Should you go?
Manatee Springs pumps a full first-magnitude flow down a short, gorgeous run into the Suwannee River, with a boardwalk through cypress swamp alongside. True to the name, manatees push up the run from the river in winter.
Summer brings a quirk: the basin swim shares space with plentiful mullet and the occasional sturgeon leaping in the river beyond.
Visiting
$6 per vehicle, 8am to sunset. Certified cave divers access the Catfish Hotel sink system; swimmers and snorkelers use the main basin. In manatee season the run closes to swimmers when animals are present.
Local tips
Walk the boardwalk to the river at golden hour. Winter mornings after cold snaps are best for manatees in the run.
Map & directions
FAQs
Are there manatees at Manatee Springs?
Yes, seasonally u2014 manatees enter the spring run from the Suwannee in cooler months, and the run closes to swimmers when they are present.
Can you dive at Manatee Springs?
Certified cave divers use the Catfish Hotel entrance to an extensive system. Open-water swimming and snorkeling stay in the basin.
Where is Manatee Springs?
West of Chiefland on the Suwannee River u2014 about 45 minutes from Gainesville, pairing well with Fanning Springs.
Visitor photos
See this week's shots: Instagram #manateesprings · TikTok #manateespringsstatepark
Great for: Camping · Kayaking · Manatees · Scuba Diving · Snorkeling · Swimming — in North Florida