Many Floridians know these beloved creatures as the “cows of the sea”, but manatees are actually some of the friendliest and awe-inspiring creatures of Florida’s coastal waters. Manatee season typically lasts from November through the end of March in Florida, and this is when many curious residents can expect to see some Manatees nearby or even experience some close encounters with them! However, it is no coincidence that these manatee visits occur during the winter months. When temperatures fall below about 68°F, they begin searching for warm-water refuges where they can stay safe. These refuges include natural freshwater springs, power plant outflows, and other areas where water temperatures remain stable throughout the winter. As warm-water mammals, manatees are especially vulnerable when water temperatures drop during the winter months. Because manatees cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to cold water, they find themselves in this search for a warm winter home.
During cold snaps, manatees often gather in large numbers at these warm-water sites. You might see dozens (or even hundreds!) resting close together, conserving energy and avoiding colder surrounding waters. These gatherings are a natural and essential survival strategy, but they also make manatees more vulnerable to human disturbance. Cold stress is one of the most serious winter threats manatees face. Extended exposure to cold water can lead to cold stress syndrome, which weakens their immune systems and can result in illness or death. Protecting warm-water habitats is critical during the winter season.
Winter is also one of the best times to ethically visit and observe manatees, especially at protected sites focused on conservation and education. Some great options across Florida include:
- Blue Spring State Park (located in Orange City). This is one of Florida’s most important winter refuges for manatees, where swimming is closed during manatee season to protect resting animals.
- Manatee Lagoon (located in West Palm Beach). Manatee Lagoon is an education center dedicated to manatee conservation with viewing areas and interactive exhibits. The center is located adjacent to a Florida Power and Light Clean Energy Center. The warm-water outflows from this FPL center have become a seasonal favorite of Florida’s manatees!
- FWC Manatee Viewing Center (located in Apollo Beach). This is a warm-water outflow site managed for public viewing and education during colder months.
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which is a natural spring system where manatees often seek refuge in winter.
- ZooTampa’s Manatee Critical Care Center is a leading manatee rehabilitation hospital caring for injured and cold-stressed animals and is a great place to visit for local manatee conservation and education.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation center that provides medical care to manatees and other marine wildlife.
These locations allow people to learn about manatees while minimizing disturbance to the animals themselves, especially important during cold weather.
There are many other ways to do your part towards local manatee conservation. Whether you’re boating or paddling in winter, slow speeds are essential. Manatees move more slowly in cold water and often rest near the surface. Giving them space, respecting posted signs, and supporting conservation organizations all help reduce stress and injury.
Florida’s winter may be brief, but it’s a critical time for manatees. By protecting warm-water habitats and choosing responsible ways to observe wildlife, we can help ensure these gentle giants survive the season and many winters to come.