Discover Manatee Park: A Family-Friendly Place to View Manatees
Best Things to Do at Manatee Park
1. Glimpse Wild Manatees at Manatee Park
Manatee Park is a unique location in Lee County, Florida for viewing manatees in their natural environment as they lazily float in the canal. The best time for viewing these docile sea creatures is during the winter and spring months. In Southwest Florida, you may get lucky and spot manatees breaking the surface of the balmy waters found within Manatee Park. The canal serves as a warm safe haven due to the Florida Power and Light Power Station producing a consistent out flow of warm water into the Orange River.
Viewing Manatees in the canal at Manatee Park
To avoid the chilly time as the Gulf of Mexico temperatures dip down below 68° F, Manatees swim into the channel in search of warm waters. Observation decks have been built along the canal at various locations where the manatees are most likely to congregate. Thankfully this experience is available to everyone due to the fact there is a paved path that is stroller and handicap accessible.
While visiting in February, we had the opportunities to see dozens of manatee break the water’s surface and swimming in the canal. My children were convinced the manatees look like giant sweet potatoes floating in the water.
2. Learn About Manatees: An Educational Experience
Located in Northern Fort Myers, Manatee Park contains a mix of educational activities. While you meander through the park, informational plaques are scattered along the viewing areas and trails, plus at the visitors center. Another way to discover fun facts about these magnificent creatures lives, habitats and food source is by listening to the informational speakers.
Educational speakers sharing about Manatees in the open air amphitheater in Florida
During your visit, gather outdoors under a shady live oak canopy at the outdoor amphitheater. Sit a spell on benches to hear knowledgeable volunteers share details and pictures about these peaceful sea creatures.
Kayak Among the Manatee
Kayak rentals are available at Manatee Park
One way to get close up to manatees is by kayaking at Manatee Park on the Orange River. through Calusa Blueway Outfitters and the These trips come with flotation devices, paddles, and a brief lesson. Additionally, kayaks are available for rental (first come first serve basis) located at the Manatee Park gift shop through Manatee Kayaking Company. There are also tons of opportunities for guided day trips in Florida with single or double kayaks.
Additional Activities at Manatee Park
Besides viewing the manatees, the park is a scenic spot with lots of activities. Even if the manatees aren’t out, it is still worth visiting Manatee Park. There is a playgrounds, fishing pier, lovely trails and even butterfly gardens to enjoy.
Playground A modern playground for kids can be accessed at the park. A circular slide and monkey bars can be enjoyed by children.
Scenic Trails Take your time enjoying the day as you explore scenic trails leading alongside the canal, Orange River and the manatee viewing areas. The boardwalk by Orange River presents additional opportunities to see manatees, wildlife and kayakers. Grab a scavenger hunt and guide to learn more as you stroll through the trails.
Butterfly Gardens There are natural vegetation, milkweed, and monarch caterpillars that can be spotted among the gardens.
Fun photo ops at Manatee Park
Fun Photo Ops Statues of alligators and manatees are distributed throughout the park, so put on a smile and grab a fun photo opportunity during your visit.
Fishing Bring your poles if you feel like trying your luck at fishing, which is allowed from the piers at Manatee Park. A fishing license is needed for those ages 16 - 64 years of age.
Picnic Bring a lunch or snacks with you when you visit and enjoy the open area for a picnic.
Parking Fee
Entry to the park is free, but there is a parking fee required for each vehicle that can be paid at the parking kiosk machines.
Fee: $5 per day or $2 per hour December - March or $1 per hour April - November.
Hours Open every day from 8 am until sunset, including holidays.
Playground at Manatee Park
Best Time To Visit Manatee Park
The optimal viewing period for possible manatee sightings is November - March, when temperatures drop under 68° F in the Gulf of Mexico. Although remember manatee sightings are not guaranteed when you visit due to the fact these are noncaptive creatures. Luckily, before heading out, you can take a peek on the web cam to view what is happening at the park.
Manatee Park in Lee Country
Fun Facts About Manatees
Famously nicknamed sea cows, they earn that title due to the fact they consume over a 100 pounds of food a day. Sea grasses are their main source of food in their diet.
Manatees are enormous mammals with leathery, grey skin covering their 9-10 foot bodies. Manatees are most closely related to elephants and the more you learn about these sea creatures, the more you can see the resemblance. They can weigh close to 1,000 pounds.
These gentle creatures are made of blubber and they propel their hefty bodes through the water with flippers. Remarkably these large mammals are agile swimmers- they can swing in all directions, somersault and spin, although they do swim at a leisurely pace of 5mph.
Manatees are mammals and need to surface and breathe every 3-5 minutes. Luckily, that means your get more opportunities to spot them when they come up for air.
Manatee Park is an educational experience
Despite the fact that manatees brains are small compared to their bodies mass, they are quite smart. Similar to dolphins, manatees are intelligent and can be trained to differentiate colors, do simple tasks and are highly sensitive to touch.
Manatees are considered a threatened species, just recently taken off the endangered list. These Mammals have no known predators, which allows them to live long lives, 60+ years. Subsequently, Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but their greatest threat continues to be humans. Sadly, boats can injure, scar and kill manatees. The second major threat is environmental carelessness of factory farming practices. Toxic algal blooms continue to be perpetuated by the runoff of fertilizers and destroys the ocean’s natural habitat and food source.
FAQ’s
Are dogs allowed at Manatee Park? No, dogs are not allowed in the park, unless they are a service animal.
Scenic Trails at Manatee Park
Should I visit in warmer months? The park is a beautiful outdoor space that is lovely to visit all year long. Although you may not see manatees during the hotter months, you can still enjoy the playground, scenic trails, kayaking, fishing and butterfly gardens.
Is Manatee Park kid-friendly?
Families with children will appreciate the playground, educational plaques, butterfly gardens and picnic area. Additionally, There are also fun activities for kids including bingo, a nature themed scavenger hunt and identification guide.
Is Manatee Park stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible? Yes, Manatee Park features a paved pathway that leads along the canal, including chain-link fencing for safety and viewing spots to see the manatees.
Closing Thoughts
Manatee Park is a bucket list must for kid-friendly day trips in Southwest Florida. When visiting Fort Myers make the most of your time with this detailed guide to the best things to do with children in Fort Myers.
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