Our Family’s Review of Manatee Park in Fort Myers, Florida

Looking to see manatees in the wild? Manatee Park in Fort Myers is the place to be. Our visits have delivered an up-close view of these sea mammals, thriving thanks to the warm waters provided by a local power plant. This guide outlines the best visiting times, activities onsite, and essential visitor information.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for things to do with kids near Fort Myers, Manatee Park is a great place to spend a few hours.

Suggested Visit with Kids: 1-2 hours. Of course, you can spend all day at the park, but our boys were able to do everything tey wanted to within an hour, and then enjoyed some extra playground time. If you’re renting kayaks (or bringing your own) then add that time on top of your visit to the park.

Discovering Manatee Park in Fort Myers

Nestled in Fort Myers, Manatee Park serves as a haven for the endangered Florida Manatees. This significant viewing location provides the unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in a non-captive setting. The park owes its popularity to the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Plant, also known as the light power station, that discharges warm water into the river, creating a hospitable environment for the manatees, especially during the cold winter months.

As temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico dip below 68°F, manatees seek the warmth of Manatee Park’s waters (runoff from the Florida Power and Light processing plant), making the winter months an ideal time to visit.

Located off Palm Beach Blvd, a short drive from downtown Fort Myers and not far from Fort Myers Beach, Manatee Park is a breeze to reach. As you enter, the welcoming manatee statue is an exciting hint of the experiences that await.

Activities and Recreation at Manatee Park

Manatee Park, also known as Lee County Manatee Park, offers a variety of activities that cater to all age groups. Explore the Orange River via kayak rentals or participate in a kayaking tour.

The park has plenty of fenceline along the water for manatee viewing, picnic shelters for a shaded meal, and beautiful native plant and butterfly gardens that add to its charm. Our kids particularly enjoyed the network of trails. With its wildlife and ecosystem education, the Manatee Trail proved fun and informative.

Visit at 2pm for free sessions hosted by volunteer naturalists. These sessions, focusing on manatee biology and ecological walks, significantly enhanced our understanding of the park’s natural inhabitants.

Catering to younger visitors, the park features two playground structures, one for older kids and one for preschoolers, as well as picnic tables for families to enjoy. Our boys spent hours on end, swinging, sliding, and making new friends.

Planning Your Manatee Park Experience

Planning your visit to Manatee Park is straightforward. Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, the park offers ample time to explore and enjoy its offerings. Located at 10901 State Road 80, Fort Myers, accessibility is hassle-free.

Upon arrival, expect a nominal parking fee of $2 per hour or $5 per day at the parking kiosk. The affordable rates made it easy for us to spend the whole day without worrying about parking costs.

The park ensures that all visitors, including disabled travelers, can enjoy their visit, thanks to its ADA compliance. This inclusivity makes it an excellent destination for everyone in the family.

For an even more personalized experience, we recommend the customized tours available at the park. Plus, don’t forget to check out the gift shop that operates between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering pre-packaged frozen treats and bottled drinks for purchase.

Conservation and Education at Manatee Park

Manatee Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of Florida Manatees. These endangered marine mammals find refuge in the park’s warm waters, especially during the cold winter months. Visitors can see manatees in their natural habitat, making it a unique experience for all.

The park’s educational programs are equally commendable. The sessions held under the live oak trees and the visitor center equipped with displays and videos significantly enhance visitor awareness and knowledge about manatees and their environment.

Conservation at Manatee Park extends beyond the manatees. Efforts are made to remove non-native plants and support local wildlife like native butterflies. Our walk through the Butterfly Garden was a colorful game of eye-spy.

Before leaving, we watched a short video outside the visitor center. It outlined the reasons behind manatees’ endangered status and the conservation efforts underway to help them. It was a heartening end to our educational journey at Manatee Park.

Visitor Tips and Park Etiquette

While observing the manatees, we made sure to maintain a respectful distance and engage in passive observation without disturbing them.

Touching, feeding, or chasing manatees is strictly prohibited. These actions may alter their natural behavior and increase their susceptibility to harm. Kayakers have to be careful to avoid isolating or singling out individual manatees from their group and never separate a cow from her calf.

Remember, when visiting Manatee Park:

• Excessive noise and splashing, especially when a manatee is nearby, may startle resting manatees.
• Pets are not allowed at Manatee Park.
• It is illegal to enter areas designated as ‘NO ENTRY-MANATEE REFUGE,’ which are crucial for manatee survival.

