Best place to see manatees in Dec?

[GEM]

On our trip this December, I really want to see some manatees! I've seen a lot of information about how the manatees usually leave the ocean and spend the winter enjoying the warmer waters in the central Florida springs and rivers. Last December, we drove up to Blue Springs State Park hoping to see some. However, the weather had been to warm and they hadn't come into the springs yet. We're hoping to have better luck this year. Does anybody know any other good places not more than a few hours from Orlando where we might have a chance to see some manatees in the wild?

 

[Bamboo]

http://www.manatee-teco.com
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district2/homosassasprings/index.asp

 

[Flitter]

My FAVORITE place to see Manatee's is on the west cost at Homasossa. I believe it is a state park or is run by the state. They many times bring injured or ill manatees there for rehab. You can really get up close and personal with them.

To get to Homasossa take route 50 west to hwy 19 and turn right. It is about 20 to 30 minutes north. I would definately recommed it to anyone.

 

[lovingthemouse]

We second the motion on driving to Homosassa to see the manatees- was there this past April with relatives who live there- there is a great place on Highway 19 - a center run by the State Sept for Wildlfe , i believe - it contains an info center, gift shop, buffet restaurant and boats which will safely take you through channels where the manatees can be seen. It is wonderful!! It's about 1 hr and 25 minutes form Orlando and the previous poster gave great directions too. It is northwest of Orlando on the Gulf coast. Caroline

 

[SimonV]

Check out Dive Orlando on http://www.diveorlando.com/ for one of the best virtually guaranteed manatee trips in the state.

 

[Danfreeb]

There are a couple of manattees in EPCOT at the Under the Sea exhibit, at least the last time I was there.

Don't know about Seaworld??