Take advantage of our discounted weekly rental rate, and enjoy the outdoors for up to 7 days! Known as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River has the only National Wildlife Refuge in the entire country that specifically protects the threatened species of manatees. Launch from our Bunche Beach location into a 718-acre preserve, and experience beautiful scenery, cruising along shallow bays and through mangrove tunnels, to one of the secluded beaches, and more - all while spotting a wide variety of wildlife! We offer a variety of activities including manatee eco-tours, kayak rentals, and a gift shop. Fort Myers, FL 33908 That' s why I walked on one, thinking I climbed on a rock. All this makes Manatee Park kayaking some of the best in Fort Myers. They do recommend not chasing the manatees or paddling deep, and we sure didn't want to scare or harm the animals. (Photo: Bonnie Gross). If you visit the parks website, you can check to see the likelihood of manatee sightings each week, based on the gulf temperature. The further upstream you paddle on the Orange River in Fort Myers, the more Old Florida the ambiance becomes. Aside from kayaking to see a manatee, there are exercise stations throughout the park, as well as a playground, fitness trails with paved walkways, and it is all situated right on the riverfront! Additionally, cancellations with less than 2 hours' notice will be charged the full amount of the cost of the tour. Home to hundreds of manatees in the winter months. Be prepared to see all sorts of incredible wildlife while paddling, such as dolphins, turtles, manatees, bald eagles, and more! The manatees' travel and 'activity' is governed more by water temperature than the time of day. Our guide was Lexi, who was awesome! On cool winter weekends, the park can get very busy. We saw so many manatees right beside us. If you want to see manatees up close, go kayaking in Manatee Park . Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. The facilities were originally funded byLee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. A part of the 731 acres San Carlos Bay, the Bunche Beach Preserve is home to pristine forests of mangroves in a totally natural environment consisting of salt flats, forests and sandy beaches. Dont miss out, and start planning your next outdoor excursion! Paying for more than an hour of parking to explore the site would be pretty worthless unless you have low expectations. Birds, manatees, eagles and fish are frequently sighted. Please contact County Lands staff for a full cost accounting by This is the only place in the US that this is allowed. Kayaking with the manatees - Review of Manatee Park, Fort Myers, FL 7. The natural environment around Manatee Park features picnic shelters, viewing areas and butterfly gardens, apart from kayak rentals and a launch to the Orange River. Got a multi-day journey planned? Home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, this park is a great place to escape on a paddle in your kayak or to learn more about the local wildlife. Moreover, the Lovers Key launch is a great way to try the Great Calusa Trail in less than an hour. Some were huge, some were babies, one was covered with barnacles. Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) program. There are two designated kayak/canoe launch sites along Wildlife Drive. Mostly you see their backs. You can rent kayaks and canoes from Andersons Outdoors Adventures. If you want to kayak with manatees in Florida, Crystal River is a perfect day out and a great place to see these amazing creatures. Various wildlife can also be spotted during the tour, including dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, rays, and a wide variety of birds! They feed into the Chassahowitzka River and provide calm and picturesque scenery. Suitable for all ages, our high-quality rentals are a great addition to any outdoor adventure. Mound Key State Archaeology Site. Here is a manatee kayak tour of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that we would recommend. I understand that July would not be the best time to see the manatee is there anything else in the park to see or do? All rentals include paddles, backrests, lifejackets, and a map of some of the best spots to paddle to! Located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico, the pristine nature habitat with the curious name is one of the best places for kayaking in Fort Myers. Theres more to see, however, than just manatees. Ginnie Springs is seriously one of the most beautiful springs in Florida and if you havent already been you certainly need to visit ASAP. This relaxing and tranquil escape from reality is a beautiful place to enjoy! It was never developed and the banks are too steep there to even get to shore.). We provide a wide variety of guided excursions suitable for every kind of adventurer, including our Manatee Tour, Full Moon Tour, Fishing Tour, and more. You see their little snouts come up for air, and occasionally see their back tail. You may even be able to see a manatee while you are cruising about on your kayak! I agree with your assessment -- the river gets better as you paddle upstream. As ospreys dive in the water to catch their fish and manatees swim alongside your kayak, youll be transported into a surreal watery world lined with mangroves. While youre there, be sure to check out the new clear bottom kayaks for an especially memorable experience! You can kayak on the Suwannee River, or enjoy a calm canoe ride! Dont miss two exhibits at Fort Myers Manatee Park an audio stream piped from underwater where you can hear manatees communicating and, hilariously enough, farting. It is best to visit during the winter months if you are hoping to see a manatee by kayak or by land. Alligators and snakes also frequent the area, so watch out for these types of wildlife as well. After a few miles, the water is shallower and clearer and you begin to see small schools of fish. Educational programs, fishing, gardens, playgrounds, restrooms, walking path, wildlife viewing, paddlecraft launch and picnic areas. Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime manatee experience? Manatee Park. The best part is that you can stop and start at will in case you want to admire the surroundings or take pictures of wildlife. Manatee Park Reviews | U.S. News Travel SHELLING TIP: Look for the popular Kings Crown shells when youre paddling around here Bunche Beach is a great place to find them by the handfuls! This picture of Bunch Beach in Fort Myers is worth a thousand words. The 8.5 miles of nature trails make a connection to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail. Fort Myers, FL 33905 For those who do not want to paddle far, there are a number of mangrove tunnels to explore at nearby Rock Creek. Here are. When the temperature of the nearby Gulf of Mexico drops below 68 . FORT MYERS, Fla. Manatees are flocking to Manatee Park in Fort Myers. Do not harass them though! Gift Shop Info The manatees at Fort Myers Manatee Park loll about in the warm water discharged from an FPL plant. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Location & Hours 10901 Palm Beach Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33916 Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Categories Florida Vacation Ideas, Springs. Kayaking Fort Myers area: 3 favorites Calusa Blueway trails If your main desire is to see manatees, please call us to check current sightings and to see which tour is the best to book. Estero Island has pristine natural areas and some of the best beaches in southwest Florida. There will also be plenty of opportunities for photo taking, so feel free to bring a waterproof camera or an inexpensive camera in a waterproof bag along for the ride. There is an incredible little swimming hole closeby and a cave system that is visible! Depart from our Bunche Beach location, and cruise along with our guides as we lead you to popular manatee spots! These rentals depart from our Bunche Beach location in Fort Myers, unless otherwise noted. This is one of the top things to do on Sanibel Island were talking bucket list good! 8700 Estero Blvd. The Tree House is a small family owned and operated business that specializes in cozy, elegant courtyard events. As with all offerings on this list, all necessary equipment, including life vests, is provided. The farther up you go, the better the atmosphere. Please be advised the information contained on this page is for reference Visit our live webcam experience of this park here. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In addition to kayaking, dont forget to check out the hiking trails while you are there! Kayaking and communing with the manatees at Manatee Park in Fort Myers 3401 Tropical Point Dr, St James City on Pine IslandThe warm Gulf waters of Florida offer endless opportunities to venture away from the shore in a kayak around the barrier islands region. The park is open daily from 8am to sunset. 30 Best Resorts in Florida for Couples for a Romantic Getaway, 20 Best Places to Retire in Florida For Your Golden Years. surveys, environmental site assessments, etc.) Manatee Park is a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee. Looking to go kayaking in Fort Myers and nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands? You can then view them there, and share them with your friends and family. Guides will be available to take photos, as well. There will also be plenty of opportunities for photo taking, so feel free to bring a waterproof camera or an inexpensive camera in a waterproof bag. Ideal for weekend getaways, our Pelican Bay location offers 2-day rentals! Curious manatee at Fort Myers Manatee Park on the Orange River. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Crystal River promotes a clean and quiet atmosphere and they ask kayakers and paddlers to stay to the outer edge of the water to help respect the habitat of the manatees. (Better yet: Bring your own polarized sunglasses!). 10901 State Road 80(Palm Beach Blvd. There will also be plenty of opportunities for photo taking, so feel free to bring a waterproof camera or an inexpensive camera in a waterproof bag. My kids claimed to have seen an alligator and an otter. Observing them closely was so much fun and if you kayak slowly and enjoy, the manatees may actually play with you. Actual STRAP numbers may have been combined after preserves are From $68 per person. The rewarding five mile round trip reveals some excellent bird and manatee sightings. We recommend booking Manatee Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Manatee Kayaking Company at Manatee Park | Fort Myers Shores FL - Facebook Take advantage of our discounted 3-day rental rate! Opened in 1996, this 17-acre Regional Park is built and operated through a cooperative effort of partners & sponsors. If you choose to take a guided tour, like the one recommended below, they follow the bayous of Tarpon Springs, besides Craig Park. In some cases, there may be a $5 per person surcharge to cover the launch fees in those areas, but we will disclose that to you beforehand. Be sure to check Orange river and the surrounding lagoons. Is there a weight limit for the kayak? We offer a variety of activities including Guided Manatee Kayak Tours, Self Guided Kayak Tours and a Gift Shop. The name sirenia literally translates to manatees, so one can be assured to see many ripples in the water of these inquisitive creatures. If you want to see manatees, here are a few tips from Mike Hammond, Calusa Blueway coordinator who spent many years as a park ranger: On the cusp of cold weather, they will often spend the night in the park and then leave in search of food as it warms up in the morning.
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