During the cooler Florida months manatees are drawn to our warmer waters, in creeks, canals, rivers and the Indian River Lagoon. Want to see a manatee on your vacation in St. Lucie? Here are our top spots!
Check out local marinas! Fort Pierce City Marina and Harbortown Marina are some our of manatees’ favorite places to hang out and enjoy warmer waters. Both have restaurants on site, so grab a table and order a meal while you search for these gentle giants in the water.
- The Manatee Observation & Education Center in downtown Fort Pierce is a perfect place to learn about these amazing creatures – and they also have a great observation area. The center opened in 1996 along Moore’s Creek, a freshwater tributary. The center has been attracting manatees ever since, when it opened next to Henry B. King Power Plant. That warm water effluence from the plant (now relocated) continues to be a congregating place for manatees and visitors alike. Inside the center there are touch tanks, habitats for local sea creatures and educational stations to learn more about our local manatees! Be sure to stop by the Vanishing Mermaid – the center’s quaint little gift shop.
- Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along the mangroves near Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and in the Indian River Lagoon is an adventurous way to see a manatee up close and personal. Check out our tours & rentals here and quietly explore the waters. Manatees are even known to hang out in shallow water!
- Wildlife Boat Tours are a great way to spot all kinds of wildlife; however, if you let the captain know that you are in search for a manatee –they may take you to some of their “secret” spots for spotting manatees. Check out our boat tours here.
Check out some of these great captures of manatees relaxing in St. Lucie! Share your explorations with #VisitStLucie!