During our cooler months (typically November through March), thousands of manatees migrate to Florida’s warmer waters. This annual visitation presents date night opportunities for couples to see the mellow giants up close in the great outdoors! We've rounded up the best places to see manatees in the wild near Orlando and other awe-inspiring viewing centers.
FYI: Manatees can reach up to 13 feet in length and 3,000 pounds. Holy (sea) cow! However, it is important to keep a safe distance and not touch the manatees (as lawfully mandated).
Updated February 2026 by Nancy DeVault
Where to See Manatees Near Orlando
For a cozy, uniquely Florida date, go out into the wild and see the gentle giants known as manatees. These beauties gather in the warm waters at Blue Spring State Park about 40 minutes from Orlando, while Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge offers some of the closest, most memorable encounters anywhere in the state.
Head to the Space Coast and visit the quiet waterways at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, soak in the clear beauty of Silver Glen Springs, or enjoy the iconic spring runs of Silver Springs State Park. And if you're keen to head to Tampa Bay, the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center pairs guaranteed sightings with breezy waterfront strolls. It’s peaceful, a little magical, and far more memorable than dinner and a movie.
Manatee Areas Closest to Orlando
- Blue Spring State Park
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Silver Glen Springs (Ocala)
- Silver Springs State Park
- Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center
Blue Spring State Park
- 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City | (386) 775-3663
- Cost: $6 per vehicle
Less than one hour from Orlando, Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida, emitting 104 million gallons of water every day.
At 73°F, Blue Spring transforms into a manatee refuge in the winter. While watercraft and swimming are prohibited during the winter, you can see manatees from walking paths, viewing areas and via an online manatee cam.
Because this winter has been especially chilly, a larger number of manatees are taking refuge at Blue Spring. In February, the daily count reached a whopping 1,000 manatees!
Tip: Arrive early on cooler mornings, especially during the week, to avoid crowds. Experts say that manatees are most active earlier in the day, drifting close to the spring run and putting on quite a show.
The park can reach capacity, so again, early birds typically win out. Expect a long line to enter if you arrive around 10am or later. And, before you go, read these quick tips for seeing manatees at Blue Spring State Park.
A small shop offers casual food and snacks, and there are plenty of picnic tables. Or head to downtown DeLand for lunch or dinner.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- 1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River | (352) 563-2088
- Free
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge preserves the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay, which forms the headwaters of the Crystal River. It’s definitely worth the two and half hour drive.
Most importantly, unlike Blue Spring, you can dive in to snorkel with the manatees! Believe me, it’s a breathtaking experience in spite of your snorkel gear! So, while entrance to the area is free, snorkel tours come with a fee. Several companies offer guided experiences, averaging about $75 per person.
If 72°F is a pinch too chilly for you and your hottie date, head to the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs, the only spring (of 30) in Crystal River accessible by land rather than by boat. You may see manatees pop up to the surface to breathe every 3-5 minutes.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Visitors Center: 1987 Scrub Jay Way #32782, Titusville, FL 32782 | (321) 268-2655
- Free
Located just over an hour from Orlando, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Florida's Space Coast is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem that protects around 500 wildlife species.
If it's manatees you're hoping to see, the 90-minute Manatee and Dolphin Encounter kayak tour with A Day Away Kayak Tours will get you up close and personal with the gentle giants (priced at $50 per person). Afterwards, seek out dolphins to observe them as they fish the shallow waters.
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
- 5301 North Hwy. 19; Ft. McCoy | (352) 236-0288
- Free
About an hour and a half away, situated within Ocala National Forest, the teal water of Silver Glen Springs is a vibrant contrast to its surroundings. This natural swimming pool also has manatees.
Captain your own date night excursion alongside your favorite mate by renting a boat from The Castaways on the River. Boats do pose a danger to manatees though so, ideally, renting a kayak or paddleboard is better for all. Boaters should read “A boater’s guide to living with Florida Manatees.”
Silver Springs State Park
- 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488 | (352) 261-5840
- Admittance: $8 per car
At Silver Springs State Park, spotting a gentle manatee drifting through the crystal-clear water feels almost magical. One of the most unforgettable ways to see them is aboard the park’s famous Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boats, where you can peer straight down into the spring basin without getting wet. From your seat above the glass panels, you might watch a manatee lazily paddle by, sharing the water with turtles and schools of fish in one of Florida’s most iconic natural settings.
Glass Bottom Boat tours start at $15.
Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center
- 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach | (813) 228-4289
- Free
I know, I know… you’re questioning if an electric company located an hour and a half away is really a date night spot. Oddly enough, it is.
