Are there manatees in Key West? Absolutely! While many people assume that you have to go to Crystal River on the mainland in order to see these gentle giants in the wild, the reality is that manatees are here in the Keys for a good portion of the year. The region offers the protective mangrove tunnels and warm water that manatees in Florida need to thrive. However, this doesn’t mean that manatees are visible to Key West visitors all year long. Let’s make sure you’re coming to the Florida Keys at the right time if your goal is to experience daily sightings of manatees!
Manatees are technically present in Florida’s waters all year long. However, they come closer to shore to reach warmer water during the winter months. While the full manatee season runs from November through March, peak season is from December through February. This is when you can expect to see the largest congregations of manatees close to shore. In the Florida Keys, shoreline mangroves provide protection for manatees as they enjoy warm, shallow waters along the coast.
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The manatee spotted in the Florida Keys is actually a species called the West Indian manatee. Currently, the West Indian manatee is protected from both hunting and harassment by the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Everything should go smoothly as long as you maintain a respectful distance when you encounter them in the wild.
Want to make sea cows part of your upcoming trip to the Florida Keys? Here’s where to see manatees in Key West!
1) Mangrove Channels, Seagrass Beds, And Sandbars
Manatees can be found all throughout the waters surrounding the island. While not exclusive to sandbars and seagrass beds, manatees are often spotted in these ecosystems by travelers making their way out to sandbars.
At Key West Boat Trips, we offer some of the most unforgettable sandbar charters. Guests enjoy rare views, sweet seclusion, and opportunities to spot all of the marine life living just off the island’s coast. Here’s a look at our popular itineraries:
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Hopping Sandbars – Following a 25-minute boat ride, you’ll spend a perfect day exploring the mangrove trails of Mud Keys, hanging out with locals at Snipe Point, and exploring the Jewish Basin. Your knowledgeable local captain will handle everything as you relax in warm, ankle-deep waters.
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Sunset Cruise – Experience a sunset at the sandbar! Take a picturesque ride from the marina through backcountry waters to enjoy the feeling of standing in the “middle of the ocean” as the sun goes down over Key West.
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Mud Key Mangrove Safari – Leave the crowded beaches behind for an incredible boat trip through backcountry waters to experience the exquisite Mud Key Sanctuary. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sandbar or take a relaxing dip in shallow water.
We strive to make every experience as relaxing and unforgettable as possible! Our captains provide ice coolers with bottled waters and sodas for your refreshment. There’s simply no better way to enjoy natural beauty and marine life in the Florida Keys.
Book your excursion with Key West Boat Trips today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Our expert captains know all the secret spots where you can encounter the gentle giants of the sea—Key West manatees. Reserve your tour now and make memories that will last a lifetime!
2) The Manatee Sanctuary At Cow Key Marina
Located on Key West’s east channel, Cow Key Marina is both a hot spot and sanctuary for manatees. During manatee season, sightings occur daily! In addition to being a top spot to see manatees in Florida, this marina also offers tons of amenities and services.
Visitors can dine at a waterfront restaurant, utilize fuel pumps, hit the restrooms, or purchase everything from snacks and drinks to bait and tackle from the marina’s store.
Good To Know: Stock Rock Cafe at the marina serves craft beer alongside American and Cuban cuisine. Daily happy hour takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
3) Dry Tortugas National Park – Island Paradise Where Manatees Meet History
Located in the Gulf of Mexico just west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is composed of seven islands and a series of protected coral reefs. People come from all over the world for opportunities for snorkeling and spotting wildlife!
While manatee sightings are fairly common in the waters around Dry Tortugas, the park offers many other exciting activities to enjoy between wildlife viewing opportunities. Here’s a look:
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Many people come specifically to dive at the Windjammer Wreck dive site located on Loggerhead Reef. The site contains the remains of a ship from 1875.
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Garden Key is home to gorgeous beaches and a former U.S. military coastal fortress called Fort Jefferson. Garden Key is also the entrance point for all ferries and seaplanes into Dry Tortugas.
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Loggerhead Key has a large lighthouse. A haven for marine life, it is also one of the top spots in Monroe County to spot loggerhead turtles.
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Bush Key is an underdeveloped island that has the distinction of being a breeding ground for many bird species not found anywhere else in the continental United States. It is covered in thousands of nesting brown noddies from February through September.
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Hospital Key contains a newly discovered submerged hospital.
Manatees are not the main attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park, they can sometimes be seen there, especially in the winter months when they move to warmer waters for comfort and survival.
