Where to See Manatees in Miami?

Author Mollie Sherman

Posted Jan 7, 2023

Reads 34

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Miami is filled with many tourist attractions, from beautiful beaches to luxurious restaurants. But if you are looking for something unique and off the beaten path, a visit to see the manatees in Miami should be top of your list. Manatees can often be seen swimming in Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay - two of Miami's most famous bodies of water - and there are multiple ways to take in these underwater beauties.

One of the best ways to spot manatees near Miami is on an airboat tour. Many local companies offer airboat rides through the shallow waters around South Biscayne Bay, where you'll be able to get close enough so you can see those majestic creatures first hand. You may even have a chance to spot dolphins and other wildlife as you glide across the surface!

If you're looking to go slightly deeper into manatee territory, you can book a kayak excursion through Miami's backcountry waters in search of these gentle giants. A guided tour is ideal as it will increase your chances of spotting a group of inquisitive sea cows and getting a good snapshot for lasting memories. There are also plenty of snorkel tours available that take eager tourists out into Biscayne Bay, where gigantic experts will show you how to swim with the manatees in their natural habitat - an experience which everyone should do at least once in their life!

For those who prefer not to paddle or dive, there are several accessible waterfront spots where manatees can often be spotted resting and feeding close to shoreline buildings such as breakwaters and docks. There is also an observation platform at the edge of Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station just south of Key Largo where visitors can witness over 90 species of fish including the beautiful serene manatees from above and from afar!

Regardless whichever way you decide to see them, an encounter with a friendly wild Manatee will surely leave you fascinated for life on this unique Floridian adventure.

Where can I find manatees in Miami?

Manatees are an important part of Florida's ecosystem, and they're often seen near the city of Miami. These majestic animals can often be seen swimming in areas close to shore, particularly where the warm waters of Florida Bay mingle with the cold Atlantic Ocean. While manatees can be spotted throughout the year, they tend to concentrate around certain areas like Haulover Cutoff, and the Crandon Park Marina-Bear Cut Nature Preserve.

Visiting Florida's largest and most diverse urban park, Biscayne National Park is a great way to see manatees from Miami. With over 178,000 acres of water, this national park provides numerous opportunities for spotting these animals up close. From November through March, boat tours and snorkeling trips depart from nearby Homestead for three-hour trips with chances to see manatees in their natural habitat as well as other marine wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles. Whereas other marine mammals are migratory, manatees stay in Florida all year round thus making it possible to spot them more easily.

The Florida Power and Light power plant on Turkey Point is another spot where one can reliably find manatees throughout the year. Here visitors are able to partake in educational tours educating tourists about the effects of human activities on our local marine life. The outflow pipes provide a constant stream of warm water which attracts numerous creatures like fish during colder months or snowy days when temperatures drop below 68°F (20°C). Manatees attracted by this warmth also become present here providing excellent opportunities for keen watchers!

Are there manatees in the Miami area?

The answer to the question whether there are manatees in the Miami area is a definitive yes. Manatees are found all along the east coast of Florida from the Everglades National Park to the Mississippi River. As a coastal area, Miami is no exception and is home to several species of manatee, including Caribbean manatee, West African manatee, and Amazonian (or Brazilian) Manatee.

In particular, Miami also has a large population of Caribbean manatees who spend their summers in the Atlantic Ocean off of Miami’s beaches. They often use this area for feeding, resting, socializing and giving birth. During winter months these manatees migrate southward on Florida’s Gulf Coast where they congregate in large numbers around natural water sources such as the warm water springs and rivers that provide them with ample food sources.

Manatees can be seen very close to shore in Miami’s Biscayne Bay and at times they can even be seen near public beaches such as Virginia Key Beach Park or Oleta State Park. Several sites throughout these areas offer insight into manatee ecology while kayaking tours are available throughout the bay which provide visitors with opportunities to observe them up close.

In addition to being seen in Biscayne Bay, it is also possible to encounter them further inland when they travel inland via canals into residential areas where dozens of tubs used for irrigating yards often give them some rest during their migratory routes. There are also several animal rescue centers that serve to protect these glorious animals from boaters intent on harming them by educating locals on boats and repopulation efforts occurring through government entities like The South Florida Wildlife center among others.

What is the best location to spot manatees in Miami?

For nature lovers and animal enthusiasts, there is no better place to spot manatees than in Miami. Manatees are regular visitors to Miami’s bays and canals thanks to the warm waters, seaside mangroves, and plentiful food sources.

Visitors looking for a chance to see these beautiful sea cows can take a trip down the Biscayne Bay, as this is one of the best locations in Florida for spotting manatees. Between December and May, especially when the temperature drops below 68°F, large herds of manatees migrate here from their northern summering grounds. During this time, groups of the slow-moving mammals are often seen while they travel around spots like Elliott Key, Bear Cut Preserve, Bill Baggs State Park, Key Biscayne Nature Center, and more.

