Manatees in St. Petersburg, Florida: Our Favorite Gentle Giants.
- Sebastian Font
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Seeing a manatee in the wild in St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on at Shell Key. Often called “sea cows,” manatees are actually more closely related to elephants and are gentle, slow-moving marine mammals that thrive in the warm, shallow waters of the Shell Key nature preserve. Known for their calm and harmless nature, Florida manatees are a favorite sight for both visitors and locals, making a manatee sighting in St. Pete a true highlight of any day on the water.
Why Manatees Love Being Here In St Pete
The coastal waterways of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay offer the perfect habitat for manatees. These calm, protected waters provide:
Warm temperatures all year round
Acres of seagrass beds for grazing
Shallow bayous for resting
Manatees are most often seen from spring to fall, although they can be spotted throughout the year depending on water temperatures. Typically, manatees are out and about when water temperatures reach at least 72 degrees, which is usually from mid-April to early November in St. Pete.
Up-Close Manatee Encounters on the Water
One of the best ways to see manatees in St. Petersburg is by boat. On Island Ferry’s tours to Shell Key, guests may spot manatees:
Surfacing slowly to breathe
Grazing along seagrass beds
Resting near mangroves and shallow flats
Traveling peacefully through the Intracoastal Waterway
Compared to the ultra swift dolphins, manatees provide a serene and awe-inspiring wildlife experience that invites observation and appreciation. Island Ferry exercises great care and discretion when manatees are present.
An Eco Adventure for the Whole Family
Observing manatees is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts of any age. Kids are captivated by the creatures' size and gentle nature, while adults appreciate discovering the conservation initiatives safeguarding this emblematic Florida species.
Island Ferry’s tours, designed for families, consistently offer:
Semi-private tours
Knowledgeable captains and tour guides
Modest cruising speeds for safe and respectable manatee watching
Conservation & Respect for Wildlife
Manatees are classified as a "Threatened" species in Florida, having been downlisted from "Endangered" status in 2017 due to population recovery. However, they remain at risk from boat strikes and red tide. Island Ferry's eco-friendly tours adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their protection. Our ethical wildlife viewing includes:
Observing from a respectful distance
Never touching or feeding manatees
Reducing boat speed in manatee zones
Choosing eco-friendly tours helps preserve these gentle giants for future generations.
A Peaceful Florida Experience You’ll Never Forget
Seeing a manatee in its natural habitat is a serene and impactful experience, linking visitors to Florida's natural beauty in a profound manner. Whether you're navigating the waters of St Pete Beach, discovering Shell Key, or skimming along mangrove-lined shores, encounters with manatees highlight why St. Petersburg is a unique coastal destination.
Plan Your Manatee Adventure in St. Petersburg
If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, or Tampa Bay, a manatee eco-tour is a perfect addition to your itinerary. Pair manatee watching with dolphin sightings, snorkeling, or a relaxing sunset cruise for a well-rounded Gulf Coast experience.
Seeing a manatee in St. Petersburg isn’t just a sightseeing moment — it’s a unique connection with Florida’s beloved wildlife.
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