Manatee Park image

Manatee Park

Tourist attraction Park

One of the Most Revieweds in Lee County


Address

10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Website

www.leegov.com

Contact

(239) 690-5030

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (4.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: manatees (81) park (70) water (36) kayak (29) time (25) area (25) parking (25) nice (24) visit (19) rent (18)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kimberly H. 2 years ago on Google
    first we walked around the property saw a couple manatees but the watercolor is very dark so you only saw like a little nose about coming out of the water. Then we rented kayaks for the 2 hour kayaking trip on our own They give you a map and it's pretty simple to find the manatees they tell you where they're hanging out that day. Well worth the trip we had a great time 15 to 20 manatees They came right up to our kayaks You just float around in the bay area about a mile down river. It was a little windy so the paddle back took a good hour of paddling non-stop.
    26 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ragu N. 3 months ago on Google • 53 reviews New
    The park is very small and picturesque, we went at around 9 in the morning and we saw many manatees poking their heads out and tails. I would recommend going there at opening time to see the manatees as they like it a little bit cooler and will surface more of their body at the temperature. The boardwalk was gorgeous, and very education for the little ones. They have bathrooms, playgrounds, and a butterfly garden. They also have kayaks you can rent and go around the mangrove forest being up close with the manatees. The parking was also very cheap with it being only 2/hr, and the place was definitely worth the time!
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Web3Prep 1 month ago on Google • 72 reviews New
    When visitors are in town during the winter seasons... this is one of the places we like to visit. Upkeep has been excellent. If the water is cold enough, you'll get a vast view of manatees. Wildlife is surprisingly good here as well. They offer kayak departure and good fishing. I highly recommend a visit to manatee Park. Well worth the parking fee. Fyi- I Highly recommend paying your fee to park here without a parks membership. They do periodically scan the lot and issue tickets accordingly. Just a recommendation ✌🏼
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek P. 1 month ago on Google • 190 reviews New
    Neat park. Kayaking was fun, saw quite a few manatees. Such fun creatures to see. Had a blast with the kiddos. The trails were nice as well.

