Manatees

Question

Hi, tomorrow is our last day at Hollywood Beach. We would love to see manatees. Where can we see them? Thank you!

Answer

Seeing manatees in the wild is a special experience! While Hollywood Beach isn’t a major hotspot for manatee sightings, there are a few nearby locations where you might have better luck spotting them.

Anne Kolb Nature Center (Hollywood): This nature reserve is one of the best spots in the Hollywood area for wildlife sightings, including manatees. You can explore the mangroves and tidal flats by walking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour. Manatees are known to frequent the area, especially during colder months when they seek warmer waters. If you’re kayaking, keep an eye out for them in the calm waters.
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale): Just a short drive from Hollywood, Port Everglades is a known area where manatees are often spotted. They frequent the waters near the shipping channels and boat docks. It’s a great spot to watch manatees from the shore, especially if you're near the boat ramps or marinas.
Key Biscayne (Crandon Park): Although a bit farther from Hollywood, Key Biscayne offers a higher chance of manatee sightings, particularly near the shallow waters of Crandon Park and Virginia Key. Manatees tend to congregate in warm, shallow areas, and these parks offer great opportunities for viewing them in their natural habitat.
Florida Keys (if you're willing to drive farther): If you’re up for a longer drive, the Florida Keys are known for their abundant manatee population. Areas like the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or around Marathon and Big Pine Key offer excellent opportunities to see manatees in crystal-clear waters. If you have the time, this could be a rewarding trip to catch sight of these gentle giants.

In addition to these spots, you might also consider asking local boat rental services or tour guides about manatee sightings in the area. Many local guides are well-versed in the best places to spot manatees and might be able to take you on a guided tour for a better chance to see them up close.

Keep in mind that manatees are most often spotted in the winter months when they seek warmer waters, but you can still have a chance to see them during your visit, especially in more sheltered or warmer waters.

Good luck with your manatee search, and enjoy the rest of your time at Hollywood Beach!