Where to See Manatees: 10 Day Trips from Jacksonville

While the ocean waters may turn cold in the winter, our Florida springs maintain 72 degrees all year long. Because of the warm water, manatees from all over are attracted to the springs. If you’re wondering where to see manatees, there are several great spots that are just a short drive from Jacksonville and there are even springs where you can swim with manatees. These gentle giants are a sight to see, and in the winter they’re hard to miss as they flock to those warmer waters. If you’re looking to plan a trip, check out our manatee finding map to get you started on finding an area to visit.

3 Sisters Springs

Three Sisters Springs is the gem of Crystal River. This refuge includes a boardwalk with multiple areas to view manatees in a natural environment. As a result of the boardwalk, visitors can observe mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians common to a Florida spring ecosystem. Cold winter days bring hundreds of manatees seeking warm water refuge into the springs.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 123 NW HWY 19, Crystal River, FL 34428

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs is a great state park to visit during the winter. As the air turns cold, hundreds of manatees seeks the warm spring waters. Often there are several hundred manatees visiting during the day. You can see a river full of sea cows and their babies while you stroll along the boardwalk.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs is home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. The stunning sapphire water boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform. Glass bottom boat tours are available when the water is clear.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Looking for a guaranteed manatee sighting? Homosassa Springs is just the place. Located along Florida’s Nature Coast this state park is absolutely worth a visit. Homosassa Springs State Park serves as a rehabilitation and refuge center for injured manatees as well as other Florida wildlife. The wildlife walk at Homosassa Springs consists of elevated boardwalks that are accessible for visitors in wheelchairs or strollers.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 4150 South Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446

Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon is located Palm Beach County and is a free educational attraction There is a dedicated area for viewing manatees up close. In addition to the viewing area, the lagoon is focused on education. There are engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about manatees. On winter days, the observation deck is a prime spot to view manatees.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 4 hours
Address: 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs has an 800-foot boardwalk runs through a majestic cypress forest overlooking one of Florida’s breathtaking first-magnitude springs. Manatees can be seen in the cooler months, as well as, birds, mammals and fish that are spotted year-round. If you’re looking for where to see manatees, this spring is a great choice.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 11650 NW 115 Street, Chiefland, FL 32626

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island Refuge waters are a safe harbor and feeding site for several manatees year round. The Manatee Observation Deck is a handicap accessible opportunity to view manatees in the wild. The Haulover Canal connects Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River, and on the east side of the bridge is a manatee observation area.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: Courtenay Pkwy North, Mims, FL 32754

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs is just under two hours from Jacksonville and is the oldest commercial tourist attraction in Florida. You can take a tour on their famous glass-bottom boat tours and you’re sure to see some manatees in the cooler months.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470

TECO Manatee Viewing Center

Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach has delivered reliable electricity to the community since 1970. Manatees gather in large numbers in the power station’s discharge canal, where saltwater flows back into the bay. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center is a guaranteed spot to see manatees during the winter.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3.5 hours
Address: 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs boasts a mermaid show and water park, but if you explore the springs area outside the main park you might be pleased to discover manatees and other wildlife. Rent kayaks or canoes for an experience you’re sure to enjoy. This park is notorious for filling up, so make plans to arrive early.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606