  • 5/5 Frugal Family L. 3 years ago on Google
    $5 for a day parking pass or $2 per hour. Open from dawn till dusk. We thought it was so neat to see the manatees so close up. This was my first time ever seeing manatees. You could spend an hour at this park or stay in there for hours looking at the Manatees. We spent longer than normal as we met with friends we haven’t seen for a while and had lunch with them while also walking around with them. Nice clear map when you enter the park after parking. Lots of beautiful flowers! Nice bathroom facilities. Nice picnic tables where we had a picnic lunch. Nice little gift shop also and you also have the ability to rent kayaks.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia R. 2 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    Great park! Parking was only $1 for an hour, and the kiosk closest to the gift shop accepts credit and debit cards. Plenty of spots to stop and view the manatees. We have visited the park in the past but were unable to spot any, but this trip we easily spotted many swimming around and coming up for air. There are some boardwalks and walking trails in the park to enjoy the area. Worth stopping by if you’re in the area!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan K. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a surprise! We were looking for covered playgrounds to burn some energy while staying out of the sun. Before we even made it to the playground we took a walk through the mangroves, saw some manatees, hung out by the water, played on the boardwalk, and hung out with a (fake) alligator. Parking is a reasonable $2/hr. Parking is plentiful for the size of the park. There is a gift shop with snacks and reasonably clean restrooms. There are lots of walking trails, all gentle and easy. The highlight of the visit was the walk along the water, which had covered awnings every 50 yards or so which provided VERY comfortable manatee viewing areas on a hot 90F day. The water channel appears to be a power-plant cooling discharge...my guess is that manatees like the warmer water. I was chasing a 3 year old so I didn't have much time to learn (but the opportunity is there with lots of signage). We got to see a few manatees without a lot of waiting. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip...we're big animal people. What toddler parent isn't? There are boardwalks over the water through the mangroves that lead to a kayak launch area (it would be LOTS of fun to rent a kayak here...maybe when the kid is a little older), another manatee viewing area, and other locations within the park. The playgrounds are on the smaller side and better for kids under 4 probably. This was a great visit and will be a future stop. If you bring lunch, this could be a two hour visit. More if you rent a Kayak.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shelly R. 2 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Cheap fun for all. Paid for parking. A very nice and clean park. The manatees were so neat to watch. The gift shop was reasonably priced. We did not kayak due to it being a very windy day. The paths within the park were clean, smooth, and easy to get around. The butterfly garden was beautiful.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amber C. 2 months ago on Google • 92 reviews New
    This is a really nice park by the power plant. The manatees gather by the warm water discharge. I have mixed feelings so I'm giving it 4 stars. We did see manatees, but the water was so dark, we could only see them if they surfaced. In most cases, we knew they were there because the water was swirling, but we couldn't see them. It was a little disappointing. The interpretive signs are very good. There are bathrooms and a gift shop onsite, as well as a nice playground for the kids. It was very busy when we went at noon on a weekday in January.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T R. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a beautiful area to paddle around. They have kayaks for rent, and you can bring your own and launch there. The parking was $5. We saw 3 manatees while we were paddling around in the early afternoon.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie F. 2 years ago on Google
    We first went late in the day. We walked along the boardwalk & saw two manatees surface!! We went back the next day to rent kayaks. We rented for 2 hours & saw a ton of manatees! We saw several pods hanging out near the banks while we were out. Highly recommend going out in the kayaks (the tour sounds cool if you've got time!). The water there was very dark & murky, but we had no problems finding manatees. There were tons of them!!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raysa R. 8 months ago on Google
    What a lovely park. The workers are helpful and friendly. I like coming here because they have rentals for my family and friends to join in on the fun! They also have clean bathrooms that are fully stocked. You're able to go either up the river or out towards the bay for different experiences. The houses around there are nice to look at and up river there's a farm with cows! I frequent often.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela B. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed this park. The volunteers in the park is extremely friendly and helped us find the public kayak launch area. We enjoyed kayaking and came across a couple of manatees, which made our day! Highly recommend it !
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mimi 11 months ago on Google
    Great place to learn a thing or two about Floridas wildlife, kayak on the orange river, and, if it's winter time and the water is below 68°F, you probably will see manatees!!! It's very inexpensive to rent a kayak, the facilities are clean and functional, and the employees are kind and helpful. You really can't get lost and it's very safe! They also have a little gift shop with snacks and such. I definitely recommend! Have fun 😊
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carla C. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful hidden gem! There are lots of different surfaces to walk on (gravel, cement, dirt, boardwalk), making the trail and explorative treat. Many places to sit, have a picnic, and even reserve some areas for an event. Various shaded areas as well. There many manatee explanations throughout the trail. I learned a lot about the times of the year manatees tend to come (after a cold spell), how they count them, their body, how long they take to breed and take care of their younglings, and more. It’s very informative and I highly recommend it for children and adults. The welcome center has a souvenir store. There are a couple of pay stations for your car. Each hour is $1. There’s a Kayak launch area if you take your own. If you don’t, you can rent them onsite. There’s a boardwalk that leads to small area for fishing with a sign of the types of fishes you can find. Overall - it’s a gem of a park!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nate R. 2 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    Love this park! If you are in the area and even just have 30 minutes to spare; stop by! You can see a lot of manatees, rent a kayak, and enjoy some of the boardwalks and nature throughout the park. The park also has a playground near the bathrooms and the parking lot! Parking can be hectic here, so it’s worth mentioning that parking is only $1 per hour for standard cars or $5 per day for standard cars. Note that Large vans and/or tour buses/vans have separate rates than standard vehicles. The parking kiosks accept cash and card, you may just have to use a different kiosk depending on your payment method.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike M. 3 years ago on Google
    Seeing the manatees are great. Look on the website first to see if they are out as some days are better than others for seeing them. There are multiple viewing opportunities and chances to take lots of pics. There is also a boardwalk and other areas to explore. You have to pay for parking, but it is cheap and close by. Enjoy the visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Chris G. 3 years ago on Google
    This park is only worthwhile once it is cold outside and the manatees seek the warm water. Today the water temp was 90°F and none to be found. Neat observation areas and one includes a speaker to hear their underwater sounds. The trails here are very short -kid sized. Paid parking at the 2 meter areas. If you rent kayak here have to be back by 4:45pm and leave by dark. Will be awesome Dec - Feb
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jammie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of Manatees but the water clarity isn't the best. Definitely check it out if you're in the area. You can view them from land or rent a Kayak. Nov thru March are the best times. Definitely would recommend going north 3 hrs to the springs for the ultimate manatee experience. Last two pics are the difference between a spring fed area and manatee park.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Coral cactus Cape c. 2 years ago on Google
    I came to check the park out December because we have time to kill. The parking is 1.00 an hour. We did see manatees! A mom and baby. I wish we can see more.. Also a butterfly garden. Many beautiful flowers! November thru March manatees migrate here. There are kayak rental available. The Park is not as big as lake park.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer A. 1 year ago on Google
    What a nice park. I have been a lee county resident for 40 years and have never been to this park. I took my kids for a meet up with our homeschool group and it truly is a gem. We had fun looking for manatees and walking the small trail they have. We went and looked out over the water. We visited the small shop and got drinks. The kids played on the playgrounds and we walked around the entire park. I would recommend anyone visit this place. Definitely will be back. You pay for parking but it’s $5 for the entire day. You can also kayak, launch your own or rent one from the park.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christopher H. 2 months ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    They have a nice park and we'll kept grounds. The manatees are visible, but it isn't quite what we were expecting. Only $5 to park all day and interesting to walk around though. Beautiful natural park though.

