View Full Version : Manatee spotting
Mo Green
21-12-2004, 07:18
Our daughter and husband drove down to Fort Myers from Rotonda West today and were delighted to see several manatees.
From Junction 141, on the I75 just north of Fort Myers, turn east onto Palm Beach Boulevard. Apparently there is a sign for Manatee spotting boat trips but they said they drove about a mile, parked in the Lee County Manatee Park (75 cents)and were rewarded by seeing lots of Manatees from the bank of the river.
During the cold weather they are coming up river seeking the warmer water coming from the power station on the river.
I think the Manatees return back down the river in the afternoon - they were the between 11am and noon.
SunLover
21-12-2004, 09:09
How wonderful to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat [clap]
DarrenShort
21-12-2004, 16:47
They are the most friendly creatures, we swam with them last year, great experience [msnsmile2]
We saw a manatee by Manasota Key on our recent visit to the Gulf coast:)
DarrenShort
24-12-2004, 17:19
Not the best of photos, but you can just see a manatee under the surface.....
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/DarrenShort/2004122413195_florida_160104_manatee1_resize.jpg
SunLover
24-12-2004, 17:30
Very cool :D[clap]:D
LiesaAnna
26-12-2004, 01:57
they are fantastic! they look so dozey, and peaceful, felt quite emotional after seeing them and the video at seaworld!
tezz7628
25-01-2005, 23:59
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mo Green
I think the Manatees return back down the river in the afternoon - they were the between 11am and noon.
[/quote]
ahhhhhh commuters :D
Until we visited sea world in 1993 we had never heard of a manatee but know just love them, so gentle. and love to watch them eating lettuce using there front flippers, hate to see the damage boats can do to them[msnsad]
Robert5988
17-02-2005, 21:22
A good place to see manatees in their natural habitat is in the Merritt Island wildlife reserve which is about 40 miles East of Orlando near the KSC. - Take SR528 to I95, North to junction 220 -There are also many species of birds and alligators.
A good day out and it is completely free. No catering facilities though so take a picnic.
Hommassasa springs is a refuge for manatees. It's a lovely day out and you see the manatees (along with other rescued animals) close up. In my opinion well worth a trip.
Aiminghigh
18-03-2005, 08:50
Where is the nearest place to Longboat Key/Clearwater to spot Manatees? My daughter (and the rest of us!)would love to see some in their natural habitat-we only have a cople of days near the coast so don't want to travel too far.
I once saw a Manatee with a calf from a bridge by Indian ridge in Clearwater, so you can see them almost anywhere! I agree with Liesa, it quite an emotional experience (although I am in touch with my feminine side):D
LiesaAnna
12-09-2005, 22:13
must have a look for myself and see what we can see!!
We stayed at Indian Shores in July, didn't see any Manatee's but did see Dolphins from our balcony first thing in the mornings...It was wonderful:)
We watched a family of manatees playing from the balcony of the villa we stayed at in Port Charlotte in July. It was a wonderful experience:)