It’s that time of year when Manatees are coming closer to shore looking for warmer water.
Manatee hotspots include Manatee Bend Park along the Little River and the Belle Meade Island Bridge, where morning and evening sightings are common. Near NE 82nd Street, the Little River Dam often hosts dozens of manatees during cold snaps.
Virginia Key Lagoon offers kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities with manatees, while the Flamingo Visitor Center in Everglades National Park is a year-round gathering spot. Urban explorers can check out Oleta River State Park and Black Point Marina, while history buffs might enjoy the Deering Estate Boat Basin, where manatees congregate and even mate. You can also head to Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach for close encounters at their observation deck.