr. The ride through the mangrove was interesting and scenic. However, you probably won't see manatees by kayak during colder months. They hang out in the fenced-off-from-kayak canal, which is warmed by the power plant effluent. Recommend walking by the canal for viewing manatees.

Yes open today christmas. Saw 2 manatees.

Small fee to park but worth the price.

Best to call the number listed in this app. If helpful, please hit the Thumbs-up button below. Thanks.