Paddling with Sea Cows: Kayaking Manatee Park on the Orange River

Entrance Sign to Manatee Park

Getting close to a manatee is always a memorable experience and Manatee Park is a fantastic place to enjoy Florida's Gentle Giants close up.

Located 15 minutes North-East of downtown Fort Myers, Manatee Park offers a warm water refuge for non-captive Manatees during the winter months. Thanks to the cooling process of the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Plant, the water of the park stays warm during the winter months. When the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico dips below 68 Degrees Fahrenheit, the manatees seek out the warmer water of the park. Manatees usually appear in the park in December and enjoy the warm waters until returning back to the Gulf around March.

Manatee gliding past my kayak.

Manatee Park offers a wildlife viewing area over the water, fishing, gardens, walking paths

and a kayak launch. For those who want to try kayaking with the Manatees, Manatee Kayaking Company offers Kayak rentals starting at $26 for 2 hours. Manatee Kayaking Company also offers guided Manatee Kayak Tours on the Orange River for $65 per adult.

What to Expect:

Manatee Park is a favorite with both locals and visitors so expect a decent amount of people. Manatee Kayaking Company takes reservations for kayak rentals, so it is usually a good idea to reserve your kayak in advance.

If you are a beginner kayaker, the team at Manatee Kayaking Company will give you a quick lesson before sending you off on your adventure.

Even when there are many Manatees present, be prepared to be vigilant, and patient, if you want to get close to one of the majestic creatures. During my recent visit to the park, the Manatees seemed to surface everywhere, but near me. While none ever surfaced near my kayak, a half an hour into my paddle, several peacefully glided underneath my kayak.