  • 5/5 Krissie R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great not-so-busy find! Free to get in, pay to park $2/hr or $5 (I think) for the day! Check the time of year before you go because there is a chance you will not see any during certain months. We went twice during our stay- on a Friday in early January at 3:45pm they all were coming in from the river! It was so active! Highly recommend for all ages and would go again and picnic.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JEM 3 years ago on Google
    Our first time seeing Manatees. A nice park to visit. We were able to see many Manatees. There were some baby ones with their mothers. Its interesting to learn about them. The program at the park was very informative. Awesome.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 11 months ago on Google
    I love this place! We used the public kayak launch, which isn’t too far a walk from the nearest car drop off point. It’s a cool mangrove area within the park, but this leads you out to the Orange River. They also offer kayak rentals here. We didn’t see any manatees, however we did see turtles, and lots of bird and fish. The current was not even noticeable as we headed east on the river but once we turned around a wind kicked up making the current pick up against us. Overall easy awesome paddle!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt D. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed our time at the park and on the water. Rental kayaks available as singles doubles. Pricing seemed fair'ish given its tourism related. You can bring your own and launch at the same place as the rentals. There are also guided tours available. Our time was great for viewing, dozens of Manatees around. There are drinks and ice cream available in the office where you rent. Bathrooms are also available and clean. Some souvenirs are available along with a pathway around the complex where you can see Manatees without having to venture into the water. There's a picnic area where someone was having a kids birthday. The parking lots require you to self pay and display your ticket. $5 for the day. Enjoy your visit...
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robbin P. 2 years ago on Google
    We were a party of 5 that day. We got there around 1:30 on a Friday in early December. Walked around first to take a few pics. We bought some snacks then rented 3 kayaks. We followed the signs to the kayak launch area where we were helped into our waiting kayaks, to venture the river and explore on our own. Grandparents sharing one tandem kayak; parents sharing another tandem kayak, and 16 yr. old in a single seat kayak. We all paddled 20 minutes up river to find several manatees lounging in the water and some were eating the overhanging leaves nestled along the sunny side of the mangroves. We were leisurely floating & paddling along the river from launch spot to within sight of the bridge where we turned around and headed back to the launch area. That round trip took us about 2 hours. BTW, harder to paddle back to launch area due to the current. Such a fun time!!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sally D. 1 year ago on Google
    We went on a cold day in January and it was absolutely AMAZING! There were hundreds of manatees all over. We rented kayaks from the park and got so close to so many that we could have pet them! The kayak rentals were expensive ($52 for a tandem or "family"- 2 adults and 2 kids- rental for 2 hours, but it was totally worth it for the once in a lifetime experience! There are also cute statues and information, a playground, restrooms and a small gift shop (with really cute stuff). Parking is inexpensive, but you typically have to wait in line for quite a while at the pay station to pay for your parking.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylvia L. 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Went with my family to check out Florida wildlife, wasn’t disappointed! lot’s of manatees were in the canal and we could see there noses, tails, and bellies popping out of the water. Cool trees and nature paths to walk around, cute little gift shop as well. Highly recommend it Planing to visit again to spend more time
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael J. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice little Park to go to. Although we didn't see any manatees it was fun to walk around and enjoy the nature and the trails. You could easily bring a kayak here or rent some. There's also places to have a picnic and a nice little playground for kids.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon W. 2 years ago on Google
    We were in Ft. Myers for spring break in Mid-March. My daughter wanted to see manatees, so we thought we'd check it out. The manatees were either elsewhere or not super visible while we were there. Not a surprise at all, as we knew that was possible for the time of year. The park was beautiful with lots of walking paths and illustrated education pieces about the manatees, the ecosystem and other wildlife. So, even though we didn't get to see the main attraction, it didn't disappoint. Nice free park (small fee for parking).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Belladventures 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great experience at the Manatee park, unfortunately we didn't get to see any adorable manatees but we are planning to return when the weather isn't as hot. They have 2 playgrounds for children and bathrooms. It's $1 for parking per hour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathy 1 month ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Winter season visit. Lots of manatees. Rusty River water made it somewhat hard to see until they surfaced. Was neat to see what appeared to be a family of 3 manatees that stuck together. There was a release of a rehabbed manatee that was really cool to see as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jennifer P. 3 years ago on Google
    Really loved being able to catch a sighting of some manatees, just wish the water wasn't so dark. They were very hard to see. We actually felt fortunate one came close enough for us to make out well. Not at all like the photos on their website!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JoAnn M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very cool place to visit nov-feb. You can see manatees for the price of parking or get up close with kayak rentals.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike B. 2 years ago on Google
    The information boards about the manatees were very Informative. Plenty of seating and shade for those taking their time along the walk. Very much enjoyed the music from the lady playing the hand pans in the pavilion.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber Y. 11 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful little roadside park! Gift shop and bathroom facilities were nice even a little playground. Unfortunately other than a few splashes we were unable to see any Manatee’s on our visit. That water is DARK! Kayaking with them would have been ideal I think but one of my kids was too nervous to get out there with them so we skipped it. Parking is not free but easy to pay with card or cash at the kiosk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jordan S. 4 months ago on Google
    It was nice. I saw the rare atala butterflys. Not a single manatee, but it just wasn't the season. Sad i didn't get to see one on my vacation, lol.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 eliza c. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    a wonderful place to take the family and kids for a day trip, or if you’re new to swfl. the manatees are gentle creatures, and you’re able to rent kayaks to ride alongside them in the water. there are trails to follow in nature and a fun park to distract the kids for a while so parents can take a breather
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Awesome Park, we visited on 12/28/2023. There were a dozen or more manatee swimming that day do beautiful site to see. They also offered kayaking with the manatee, which looked really cool, but we had other things to do. I'd highly recommend seeing this if you're in the area.

