Marching Out: Florida Manatees on the Move
- Rachel
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
From warm springs to open waters, here's the scoop on where the Manatees go when winter is over. Catch the last days of manatee season while spring tides rise and native plants start to bloom.
Where Do Manatees Go In the Spring?
If you’ve been following the patterns of manatee season, you may be wondering where they go once the weather starts to change. By the end of March, the waters in the Gulf start to warm again, and many freshwater springs and tributaries begin running low on food. Most adult manatees are ready to move out of these close quarters at this point in the season. Mothers and calves usually hang around the longest, and with one more cold front on the way this week, we expect to see a few lingering in the springs for at least a little while longer.
Manatees don’t need a calendar, like we do, to know when their season in the springs is ending. Their incredible sense of instinct guides them to migrate toward the Gulf, using the tiny hairs on their bodies (called vibrissae) to sense water temperatures and currents. You can read more about manatee instincts in our recent manatee observation blog.
Where to Spot Manatees in Crystal River
This is a great time of year to observe manatees moving from Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs toward the coastal waters at the mouth of the Crystal River. These habitats blend freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, providing chances to watch them coexisting with other species. We often see dolphins playfully cruising by, and the occasional burst of movement as a Manatee swims through a school of fish. Despite their slow movements, they have no natural predators, another reminder of their gentle and docile nature.
There are a few easy to access spots around town to try to get a glimpse of Manatees on the move, without getting on the water. The Crystal River Archaeological Site is of course our favorite! Have a picnic along the waters edge, or climb the wooden stairs to get panoramic views of Crystal River from the observation deck. Manatees aren't the only thing you might see, be on the lookout for Pelicans, Osprey, and those silly jumping Mullet.
Kayaking the Coastal Waters of Crystal River
If you want to increase your chances of seeing manatees before sightings become more infrequent, getting out on the water is the best way to do it. The coastal creeks and shorelines of Crystal River support thriving habitats of seagrass flats, mangroves covered barrier islands, and sweeping palm hammocks. Every kayaking trip is different and you never know what exciting marine life we will see. These lesser known kayaking spots also highlight fascinating local history that is often overlooked.
For those looking to explore, our Coastal Creeks Kayaking Tour and Backwaters of Crystal River Tour are perfect for spotting manatees on the move. On these tours, we'll be looking for manatees grazing on seagrass flats, swimming alongside dolphins, and navigating the channels flowing from Kings Bay.
Spring is a short window to see these transitional and migratory wildlife sightings, and now is the perfect time to get out on the water and see what's going on with nature!
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