Getting Here: There are no roads leading to Dry Tortugas National Park. To get here, you’ll need to take the high-speed ferry or charter a private seaplane or boat from the main island. The ferry leaves from the terminal at 100 Grinnell Street. Overnight camping is available in the park with reservations.
4) Indian Key Historic State Park – Paddle To A Secret Manatee Haven
For visitors seeking a more rugged way to enjoy Florida fish and marine mammals, Indian Key Historic State Park is only accessible via boat or kayak. This 11-acre island that’s located less than a mile from shore is reached by paddling over shallow seagrass flats. While manatee sightings aren’t guaranteed, the seagrass beds surrounding Indian Key often attract manatees looking for a nibble!
Fun Fact: While deserted today, Indian Key contains the remains of a small town from the 1800s. Residents made their living by salvaging boats that got caught up in the reef surrounding the island.
5) Key Largo – The Crown Jewel Of Manatee Watching
Key Largo is largely considered one of the best places to see manatees near Key West. In fact, you have a good chance of seeing these amazing creatures whenever you have the water in your view during manatee season! That includes when spending time at any of the restaurants or hotels with water views. However, the very best place to spot manatees in Key Largo is the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Covering 70 square nautical miles adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, the park is 25 miles in length. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the only place in the lower 48 states to offer access to a living coral reef. It’s quite common for visitors to see manatees in the sound or marina during peak season. The same waters are also popular spots for crocodile sightings!
While you may be coming with glorious sea cows in mind, here are some other fun activities to enjoy while visiting the park:
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Grab the opportunity to snorkel in shallow-water coral reefs that are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Parrotfish, damselfish, wrasses, barracudas, lobsters, urchins, and sea cucumbers fill the tides.
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Explore living reefs while scuba diving.
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Go kayaking or canoeing.
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Take a more leisurely approach to seeing manatees in Key West with picnicking, swimming, or hiking on short, easy trails.
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Visit the 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in the visitor center.
Fun Fact: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It is named after a Miami newspaper editor who helped establish both Everglades National Park and what would become the country’s first coral reef state park.
6) Islamorada – Purple Sunsets And Gentle Giants
If you’re looking for an easy place to spot manatees on a middle key not far from Key West, Islamorada offers plenty of opportunities! Known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada offers many spots with clear water views.
In fact, local anglers and boaters routinely spot manatees hanging around beside the docks. Most locals will tell you that one of the best areas for manatee viewing is a tourist complex and marine called Robbie’s of Islamorada. In addition to offering access to water excursions, the complex also features several oceanfront restaurants and bars with clear views of the ocean.
Fun Fact: With a name that translates to “purple island” in honor of its moody purple sunsets, Islamorada is conveniently located directly between Miami and Key West.
7) Key West Bight Marina – Downtown Manatees In the Heart Of Key West
Key West Bight Marina is a lively and popular spot right in the heart of Key West’s historic seaport. While it’s known for its bustling docks and waterfront restaurants, it’s also a great place to catch a glimpse of the friendly and gentle Key West manatees. These slow-moving grazers often visit the calm waters here, especially during the cooler months when they’re searching for warm, shallow areas to rest and feed.
Here’s why Key West Bight Marina is a must-visit for manatee watchers:
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Regular Sightings – Manatees are frequently spotted in the marina’s protected waters, making it a reliable place to see these majestic creatures without having to venture far from the town center.
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Easy Access – Whether you’re strolling along the docks or dining at one of the waterfront eateries, you have plenty of chances to spot manatees swimming peacefully nearby.
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Ideal Habitat – The marina’s calm, warm waters and nearby seagrass beds provide the perfect environment for manatees to feed and relax, especially during the winter months when water temperatures drop elsewhere.
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Family-Friendly Experience – The marina is a safe and accessible spot for visitors of all ages to enjoy watching manatees. It’s a unique way to connect with Florida’s amazing marine wildlife right in Key West.
Remember, while these gentle giants are curious and docile in nature, it’s important to observe them respectfully from a distance to maintain the delicate balance of their natural habitat. Avoid touching or feeding manatees to help protect these protected animals.
Next time you’re exploring Key West, make sure to stop by Key West Bight Marina for a chance to meet these amazing creatures up close in a beautiful and lively setting!
See Manatees In The Florida Keys – Let Us Help You Plan A Special Trip
At Key West Boat Trips, we offer the easiest way to see the sandbars and mangroves of the Florida Keys. Our guests routinely enjoy wildlife sightings on the water. Plan an unforgettable, affordable, and fun experience for all ages.
Experience up-close encounters with majestic Key West manatees in their natural habitat for a truly unforgettable adventure. Book your spot with us today and get ready to meet the gentle giants of the sea!
