Plan Your Florida Vacation
The aim of this blog is to provide as much information about things to see and do whilst you are on the holiday of a lifetime in the vacation capital of the world - The Sunshine State of Florida.
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Manatees Fort Myers
Posted on January 30th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Derek Birchenough
Authors WebsiteIf you are visiting South West Florida in the winter months and if you are like us and into wild life you must visit Manatee Park in Fort Myers, to see the manatees which had come from the cold waters of the gulf into the warm waters by the Hydro Electric power plant. As the gulf temperatures cool down say in December, January and February it is really amazing that Manatees come into the park when it is cold in Gulf of Mexico and it is some sight to see Manatees and their calves enjoying the warm water produced by the plant. Apparently this has been going on for years and in effect generations of Manatees return to this area every year and on occasions some 100 manatees have been seen, we have seen about 15 when we visited but it was still amazing. The day we went a school bus rolled up with 40 kids but they were quiet and well behaved and in awe just as much as we were.
There is no food as such in this inlet but the manatees are drawn by the warm water, and it is only when the water in the gulf is cold that they will venture into this inlet. One can imagine that in the summer months when the gulf is 85 degrees or so the water around the power plant would be unbearably hot for the Manatees.
The best time of day to visit is in the morning or around noon when the sun is behind you or overhead, it is much easier to see them rather than later in the day.
The volunteers are helpful and informative, and pleased to educate the tourists.
Best of all apart from a $1 car park fee, its free.
Funnily enough it’s called Manatee Park and is located right off interstate 75 on State Road 80 in Fort Myers. It is a small park with a playground and picnic benches but Manatees are the main attraction. There is a small gift shop and drink machines.
Manatee Park
5761 Palm Beach Bvld
Fort MyersTelephone Number 239 432 2004
We have often been strolling along a beach on the gulf coast and seen a glimpse of what we believed to be manatees, so it was nice to go somewhere and see them in all there glory in their natural environment