  • 5/5 KD 3 years ago on Google
    We lucked out this time, going at 8am when they opened, and were able to get there before the sun was over the water (which makes it harder to see them). Plenty of manatees and their young hanging out in the warm water. The park is extremely well maintained and most visitors were masked (also why we went at 8am, as we strictly adhere to covid recommendations). We also got to see two painted buntings, which was a treat because they’re so colorful.

  • 5/5 Jon K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit. Nice walking trails along with kayak rentals. If you're looking to see manatees make sure it is the correct weather for them to be in the canal.

  • 4/5 Raphaela J. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little park for a walk. We were so hoping to see manatees but no luck. Next time we'll come earlier and rent a canoe to try our luck again.

  • 5/5 Olga S. 3 years ago on Google
    We took a kayak tour with Alyssa, and had a great time! We saw many manatees, and learned do much about them. Great place to visit-both for kids and adults.

  • 5/5 Jack J. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience, go rent kayaks and go search for manatee. We went in February found over 20. To see them stay close to the edge. Lots of cool manatee relate items in gift show. You also have to go to the gift shop to pay for your rental kayaks.

  • 5/5 Aaron H. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place so much fun kayaking...

  • 4/5 Debra D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to see manatees when the weather is colder.

  • 5/5 Field Phone E. 3 years ago on Google
    I liked it, I saw a manatee and in alligator near the power plant and then I paddled out to the river and saw several dolphin

  • 5/5 David L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to kayak and see manatees

  • 5/5 Allan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place

  • 3/5 Jackie R. 3 years ago on Google
    No animals were seen by us. 2 dollars an hour or 5 a day.

  • 5/5 Bethany P. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it!!

  • 1/5 Allen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Pay tp park and look at trees and grass and water. But no manatees...

  • 4/5 Kandis H. 3 years ago on Google
    Saw a few manatee and witnessed a rescue of a manatee wrapped in fish line. The park is very worn but the video and the photos are very informative.

  • 4/5 Megan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great entertainment for little ones but not for older kids.

