The Cold Front is Coming: Where to See Manatees This Week (Jan 2–9)

If you have been waiting for the perfect time to see manatees, this is it.

A cold front is sweeping across Florida this weekend, dropping overnight lows into the 40s and 50s. While that might make you want to stay in bed, it is the "Bat Signal" for Florida manatees.

When local water temperatures drop below 68°F, manatees stop roaming and rush to the warm-water refuges. With the chill hitting this Saturday and Sunday, we expect record-breaking numbers at the major viewing spots early next week.

Here are the top 4 places to go this week, ranked by what you’ll see.

1. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)

The "Clear Water" Choice

This is the gold standard. Because it is a natural spring, the water is crystal clear, meaning you can see every scar and whisker on the manatees from the boardwalk.

• The "Fascinating" Detail: Look for the "steam" rising off the water. The air is cold (40s), but the water is 72°, creating a misty, prehistoric vibe that is incredible for photos.

• Pro Tip: You must arrive by 7:45 AM. The park will hit capacity and close the gates often within an hour of opening. If you get there at 10:00 AM, you will likely be turned away.

• Gear Check: Polarized sunglasses are mandatory here. Without them, you just see glare. With them, you see everything.

2. TECO Manatee Viewing Center (Apollo Beach)

The "Volume" Choice

If you want to see the sheer quantity of manatees, go here. This isn't a spring; it's the discharge canal for the Big Bend Power Station. The water isn't clear (it's dark bay water), but the manatees pile up here in the hundreds—sometimes over 1,000 at once.

• The Experience: It’s free, it has a massive boardwalk, and there is a stingray touch tank for the kids.

• The Trade-Off: You can't see them underwater like at Blue Spring, but seeing hundreds of snouts breaking the surface at once is a spectacle you won't forget.

• Pro Tip: Walk the nature trail all the way to the observation tower for a panoramic view of Tampa Bay.

3. Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River)

The "In-Water" Choice

Crystal River is the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees. During a cold snap, Three Sisters Springs fills up with resting giants.

• How to Visit: You can walk the boardwalk (land access) to see them from above, but the real magic is booking a swim tour.

• Important Note: During extreme cold snaps, they may close the springs to swimmers to protect the manatees. Check the "Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge" Facebook page before you book a swim tour this specific week.

4. Manatee Lagoon (West Palm Beach)

The East Coast Choice

If you are in South Florida, you don't need to drive to the springs. This FPL Eco-Discovery Center in Riviera Beach attracts hundreds of manatees to its warm-water outflows.

• The Experience: It is more like a museum. They have a pristine, two-story observation deck, educational exhibits, and a cafe. It is very civilized and family-friendly (and free!).

• Pro Tip: Check their "Manatee Cam" online before you drive over to see if the herd is in.

3 Rules for This Week

1. Go Cold: The colder the morning, the more manatees you will see. Monday morning (Jan 5) should be prime time.

2. Go Early: Manatees are most active in the morning, and parks hit capacity fast.

3. Look, Don't Touch: If you are lucky enough to be in the water or on a kayak, remember that touching a manatee is illegal and stresses them out. Let them come to you.