Where to find the Sea Cows of South Florida
As temperatures slowly start to drop, The Palm Beaches welcome a new resident to shore; the beloved Manatee. The large, egg-shaped mammal is never seen out of character as it peacefully floats under the surface of water above it showing only the most docile of behavior. The eminent warm weather that South Florida offers attracts the aggregation of sea cows every year from early November to mid-March. Now, in the middle of December, you can find an abundance of these gentle giants right in the heart of South Florida.
Spotting these sea creatures is not challenging, as they stretch up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They move slowly through the water and leave a prominent ring of bubbles above their head just before they surface for air. However, they are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are listed as Endangered Species. Touching, harming, or feeding manatees can result in a fine of up to $100,000. Thankfully, we are here to show you a selection of sightseeing locations across Palm Beach to passively observe our seasonal visitors.
West Palm Beach
The FPL Eco-Discovery Center in Riviera Beach features a Manatee Lagoon where bubble bath-like water outflows from the power plant at the Next Generation Clean Energy Center. The Manatee Lagoon is exactly like what it sounds like, as you can find hundreds of manatees congregated during the winter just adjacent to the free-admission facility floating in the clean, warm, crystal-clear water alongside a variety of tropical wildlife.
The Lagoon is open daily during Manatee season (Nov. 15 – March 31), and offers a variety of unique offerings for the family; Manatee Tales Story Time for the kids, outdoor yoga classes, and tours from the Manatee Masters are just a few of the highly interactive activities to partake in that create a manatee experience for all ages.
Cato’s Brige
Tequesta
As the Loxahatchee River pumps freshwater under Cato’s, manatees can’t help but be attracted to the clear, warm, nutrient-dense water under the bridge. Luckily for you, Cato’s is the perfect local hangout spot for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming. If you’re looking to experience the manatees like a Florida native, you have to give this spot a try. I recommend early in the morning, as boat traffic increases and the water’s visibility decreases as the day progresses.
If you decide to snorkel or swim in the area, be sure to have a dive flag as it is required by law.
Keylypso of the Palm Beaches Snorkel Charters
Lake Park
As you board a 34-foot powered catamaran from Lake Park Marina, be prepared to cruise the Lake Worth Lagoon upon stopping at various snorkeling locations to swim alongside manatees. Keylylpso of the Palm Beaches provides fins, masks, snorkles, and lifevests while keeping you safe under the supervision of U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains.
The manatees you see are only accessible by boat, so your experience is guaranteed to allow for a peaceful interaction amongst you and the animals, without the interference of a loud crowd. Moreover, Keylypso offers the option to purchase underwater cameras to capture these picturesque moments.
The nature of South Florida provides a home for so many sea animals due to it’s favorable climate and niche environment suitable for success. SLG finds that these characteristics are what so many of their clients also find appealing about living in this area of Florida…. we are more similar to our animal counterparts then we may think when it comes to location and the most desirable place to live.