  • 5/5 Kurt J. 3 years ago on Google
    Saw a few manatees. Weather wasn't ideal but still had fun!

  • 5/5 Janet A. 3 years ago on Google
    First time seeing Manateez. Great experience.

  • 5/5 Debra B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park!

  • 5/5 Ken B. 3 years ago on Google
    Saw some manatees out in the water at the end of January. Nice place with parking $2 an hour to park. Short walk through the forest.

  • 5/5 Patrick E. 3 years ago on Google
    We had so much fun at Manatee Park. It was really cool to see so many. The gift shop is very nice,and fair on prices.

  • 5/5 Pam B. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent 😌👌

  • 5/5 Carrie R. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of Manatees and they were pretty close to the bank too.

  • 5/5 greg b. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice interactive site

  • 5/5 Rocky P. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of manatees and random wildlife the day we went. Fish, butterflies, lizards, birds... A fun spot for photography

  • 5/5 S R. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved this go early to find parking.

  • 5/5 shannon t. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 5/5 Judy D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great family place and you learn a lot about the manatees and you see them

  • 5/5 Sandi M. 3 years ago on Google
    Went rented kayaks and went kayaking here and saw a ton of manatees. So awesome. If it's cold the manatee's will be here.

  • 5/5 Louise C. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 3/5 Brent R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park. Kayak rentals are twice what they should be. There should also be a 1 hour option.

  • 5/5 ashley b. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool 😎 place

  • 5/5 Swens P. 3 years ago on Google
    Cuteness overload

  • 4/5 Amy B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this park. Family friendly, has a couple playgrounds and walking trails. A little gift shop and of course if you visit when the gulf waters are cold there are manatees.

  • 5/5 Liz O. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun and educational!

  • 5/5 Floyd L. 3 years ago on Google
    We stopped here with the family for a couple of hours, and we had a great time seeing the Manatees and the various fish hanging out with them. The kids were fascinated with the Manatees, and they had a great time in the play area making new friends. Definitely worth the time to stop in and check the Manatees out.

  • 5/5 Michelle Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful little park, it was a cool day so LOTS for Manatees were there! $2 for an hour parking... Can't beat it!

  • 5/5 Chuck P. 3 years ago on Google
    Easy to get to and once you're there it's literally right next to the parking area.

  • 4/5 Nicholas G. 3 years ago on Google
    We got to see a hand full of them come to top of water. And it was free

  • 5/5 Karee V. 3 years ago on Google
    Dream come true to see and kayak with manatees. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and captured some fun pictures along the way. She knew just the right spots to go to in order to see mantees and could spot them quickly and point them out to us.

  • 5/5 Yeyvelin P. 3 years ago on Google
    We love it...

  • 4/5 Dawn Marie M. 3 years ago on Google
    I went there with my 2 granddaughters who r 3.5 and my sin and daughter in law. It was a perfect day, not too much sun but just warm enough. We didnt get to see any manatees but we saw plenty of gators, jumping fish, turtles, and beautiful array of birds. Staff was very helpful and attentive. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Rhonda S. 3 years ago on Google
    Totally worth the drive! The grounds are breathtaking and well maintained and every step was another photo moment. We saw two manatees, one pileated woodpecker. Kayaking is available.

  • 5/5 Janey W. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it, seen a mommy and her baby. Bring sunscreen and something to drink.

  • 1/5 Doug Y. 3 years ago on Google
    extremely disappointing they have employees there they should at least let you know if there haven't been any manatees there for a while

  • 5/5 Cora L. 3 years ago on Google
    A beautiful stop off Hwy 75. Worth the visit and a great place to explore, especially with kids. Will only take about an hour, unless you bring your lunch. They also have a kayak rental area and a boardwalk are for fishing.

  • 3/5 Maynard D. 3 years ago on Google
    This was an average experience for me. I saw a couple of manatees surface for water in the distance. There were also a few butterflies along the butterfly trail. Parking is $2 per hour

  • 5/5 Rikki R. 3 years ago on Google
    Doing the nature paper with your kids🙂

  • 5/5 Joan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the park but no manities the day we were there

  • 4/5 Terry G. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice

  • 4/5 Larry J. 3 years ago on Google
    Didn't see any manatees but was a nice and friendly place had a nice gift shop

  • 4/5 Betsy G. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun place to visit.

  • 4/5 Michel de B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit and hopefully see manatees. We didn't see any when we went (probably too warm) but we'll come back and we'll likely kayak from the park.

