THE MANATEE ARE BACK IN ST. AUGUSTINE!
THERES A MANATEE! Those are the magic words that create the lure and excitement of a clear kayaking tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking~St Augustine! When a manatee is spotted on one of our clear kayaking tours, the group instantly stops paddling and scans the water line in hopes of catching a glimpse of the majestic visitor.
These moments are priceless!
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spot a manatee from one of our clear kayaks, you know how magical that moment can be. These gentle giants—affectionately called “sea cows”—glide peacefully by as we paddle the Matanzas and Salt Run waterways. But have you ever wondered where they go during the colder months, and what draws them back to the coastal waters of St. Augustine when spring rolls around?
Let’s paddle into it!
Cold Water? No Thanks!
Manatees may be massive, but they’re surprisingly sensitive to cold water. Unlike whales or dolphins, manatees don’t have a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm. When the water temperature drops below 68°F (20°C), it’s game over for their comfort. Once Florida waters start dipping into the chillier side—typically in late fall—manatees make a break for warmer havens.
Yak Fax #1:
Manatees begin migrating away from the St. Augustine area in late October or early November when water temps consistently dip below 68°F. They head for warm-water springs or power plant outflows further south where temperatures stay steady around 72°F.
Their Winter Getaways
So where do they go to escape the chill? Many manatees head to freshwater springs throughout Florida. These natural springs maintain a year-round temperature of about 72°F, which is perfect for manatees. These warm-water sanctuaries become manatee hotspots from November through March, where hundreds gather for warmth, rest, and maybe a little gossip (probably about us humans paddling by).
Return to the Coast: Why St. Augustine?
***We spotted our FIRST MANATEE of the season on April 15th!
THEY’RE BACK!
As spring rolls in and water temperatures rise above 72°F, the manatees slowly begin their journey back to Florida’s coastal estuaries, including the Salt Run Estuary and the Matanzas River right here in St. Augustine. The warming waters
bring more than just manatees—there’s a resurgence of seagrass and vegetation, which is their favorite meal. In fact, adult manatees can eat up to 150 pounds of plants a day, which makes them some of Florida’s most lovable vegetarians.
Yak Fax #2:
Manatees are most commonly spotted in St. Augustine between April and October, with peak sightings typically happening in late spring and early summer when the water has warmed up and plant life is thriving.
How Do They Get Here?
Manatees are surprisingly well-traveled! They migrate using a mix of coastal navigation, memory, and likely some internal compass magic. While they’re not the fastest swimmers (clocking in at about 3–5 mph), they’re steady. Their migrations can cover hundreds of miles, following familiar river systems and coastlines to make their way back to their favorite warm-season hangouts—like the Salt Run and Matanzas River, where we launch our tours.
A Manatee Encounter to Remember
One of our most memorable sightings happened in June 2024, and it’s a story we will never forget. We were leading a clear kayak tour from our Vilano Landing launch site when we spotted a herd of seven manatees gliding through the water
just ahead. One large manatee was out front, moving with purpose, while the others followed close behind.
We watched from a safe distance, totally in awe, as they swam right past our group and continued toward the mouth of the St. Augustine Inlet, disappearing into the sparkling waters of the Matanzas River.
We shared this story with our trainer from Save the Manatee Club, and she wasn’t surprised by the scene. She explained that the manatee in the lead was likely a female, trying to get some space from the pursuing males—a common behavior during the summer breeding season. It was nature in motion, and we had front-row seats.
Yak Fax #3:
Manatees don’t travel in permanent groups, but during breeding season (usually spring to early summer), you might see a female being followed by several males—called a mating herd. This behavior can often be spotted near inlets and shallow coastal areas, just like what we saw near Vilano Landing.
Yak Fax #4:
St. Augustine’s Salt Run Estuary and the Matanzas River offer ideal habitats for manatees thanks to their shallow, warm waters and healthy aquatic vegetation. Manatees often surface for air every 3–5 minutes but can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.
Protecting What We Love
At Get Up and Go Kayaking – St. Augustine, we don’t just admire manatees—we’re committed to protecting them. That’s why we’re proud to be Certified Guardian Guides through Save the Manatee Club, an organization dedicated to manatee conservation, research, and public education.
Fun fact: Save the Manatee Club was co-founded in 1981 by none other than Jimmy Buffett (yep, the Margaritaville legend himself) along with former U.S. Senator Bob Graham. Their mission was simple but powerful—save Florida’s gentle giants.
And we’re all in. A portion of the proceeds from every tour we run goes directly to Save the Manatee Club to help fund their conservation efforts. That means when you paddle with us, you’re also paddling for a purpose.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a clear kayak first-timer, or a returning paddler, the waters of St. Augustine hold something special and spectacular —manatee!
Book your next tour and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to share the water with a manatee or two.
Want to catch a glimpse of the encounter we had in June? Head over to our Instagram: