Best spots to See Manatees around Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Have you ever dreamed of seeing a manatee up close? You know, those gentle giants of the sea? Well, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas in sunny Florida happen to be prime locations to make that dream a reality! The warm waters and plentiful seagrass beds provide an inviting habitat for these wonderful animals, making manatee sightings a pretty common and very delightful experience. Still, you’re going to need to know just where to look to find the best viewing opportunities, and, too it’s almost, make sure your interaction with these amazing creatures is respectful. Are you ready? Let’s find them!
1. The beautiful waters of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Want to maybe combine nature with a bit of tranquility? You can go to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park! Explore Ft. Lauderdale parks are a pretty ideal destination. This urban oasis offers a surprising respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, so, in some respects, is located right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. While you’re taking a walk or maybe kayaking along the intracoastal waterway, keep your eyes peeled for manatees that seem to come in to graze. They might enjoy munching on aquatic plants or looking to enjoy the slightly warmer water during cooler months. You will have a peaceful, stunning opportunity to see them. In addition to, basically, spotting these underwater creatures, you’ll discover many diverse ecosystems within the park. The area has beautiful coastal hammock, various freshwater and brackish-water habitats and different types of plants. All this creates the possibility of an enjoyable nature filled vacation!
2. Spend some time at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center
If you’re seeking a learning experience along with the ability to view some cute marine mammals, then consider heading up the coast a little bit to Riviera Beach. Very, very, close to Fort Lauderdale sits Manatee Lagoon. Basically, as I was saying, this unique spot provides both an educational center and a warm-water refuge for manatees, especially during the colder winter months. So, the adjacent Florida Power & Light (FPL) plant generates warm water, which is then discharged into the lagoon. That in a way attracts many manatees to seek sanctuary in this cozy spot. Now, at Manatee Lagoon, there’s a place you will want to be. An observation area, clearly, offers great vantage points, enabling visitors to view them up close. As a matter of fact you will have views of manatees basking and interacting in their natural habitat. Inside, informative exhibits explain the life cycle of manatees, what threats do they face, and the continuous conservation actions that take place. Manatee Lagoon is not just only just about watching marine life. Next, its about the need to increase our awareness on these magnificent animals!
3. Plan to discover the canals by boat tour
You want to see the “Venice of America” and find some cool wildlife? A boat tour might be your way to do just that. So you can get to a few of the local waterways! That includes New River. A number of tours specialize in wildlife watching and offer, very, informative commentary concerning the area’s ecosystem and, as well as, the animals who call it home. Typically, tour guides know the spots which the gentle giants tend to hang out. They also fully grasp the right distance you need to keep from those cute little animals to not interrupt or upset their routine activities. Some other benefit when using tour services? They usually give you a lot of great information and education regarding manatees plus a general eco-awareness on how to protect them, so, too it’s almost. Now keep in mind to make sure the company operates responsibly. By that I mean they operate in a respectful way.
4. Go explore around Everglades Holiday Park
Just a short distance from Fort Lauderdale you’ll find yourself at Everglades Holiday Park. As a matter of fact there are lots of reasons people head there! Arguably it’s known more for its exciting airboat tours across the vast River of Grass. On the way to adventure you should stay alert! A little, the channels and waterways surrounding the park occasionally act like highways for these great manatees. Should you observe one on the adventure you will most likely be excited. Especially when traveling along those shallow waters and also in mangrove areas where the local population prefers to relax! Along with its reputation of offering unique view spots? Now you can spot wildlife alongside it and experience exciting recreational opportunities. More everglades park adventures would be waiting around that region as well! That in a way is not your every day adventure! Also, be aware to keep some distance, as, basically, these great creatures live in shallow waters, that actually tend to be an environment easily changed by disturbance of wildlife around their local territory.
5. A visit to West Lake Park
Are you on a limited budget? And do you have a specific idea about just getting close up viewing the beautiful manatees? Now consider checking the stunning West Lake Park area then. In that case you’re not only just visiting a great recreational area; You can spot animals as well!. By the way that park protects over fifteen-hundred acres around stunning natural habitats where visitors will be offered endless opportunities from experiencing just peaceful scenic surroundings to the great viewing of the local wildlife. As a matter of fact there’s a particularly great vantage area around these waterways when you have any curiosity regarding the possibility for perhaps meeting manatees while visiting and taking part around watersports activities or perhaps hiking across all trails near them.
