Manatees and Vero Beach

[KarenB]

We will be at VB mid June for the first time. I know there are (or used to be when DH lived there years ago) many manatees in the nearby rivers, lakes, and IntraCoastal waterways.

Is there any where we can go that is not commercialized to catch a glimpse of manatees? We would rather see them in nature than go to a "zoo" or "attraction". Our DSs (12 and 13) are very into animals, nature, and especailly the care and proper treatment of animals and I would like them to have the opportunity to see them, especally in their natural habitat.


Also, I know there is a Turtle Walk offered at VB but on a lottery system. If we can not get in, is there anywhere else we can get information about sea turtles??

Thanks,
Karen

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

As I recall, there's a powerplant nearby that they like to hang out at. I'm sure the front desk can provide info on the best place for viewing.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

My understanding is that the power plant causes the water to be warmer, or something like that which they prefer. Probably not too natural a habitat, unless your a manatee. Sure beats the zoo.

 

[neetze1]

Last year we took a turtle walk off property a few miles down the road. I wish I could remember the name-perhaps someone else might, but it was at a treasure museum. There were park rangers that go out and scout the beach while you are seeing a slide show about the sea turtles. When the spotter finds a turtle laying you get in your car and follow the ranger to the site. They then dig out a small area behind the turtle and set up a red light so you can see the laying. It is very interesting! A member of our group had night-vision glasses and it was really cool!

This tour was mentioned about 2 years ago in the Vacation Magic magazine DVC sends to us. Unfortunately, I left that issue at VB, sorry. Perhaps someone else still has it?

 

[ceejay13]

My brother and sister-in-law live in VB, and always take us to the power plant to see the manatees. There is a small gift shop and museum there, also. They end up there because the water is warmer. Our last visit was 3 months ago. We got quite a show as there is a small harbor there with a few boats and one of the boat owners had a hose out to hose down the boat and it attracted two manatees. He put it in the water and they came up out of the water like they were trying to drink from it. This went on for about 5" and only stopped because the water was shut off.

 

[spruce]

Ft Pierce Fla has a free park that has manatees where you look over a bridge and you can see them in the water. I'm not sure if this is the plant everyone is talking about but this place is an outlet for warm water from something. This is a wild enviroment, these are not captive manatees.....spruce

 

[KarenB]

Thanks for the info!

We will certainly try to find the spots you all have mentioned. I have to always get some sort of educational value out of our vacations, and I thought learning about these wonderful creatures and seeing them OUTSIDE of captivity would be very rewarding to our family.

Karen

 

[slimplaw]

We were at VB late last May. There were no manatees at that time. We were told this was the time of year they went north. They come back to Fl. in Dec. We were about 2 weeks early for the turtle walk. Hopefully you will be able to do this event. It sounded great.