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MANATEE PARK
Wild Manatees | Kayaking | Butterfly Gardens
On cool winter days, dozens of wild manatees gather in the warm, calm water of the canal at Manatee Park, and you can watch them surface just a few feet from the railing. These gentle, slow-moving giants come in from the colder Gulf to rest, and seeing them up close, in the wild, is one of the most memorable things to do in Southwest Florida.
The park is about 35 minutes from our Fort Myers Beach rentals, on the east side of Fort Myers. It’s an easy half-day trip in winter, and a perfect stop on the way to a Red Sox game at JetBlue Park.
know before you go
At a Glance
Address
10901 Palm Beach Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Manatee season
Mid-November – March
Best on cold mornings
Cost
Free entry
Paid parking
Drive from our rentals
About 35 min
From Fort Myers Beach
On the water
Kayak rentals
Launch onto the Orange River
Also here
Butterfly gardens
Picnic shelters, trails
find it on the map
Where It Is
From Fort Myers Beach, head north toward downtown Fort Myers, then east on Palm Beach Boulevard (State Road 80). The park is just east of I-75 (exit 141), right on the Orange River.
What to expect
- Watch wild manatees surface in the warm-water canal from the viewing areas
- Rent a kayak and paddle the Orange River, keeping a respectful distance from the manatees
- Stroll the native plant and butterfly gardens
- Look for herons, egrets, ospreys, and turtles along the water
- Bring a picnic and grab a table under one of the shelters
- Check the park’s live manatee webcam before you go to see how many are in the canal
Good to know
- Go on a cold morning: the colder the Gulf, the more manatees come in
- Check the manatee webcam before driving out
- Bring polarized sunglasses to see under the water
- Never touch, feed, or chase the manatees, from shore or from a kayak
- Pair it with a Red Sox spring training game at JetBlue Park, a short drive away
pick your season
When to Go
Peak
Manatee Season: Mid-November – March
The best time by far. On cold mornings, the canal can fill with manatees.
Shoulder
April & October
A few manatees may linger or arrive early, and the gardens are in full bloom.
Quiet
Summer: May – September
Manatees head back out to the Gulf, but kayaking the Orange River and the butterfly gardens make it a quiet, green escape.
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common questions
MANATEE PARK FAQ
When is the best time to see manatees at Manatee Park?
From mid-November through March, on the coldest mornings. When the Gulf cools down, manatees move into the warm water of the canal, and the colder it is, the more you are likely to see.
Why do manatees come to Manatee Park?
The canal is fed by warm water from a nearby power plant, so it stays warmer than the river and the Gulf in winter. Manatees can't handle cold water, so they gather here to stay warm.
Is Manatee Park free?
Entry is free, and there's a fee for parking. Kayak rentals and guided programs cost extra.
How far is Manatee Park from Fort Myers Beach?
About 35 minutes by car, on the east side of Fort Myers near I-75.
Can you kayak with manatees at Manatee Park?
You can rent a kayak and paddle the Orange River, where you may see manatees nearby. Keep your distance, never touch or feed them, and let them come and go on their own.
Will I definitely see manatees?
Nothing is guaranteed with wild animals, but your chances are excellent on cold winter mornings. The park's live webcam lets you check before you drive out.
Can I rent for a month or longer?
Yes. A lot of our winter guests settle in for a month or more, and homes like Batiki West 609 and Island Reef 204 are set up for exactly that. Winter dates go first, so reach out early if you're eyeing January through March.
stay with us
Stay on Fort Myers Beach, Meet the Manatees in Fort Myers
At Coast & Range, we specialize in vacation homes that feel just right — whether you’re gathering by the beach or unwinding in the mountains. Every property is carefully chosen and curated for families and friends who want a stay that’s as comfortable as it is memorable.
