Manatees in the wild

[Gemski]

We go to Florida in August and as it's a cheeky, unplanned, spare of the moment trip we only have the 3 park SeaWorld ticket. We are wanting to discover more natural Florida and I recall reading a trip report once where they swam in the sea and saw manatees but cant remember where. We are staying in Orlando for 9 nights, 2 nights Clearwater and 1 night further south on the gulf coast (to be confirmed)
Any other suggestions for things to do would also be appreciated.

[abiknox]

Crystal River is the best place for manatees. Not sure if its too warm for them in August though.

We have previously had non Disney visits where we have visited St Pete's Beach ,done the zip lines at Gatorland, an airboat ride at Wild Florida and the lazy river at the natural springs. All were amazing.

We also did the classic car night at Old Town Kissimmee and always visit Celebration usually hiring bikes.

[Gemski]

Originally Posted by abiknox

Crystal River is the best place for manatees. Not sure if its warm atm for them though.

We have previously had non Disney visits where we have visited St Pete's Beach ,done the zip lines at Gatorland, an airboat ride at Wild Florida and the lazy river at the natural springs. All were amazing.

We also did the classic car night at Old Town Kissimmee and always visit Celebration usually hiring bikes.

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Celebration is definitely on my list. Been to Orlando 4 times and never had time. Hiring bikes sounds lovely. Where did you do this?
Also wanting to catch the car show at Old Town.

[ChrisS]

Generally, in August and due to ocean temps, most manatee will not be in the canals, it's when ocean temps drop to circa 68 degrees that they head to the warmer springs and canals.

[Gemski]

Originally Posted by ChrisS

Generally, in August and due to ocean temps, most manatee will not be in the canals, it's when ocean temps drop to circa 68 degrees that they head to the warmer springs and canals.

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Are we likely to see them along the Gulf coast?

[abiknox]

Originally Posted by Gemski

Celebration is definitely on my list. Been to Orlando 4 times and never had time. Hiring bikes sounds lovely. Where did you do this?
Also wanting to catch the car show at Old Town.

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The bike hire is near the Bohemian hotel on the lake.

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by Gemski

Are we likely to see them along the Gulf coast?

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Hi Gem, it's difficult to say, here on Pine Island they're now back in the wide expanse of river/ocean. We're seeing them off Bokeelia Pier but not in the canals as generally the canals and springs are too warm for them in the summer.

[Geordie Al]

Yeah would agree with others that Crystal Rivers is the place to go. However obviously with them being in the wild there are no guarantees
However we did this a few years back, in August, and went via fun2dive and if there are any manatees out there they will know where they are. we got very lucky and swam with a number of manatees including a mother and a calf who took a liking to my hairy chest!

[Ridersmom]

We have seen manatees in August at the manatee overlook at Merritt Island Natural Wildlife Refuge in the Atlantic Coast. Not dozens but we have always seen 3 or 4.

IMHO August in generally too late for Florida manatees and the gulf is warmer than the ocean.

[Rebelrebel]

We've seen them at Merritt Island too, that was is April a few years ago but in August last year we saw them at Ding Darling on Sanibel Island, we were just driving along and I looked over and saw a Mum and her calf, I guess we were lucky . The photo doesn't really do it justice as it was much clearer to see them in real life, we drove along at the same speed as them for ages, it was lovely to see.