Why Manatees Come to Tarpon Springs in the Winter
When winter temperatures arrive in Florida, manatees begin looking for something very important: warm water. That’s one reason the waterways around Tarpon Springs can become an exciting place to spot these gentle giants during the cooler months.
Why Do Manatees Move in Winter?
Manatees are warm-water mammals and cannot survive in water temperatures that stay below about 68°F for extended periods. As the Gulf and inland waters cool down in late November, they move toward reliable warm-water habitats where they can conserve energy and avoid the effects of cold stress. (FWC)
Many of Florida’s most important winter refuges are natural springs, which maintain a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year. Manatees may gather in these warmer areas during cold weather and then move back into surrounding rivers, bays, and coastal waters as temperatures rise. Typically their season in the warm springs is from November 15th to March 31st.
Why Is Tarpon Springs Important?
Tarpon Springs has a unique connection to Florida’s manatee population. Spring Bayou and Whitcomb Bayou contain freshwater springs that provide drinking water and warm-water refuge for manatees during winter. (Plan Pinellas)
The surrounding waterways also provide access to feeding areas. Manatees are herbivores and spend much of their day grazing on aquatic vegetation, so they may travel between warm-water refuge areas and nearby habitats where they can find food. FWC research has shown that manatees commonly make these trips between warm-water sites and feeding areas. (FWC)
See Manatees From the Water
One of the best ways to experience this seasonal wildlife activity is by kayak. Quietly paddling through the waterways gives you the opportunity to observe manatees in their natural habitat without the noise of a motorized boat which are not allowed in spring bayou at all during manatee season.
Get Up And Go Kayaking – Tarpon Springs offers top-rated kayak tours in the area. You can look through the kayak as you paddle, watching the water move below you. If you’re lucky, you may see a manatee glide beneath you.
Of course, manatees are wild animals, and sightings are never guaranteed, but sightings are more common on our colder days in the winter months. Going kayaking in spring bayou on a crisp 50°F day is a great way to increase your odds of seeing a manatee. If you encounter one, our knowledgeable guides help make sure you give it plenty of space and allow it to move freely.
Experience Tarpon Springs Manatee Season
Winter is a fascinating time to explore Tarpon Springs because you’re getting a glimpse into how Florida’s manatees survive the changing seasons.
Grab a paddle, get out on the water, and join one of our amazing tour guides at Get Up and Go Kayaking – Tarpon Springs who will help you spot these incredible animals! You never know when a gentle giant might surface nearby or swim right beneath your kayak!