Hello everybody,
I will be in most likelk make a trip to Florida (anywhere) over the Easter weekend 4/6/07 to 4/9/07. We want to look at manatees, anybody know the best place for viewing during this time of year?
I am open to all suggestions , advice etc......

In advance, thank you very much.

Although I've not been personally, a good friend had a great time at Crystal River.

You can also swim with them at the following location:

http://www.swimwithmanatees.com/

thanks, I've seen that online. I'll try to see them there.

the Citrus County area is the best for this, from Crystal River south a few miles to Homosassa.The Homosassa Springs State Park has several manatee viewing spots including the famous fishbowl. The swim with manatees program has been cut back to some extent, because of some nuts trying to "ride" them and otherwise harass them.You can look this up on the myflorida. com website, go to Florida state parks section and look up the Homosassa State park.Also, for more info about the area read the local paper, chronicleonline.com. It's an easy drive up the new Suncoast toll road which starts just west of the Tampa Airport , exit at the end and it's just a few miles on to Homosassa,and Crystal River.Then if you have time, go a little east of Crystal River to US41 and go north to Dunnellon, a little past the town to Rainbow Springs State park, very beautiful. If you are headed to Orlando, it's an easy drive also from Orlando Airport take the FLA Turnpike north to the end at junction of I-75 and exit SR 44 west , this will take you to Inverness and a few miles more to Crystal River.A nice day trip from either TPA/St Pete or Orlando area.

No need to drive to Crystal River to view Manatees.

They can be seen adjacent to the Florida Power Big Bend Power plant just west of US 41 and the intersection of Big Bend Road, just north of Ruskin( about 25 miles north of Sarasota)

Big Bend Road which is about 15 miles south of Tampa has a exit also off of 1-75 (south). If you exit from I-75 go straight west ( crossover US 41) and there is a sign and a wooden walkway/viewing station just on the inlet from the Bay. There will be signs giving directions after you cross US 41.

The warmwater outlet from the power plant attracts large numbers of the creatures just about year round but definately in the Florida winter ( now)

mike

Another FPL plant is in/near Ft. Myers

Here is a link "Manatee Viewing"

http://www.savethemanatee.org/places.htm

If you are lucky, you can see Manatees allover Florida. I have seen them at Estero Bay and near Marco Island/Goodland....however, it's easier to to see Dolphins and/or Alligators in Florida

I agree with the above posts that you can see manatees around the power plants, but I'd still recommend getting out of the Tampa metro area to anybody wanting to see real Florida, and a great example is the Homosassa/Crystal River area, not too far and you can really enjoy nature up close.At the Homosassa Springs Park you can see a lot of Florida wildlife and take a short boat ride(optional) down the Homosassa River.Take a look at floridastateparks.org and see what's to offer there and other parks in the area.There are closer ones in the Tampa area also if you don't have time.I am a native and hope when people come down they will get to see the real Florida.Enjoy the theme parks, beaches etc., but try to take some time to see more.Everyone I have taken, many of all ages, enjoy Homosassa Springs, especially the fishbowl area and the manatee feedings.If you have a day, I recommend the Fort DeSoto County Park beaches too, easily accessible from I-275 in south St.Pete,exit on the Pinellas bayway.

I have been to Homosassa and agree it is superior for viewing as opposed to city areas or power discharge areas. However, if you do not want to wander so far west there is EXCELLENT viewing of manatees in the Central Florida area about 45 minutes north of the WDW's mousetrap. Blue Spring State Park has easy access on a boardwalk and much viewing. Swimming with the manatees is prohibited. Protected species... yadda yadda... which translates to: "tastes just like chicken"

Nice video to watch manatee frolicking (as best they can):
http://www.bluespringflorida.com/

Official state park website:
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

enjoy.

Blue Spring State Park is a great spot for Manatee viewing. Although by this time of year most have left the area for the season. Best time is winter were there are dozens of Manatees.