For more than 30 years, manatees have flocked to the warm waters outside of this station, so an official viewing center opened. This locale has even been recognized by USAToday 10 Best.
After manatee spotting, stroll the beautiful garden and boardwalk hand-in-hand with your date. And also check out the new cownose rays habitat.
READ MORE: See Manatees in the Wild at TECO Manatee Viewing Center at tampabaydatenightguide.com
More Places to See Manatees in Orlando
Nothing compares to seeing Florida manatees in the wild. And there are plenty more places to see them in the wild in Florida, listed in the next section.
But if you want to stay within the Orlando city limits without any travel, and still be guaranteed to see manatees, then head to either SeaWorld Orlando or EPCOT.
At SeaWorld Orlando, you can learn about the incredible manatee rescue efforts led by SeaWorld in partnership with multiple wildlife organizations. There are two manatee viewing areas at SeaWorld Orlando, including an underwater viewing area.
Or at Walt Disney World's EPCOT head to the Seas with Nemo and Friends. You can board the family-friendly ride with Nemo and friends, which exits at the massive aquarium. Or if you'd rather not wait for the ride, then head for the gift shop on the side of the building. You can access the massive aquarium without riding the ride by going through the merchandise shop.
The manatee viewing area at EPCOT is relatively small, but you'll be able to see some rescued manatees. There is an above-water viewing area on the second story of the aquarium as well as underwater viewing on the first floor.
FYI, manatees enthusiasts can also appreciate guaranteed viewings at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa) and Mote Marine (Sarasota).
Manatee Viewing – Worth the Drive from Orlando
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Manatee Center (Fort Pierce)
- Manatee Springs State Park (Chiefland)
- Manatee & Eco River Tours (Fort Myers)
- Deering Estate (Miami)
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa | (352) 628-5343
- Fee: $13 per adult
Head about an hour and 45 minutes west to Homosassa. Here you’ll find both a rehabilitation facility for injured manatees and a natural spring for wild migrating manatees. See the manatees from the underwater observatory in the large spring pool and from boardwalks.
Also, check out the wildlife zoo and picnic area… because you know, outdoor dates always need a picnic!
READ MORE: Complete Guide to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
Manatee Springs State Park
- 11650 Northwest 115th St., Chiefland | (352) 493–6072
- Fee: $5-10 per vehicle
Manatee Spring is 25 feet deep and has over 26,000 feet of cave passageways, making it one of the longest systems in North America! How cool is that?
Take the turnpike north for a 2 hour and 15-minute drive; then hike and camp at this dog-friendly park. You can’t swim, canoe or kayak during manatee season, but you can see them from the elevated 800-foot boardwalk.
Manatee Springs State Park is a great side trip during a Weekend Getaway in Cedar Key.
Manatee Center
- 480 North Indian River Dr., Fort Pierce | (772) 429-6266
- Admission: $3 per person
Headed to South Florida anytime soon? If so, stop at this waterfront environmental education and wildlife viewing center where manatees await. Passionate volunteers are always ready to share intriguing insight about manatees and other sea creatures.
Explore more by booking an Eco Boat Tour along the Indian River Lagoon.
Manatee & Eco River Tours
- 8771 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL | (239) 247-4955
- Price: $40 per person
If you’re headed to Fort Myers for a weekend getaway on the Gulf Coast, book a manatee tour on the Caloosahatchee and Orange Rivers. The two-hour trek is narrated by a knowledgeable outdoor enthusiast. Tours are seasonal to align with manatee viewings.
Deering Estate
- 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157 | (305) 235-1668
- Admission: $18 per adult
At Deering Estate in Miami, you can catch a glimpse of manatees in the calm boat basin on Biscayne Bay. The mix of freshwater and tranquil bay water attracts these marine mammals. Visitors have a good chance of seeing manatees from the shoreline here, along with other wildlife such as sea turtles, rays and dolphins; in addition to scenic views and informative programming.
How to Help
You can Adopt-A-Manatee through the Save the Manatee Club! This nonprofit is focused on protecting manatees and their aquatic habitats for future generations. No, you can’t keep a manatee as your family pet (duh!); but “adoptions” help these endangered animals to live longer, healthier lives.
If you struggle with gift ideas for your ‘hard to shop for’ partner, Adopt-A-Manatee might be a fun fix.
Adopting a manatee starts at $25, and you get an adoption certificate, photo of an endangered manatee, a manatee biography, and other stuff. Plus, the priceless knowledge that you helped to fund emergency rescue response for sick and injured manatees, in addition to waterway signage, public awareness/education, research, and more.
Feature image credit: Discover Crystal River
