Volusia County, which includes Daytona Beach, is home to one of Florida’s most beloved residents: the manatee. These gentle giants, often called “sea cows,” are a significant part of the area's ecosystem and a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, encountering manatees can be a magical experience. Let’s dive into where these fascinating creatures go when the temperatures drop, where you can catch a glimpse of them, and how to enjoy manatee sightings through ecotours and boat rides.
Where Do Manatees Go When It Gets Cold?
Manatees are warm-blooded mammals and highly sensitive to cold water. When the water temperature drops below 68°F, they seek refuge in warmer areas, typically freshwater springs or warm-water discharge areas. In Volusia County, many manatees head to Blue Spring State Park, a designated manatee refuge located in Orange City, about 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. The constant 72°F temperature of the spring provides a safe haven for hundreds of manatees during the winter months, usually from November to March.
Blue Spring is one of the best places in the state to observe manatees up close, especially during the colder months. The park even features a designated manatee viewing platform where visitors can watch these animals swim and socialize in the clear waters.
Why Do Manatees Migrate?
Manatees migrate to warmer waters during the winter months because they cannot tolerate cold temperatures for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to cold-stress syndrome, which can be fatal for manatees. This migration is essential for their survival, and in Florida, they primarily move between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and freshwater springs like Blue Spring.
During the warmer months, however, manatees disperse throughout Florida’s coastal areas, including the Intracoastal Waterway in Volusia County.
Where Can You See Manatees?
While Blue Spring State Park is the go-to destination for manatee viewing during the colder months, there are still plenty of opportunities to see them in Volusia County throughout the year. Manatees love the warm waters of the Halifax River and the Intracoastal Waterway, making these areas prime spots for sightings. One of the best ways to view manatees in their natural habitat is by hopping on an ecotour or boat ride.
Ecotours and Boat Rides: Several tour operators in the Daytona Beach area offer eco-friendly boat tours specifically designed to give guests a chance to see manatees up close in the wild. These tours take you along the calm waters of the Intracoastal, where manatees often swim, feed, and rest. Some popular locations to book an ecotour include:
Ponce Inlet – A picturesque spot where manatees are often seen grazing near the mangroves. Many local boat tours leave from Ponce Inlet, offering a chance to see these creatures as well as other wildlife like dolphins and seabirds.
New Smyrna Beach – Located just south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach offers another great place to join an eco-boat tour. The tour guides are knowledgeable about manatee habits and often know the best spots to observe them.
Halifax River – The river that runs through Daytona Beach offers easy access to manatee sightings. Kayak rentals and guided paddle tours are a quieter, more intimate way to spot these gentle giants.
World Famous Boat Tours – Based in Daytona Beach, this tour offers manatee sightings along with dolphins as you explore the scenic waterways. It’s a perfect way to experience local wildlife up close while learning about the area's unique ecosystem.
Protecting Manatees
While manatees are a beloved symbol of Florida’s wildlife, they are also a vulnerable species. Boating accidents, cold-stress syndrome, and habitat loss threaten their populations. If you’re exploring the Intracoastal Waterway by boat or kayak, be mindful of manatees swimming below. Be sure to follow the “no-wake” zones to prevent accidents, and if you spot a manatee, enjoy the view but remember to give them plenty of space.
A Must-See Experience
Encountering manatees in Volusia County, whether on a boat tour or at Blue Spring, offers an unforgettable look into the beauty of Florida’s wildlife. As winter approaches, consider planning a visit to the springs, or take advantage of the year-round tours, like those offered by World Famous Boat Tours, to see manatees and dolphins in their natural, peaceful environment.
Seeing manatees in the wild is an experience that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of protecting Florida's delicate ecosystems for generations to come.