To further increase their chances of success at catching sight of these gentle giants in Miami’s warmer waters year-round; visitors should visit areas where large amounts of aquatic grass grow since this is where more fish will feed on them. For example, Virginia Key Grasslands or Key Largo area are great locations to catch sight of these majestic marine animals feeding among seagrass beds.

When encountering manatees in Miami’s waters visitors must remember the importance of respecting their environment and not disturbing the animals or their habitat; as manatees are protected by both federal and state laws. However by following such common sense advice visitor should enjoy a peaceful observation experience that offers up close encounters with some incredible wildlife!

Are there any specific locations to view manatees near Miami?

If you're looking for a safe and family friendly adventure in or around the Miami area, then consider going on a Manatee viewing excursion. The Florida manatee is an impressive species and one of the most threatened species of mammals in North America. Though sightings occur throughout the year, winter is the best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants as they make their way to warmer waters.

In Miami, there are specific areas where visitors have the best chance of seeing manatees up close. It’s crucial that you keep a safe distance from them, as they are unique and highly sensitive creatures. To experience an incredible encounter with manatees in natural habitats, you can join an eco-tour boat tour or visit one of several aquatic preserves such as Biscayne National Park; south of Miami in Homestead offers great opportunity to observe them by visiting the Everglades outlet called Flamingo Marina. Additionally, Boaters can also spot manatees around Bill Baggs State Park located towards the North Western side of Key Biscayne Island. You can find manatees hanging around Cutler Drain which connects Cutler Lake from Snake Creek within Bill Baggs State Park and this is also a good spot for experienced kayakers looking for some exhilarating yet safe experience being seconds away from observing an off-shore “mating herd” of several dozen manatees in their natural environment.

By understanding the ecology and range of areas during what times these amazing animals show up during your next visit to Miami and other parts of Florida - you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!

Where can I go to observe manatees in the Miami area?

The City of Miami is a great place to observe manatees and you can find them in a variety of locations. In the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, manatees can often be seen year-round and especially during cooler months. The National Park Service’s Biscayne National Park has certain designated areas for observing manatees and the park provides educational experiences like kayak tours, eco-tours, and diving excursions that let visitors get up close. Kayaking within the park is an optimal way to see wild manatees since they are not used to human visitors, making it easier to approach them while they are grazing in the sea grass beds.

In addition to Biscayne National Park, Virginia Key Offshore is another hot spot for watching manatees in Miami. This location offers shallow water with sea grass beds and an abundance of aquatic wildlife. Wildlife photographers have been known to have luck with snapshots here, as well as novice divers who open their eyes underwater for impressive views. There is also a marine sanctuary located here that has been designed specifically for showcasing the many species of marine wildlife near Miami which makes it one of the best places go watch wild manatees in their natural habitat!

Are you ready to take on a wildlife encouneter in Miami? There are so many amazing spots with rich ecosystems where you can experience first-hand this fascinating creature's order Sirenia. From kayaking and scuba diving tours at Biscayne National Park or photography and diving escapades at Virginia Key Offshore, there's something special at each spot awaiting your discovery! Make sure you follow all safety protocols when observing these incredible animals!

Are there any public attractions offering manatee-viewing near Miami?

The Everglades National Park located near Miami is one of the best spots for manatee-viewing in south Florida. Manatees are found year-round in the park’s oceans, estuaries, rivers, and bays. Visitors to this park can witness manatees lounging in shallow waters near sandy shores or playing near the vast seagrass meadows.

In addition to everglades National Park, Mystic Dolphin Tours in Key Biscayne offers guided manatee-viewing trips several days a week. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to view manatees up close and to observe firsthand their slow-moving gracefulness. Mystic Dolphin Tours equip their boats with state–of–the–art technology that allows them to spot and monitor endangered species like manatees.

These two attractions offer excellent chances to spot these gentle giants swimming in and around Miami’s waters. All boaters are encouraged to avoid congested canals where manatees are found as well as keep their speed down at five miles per hour or slower near mangrove shores and lagoons, giving their majestic presence plenty of respect. Manatee viewing offers a unique chance to catch sight of these amazing animals and discover more about their ecological significance and beauty.

Mollie Sherman

Mollie Sherman

Writer at CGAA

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Mollie Sherman is an experienced and accomplished article author who has been writing for over 15 years. She specializes in health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics, with a focus on helping people understand the science behind everyday decisions. Mollie has published hundreds of articles in leading magazines and websites, including Women's Health, Shape Magazine, Cooking Light, and MindBodyGreen.

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