Manatee Park

manateepark
Facility_info

Address

10901 State Road 80
(Palm Beach Blvd.)
Fort Myers, Fl 33905
Google Map/Directions

Contact Information

Laura Carr (239) 533-7521 Kayak Rental/Gift Shop (239) 913-9993
(239) 533-7521
LCarr@leegov.com
Facility Staff

Hours

Open every day, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Public kayak launch available during park hours

Manatee Kayaking Company - Kayak Rental
(239) 913-9993
www.manateekayakingcompany.com 
Open 7 days a week 8 a.m.-5 p.m. November-April
Open 7 days a week 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May-October

Amphitheater
Boardwalk
Charcoal Grills
Event Rentals
Fishing
Food/Concessions
Hiking Trails
Paddlecraft Landing/Launch
Pavilion
Playground
Restrooms
Viewing Areas

Manatee Link Banner.png

April 2025 : We are not seeing manatees at this time.  Manatees are most likely to be seen in coastal habitats near the Gulf.  Manatees are more likely to be seen at Manatee Park when the temperature in the Gulf drops below 68°F (20°C).

Manatee Park is a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees in Lee County.  Manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is below 68°F (20°C).  The warm water in the Manatee Park canal comes from the Florida Power and Light Power Plant across the street and is created as a byproduct of cooling off their equipment. 

  • December - March: Manatees are more likely to be seen at Manatee Park when the temperature in the Gulf drops below 68°F (20°C).
  • April-November: Manatees are most likely to be seen in coastal habitats near the Gulf.

During the winter months, you may see people in and around the lagoon or canal.  These people are out there for a few specific reasons.

  • Manatee Observation – a manatee has been identified as having an injury or other issue that may require further investigation/observation.  Depending on the issue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists may respond to the park to rescue the manatee.
  • Photo documentation – Scientists in partnership with FWC take photos of manatees for identification purposes.  The individual scar patterns allow scientists to distinguish different manatees.
  • Genetic sampling – Scientists in partnership with FWC use a long PVC pipe with a needle at the end to get a skin tissue sample from manatees.  The sampling may temporarily startle manatees, but it does not cause any injuries.  This sample allows scientists to study manatee survival, migration and population structure.  This activity is conducted under federal and state research permits.


About the Park

Manatee Park is a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee. Optimum viewing months are late December, January, and February when the gulf temperature is below 68°F (20°C). Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. Current Gulf temperature may be found at SCCF Recon.

Park Shelters

Pavilion and Amphitheater Rentals are available to rent from April through November. Call (239) 533-7524 or email Dzarriello@leegov.com for reservation information. Picnic areas are available first come, first serve unless rented for a private event. ​If paying with a check for rentals or programs  all checks must be payable to : Lee County Board of County Commissioners.

Educational Resources

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