Things to do with Kids in Fort Myers

Manatee Park is a great stop if you’re in Fort Myers between December and March, and we also found that a few hours was plenty to see and do what we wanted to at the park, so you might consider adding on one of these other things to do with kids in Fort Myers, Florida as you’re planning the perfect family vacation:

1. Imaginarium Science Center: Dive into a world of discovery at the Imaginarium Science Center, where hands-on exhibits and interactive displays spark curiosity in young minds. From touching live sea life in the touch tanks to exploring the physics of hurricanes, it’s a place where science comes to life.
2. Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Step into history at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, exploring the winter homes, gardens, laboratory, and museum of two of America’s greatest inventors. Through engaging educational programs and tours, children can learn about Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s contributions to science and industry.
3. Shell Factory and Nature Park:The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers boasts a vast collection of shells and corals. It also offers a Nature Park where families can interact with many species of animals. Fun rides, mini-golf, and an arcade round off a day of discovery and play.
4. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve:Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Take a peaceful walk along the boardwalk, spotting wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. It’s an excellent way for kids to appreciate nature and learn about the importance of conservation.
5. Fort Myers Beach:No visit to Fort Myers is complete without a day at the beach. Build sandcastles, collect shells, or simply enjoy the gentle waves at Fort Myers Beach. Water sports rentals are also available for adventurous families looking to kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski.
6. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium:Explore the wonders of the universe at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. The center also offers trails through native Florida habitats and aviaries with rescued birds, making it an educational and enjoyable outing for nature lovers.
7. Lakes Regional Park:Rent a paddleboat or take a scenic 4-wheeled bike ride (Seats 4-6 people) around Lakes Regional Park. With a splash pad, playgrounds, and a miniature train ride, it’s an ideal setting for a relaxing family day out, especially for visiting the splash pad on a hot day. We love walking the boardwalks around the lakes and looking for wildlife. We spotted plenty of fish, unique birds, and a gator or two during our visits.There’s no admission fee, but you pay for parking (we usually get a day pass and visit in the afternoon, leave for dinner, and come back for the evening).
8. Wander Downtown Fort MyersIn recent years, Downtown Fort Myers has gone from a ghost town to an enjoyable area to wander the waterfront, play at a playground, or grab some local food at Ford’s Garage, the Lodge, Blu Sushi, Capone’s Coal-Fired Pizza, or Loveboat Ice Cream (which originated near Fort Myers Beach, but recently added a location in Downtown Fort Myers).Besides food (yes, sometimes we think about other things too), there are often kid’s activities at the Fort Myers Public Library, live music in the park or at SOHO (Social House outdoor restaurant and bar), and theater performances at multiple downtown venues.

Summary

Our visit to Manatee Park in Fort Myers was an enjoyable afternoon. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a family looking for a fun-filled day, Manatee Park offers something for everyone. From observing the majestic Florida Manatees to some great playgrounds, to exploring the park’s diverse activities and learning about local conservation efforts, there’s plenty to see and do at Manatee Park. Pack your picnic and prepare for a peaceful day learning about these gentle creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go to Manatee Park in Fort Myers?

Parking is $2/hour or $5/day. There is no admission cost. If you choose to rent a kayak (or buy an ice cream treat) those are extra.

When can you see manatees at Manatee Park?

You can see manatees at Manatee Park in Fort Myers from mid-December to March when the Gulf of Mexico temperature drops below 68° F. From April to November, they are more likely to be seen in coastal habitats near the Gulf of Mexico.

When is the best time to visit Manatee Park?

The best time to visit Manatee Park is during the winter months, particularly in January and February when the manatees are drawn to the warm waters.

What activities are available at Manatee Park?

Manatee Park offers a range of activities, including kayaking, canoeing, trail exploration (Flat ground, paved area, boardwalk), and educational sessions with volunteer naturalists. You’ll have plenty of options to enjoy the park!

Canoe & Kayak rental rates at Manatee Park (2024)

What conservation efforts are in place at Manatee Park?

At Manatee Park, conservation efforts are focused on protecting the endangered Florida Manatee and preserving the local ecosystem by removing non-native plants and supporting local wildlife. This helps to create a safe refuge for the manatees, especially during the winter.

Map of Manatee Park, Fort Myers

Where can I see Manatees in Florida?

Pictures from our first visit to Manatee Park (2015)

Pictures from our 2024 visit to Manatee Park, Fort Myers

If you like Florida wildlife, you might also consider visiting Gatorland in Orlando during your visit!