  • 4/5 Lisa 3 years ago on Google
    We saw several manatees just below the surface and periodically they would come up for a breath. Someone mentioned that they are more active in the a.m. Pretty neat!

  • 5/5 N D. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park. Some walking trails and kayak rentals.

  • 4/5 Robert L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park

  • 5/5 George P. 3 years ago on Google
    A regular visit for us, lovely park and scenery.

  • 5/5 Leah M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful but make sure you get here at 8 am when they open.

  • 4/5 Annie C. 3 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately the water color keeps from viewing easily, but still fun to sight!

  • 5/5 Christopher M. 3 years ago on Google
    Saw manatees...5 star.

  • 4/5 David K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park. With a stop by.

  • 4/5 Sharon K. 3 years ago on Google
    All I got to see was their backs They barely came out of the water

  • 5/5 Mary Ann S. 3 years ago on Google
    Didn't see any manatees but it's beautiful and the presentation was great

  • 5/5 John J. 3 years ago on Google
    Overall a very nice park. Easy paved parking. Clean restrooms. Even a gift shop. Yes. Even saw a few manatees in the canal at the back right of the park. Pretty cool.

  • 3/5 William C. 3 years ago on Google
    No manatees but nice park.

  • 5/5 Mike E. 3 years ago on Google
    very very nice and relaxing seeing manatees I did the kayaking I took my own kayak instead of just rented one but I got to see their guided kayak tours and their tour guide looked very good intelligent educated she had him see in the manatees and tell him to keep safe distance so it was very nice

  • 3/5 Amanda R. 3 years ago on Google
    Went to the park later in the day and stayed from 4pm-5pm and didn’t see a single manatee. The water was so dark and the sun reflected right off the water in the worst spot:/ the park itself is great and free except parking station and we walked around a bit but was very disappointed not to see a manatee the last day of my vacation:( wish I knew to go early when the light doesn’t affwct the water!

  • 4/5 Joe V. 3 years ago on Google
    It's cool, we didn't see any manatees except there backs out of the water periodically but we didn't pay anything to get in and there are some neat walking paths and places with privacy.

  • 4/5 Vijai K. 2 years ago on Google
    Small, but very nicely designed for so many activities. From kids play area, to canoe launch area, fishing area and multiple picnic tables. As the name says, ideal place to spot manatees during Florida winter. Parking is not free!

  • 5/5 Ingrid Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice park, we had a nice stroll on their path. Loved the old trees covered in ferns and spanish moss

  • 5/5 Rob P. 2 years ago on Google
    Oh my gosh! If you live nearby and don't stop in, shame on you! What a great place. In the middle of traffic is this very nice park. No manatees today, but nature trails, etc. Wanna go kayaking? Yep, the rent them here. I think this is a secret treasure. Go see what I mean!

  • 5/5 EC 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful park with play areas for children and fishing & kayaking for young adults as well as learning about Florida habitats. It's fun for all ages!

  • 5/5 Jolene B. 2 years ago on Google
    Very cool place to go! 😁👍 There was a nice man that introduced himself to us as "The Manatee Man" that has been giving tours of the park for 11 years! He was an awesome host that was fun to be around. His knowledge, friendliness, humor, and constant smiles was an experience I'll never forget. Such a joy to be around. Even though there weren't many manatees out this day because of the record high heat, it was still worth going. I would love to take my kids there someday. I highly suggest this place.

  • 5/5 Justin T. 2 years ago on Google
    We came on a stormy day but other than that the park was absolutely beautiful! I'm sad the manatees werent in the canal this time but alas theres always next time! They have a cute little gift shop and park with play gym for the kiddos.

  • 5/5 Megan M. 1 year ago on Google
    I cannot say enough good things about this place. It was beautiful, clean, and so much fun to see all of the manatees swimming around. There is a small parking fee, but other than that, there is no charge to get into the park. It was an excellent place for the whole family to enjoy! There's even a small gift shop. I was so awe struck by the manatees, as I had never seen one before. This place offers a huge viewing area so you can be sure to see the "chubby mermaids"!

  • 3/5 Sarah C. 4 months ago on Google
    I visited the manatee park with high hopes of seeing these gentle giants, but unfortunately, there were none in sight. The park's size was smaller than expected, and the overall experience left me disappointed. Considering the absence of manatees, I doubt I'll be returning.


Call (239) 690-5030 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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