Manatee Watching in Dixie County: When and Where to Spot Them

Manatees are one of the most memorable sights you can experience along Florida’s hidden coast and around Dixie County. These gentle giants cruise up from the Gulf of America into the warmer waters of the Suwannee River and nearby springs, turning this quiet part of Florida into a winter gathering spot for wildlife lovers.


If you enjoy slow mornings on the water, peaceful boardwalks, and the thrill of seeing a manatee surface just a few feet away, Dixie County belongs on your list. This guide walks you through the best time to plan a manatee trip, plus the top places to see them. 


Why Manatees Come To Dixie County

Manatees cannot tolerate cold water for long. When temperatures drop in coastal areas, they move inland to warm-water refuges like Florida springs and the lower stretches of rivers. Many springs stay around 70–72°F all year, which is just right for manatees in winter. The Suwannee River and its connected springs give manatees exactly what they need:


  • Warm spring water during chilly months
  • Quiet backwaters and coves with less boat traffic
  • Access to seagrass beds and aquatic plants along the river and coastal marshes



Dixie County sits where the Suwannee River flows out toward the Gulf of America and borders natural areas like Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. This mix of river, marsh, and nearby springs creates a seasonal route for manatees moving inland in cooler weather.


Best Time Of Year To See Manatees In Dixie County

You might spot a manatee during warmer months, but your best odds come in the cooler season. Across North Florida, manatee viewing peaks in late fall and winter as they gather in springs and warmer river pockets.


Prime season:



  • Mid November through March is widely considered “manatee season” at many North Florida springs.


  • December, January, and February often bring the largest groups, especially right after a strong cold front.


Best conditions for a manatee day:


  • Cool or cold nights followed by a sunny morning
  • Water temperatures in nearby coastal areas dropping below about 68°F, which pushes manatees toward warmer springs and river runs
  • Weekdays or early mornings, when boat traffic is lighter and the water is calmer


If your visit to Dixie County falls in winter, plan at least one full day around manatee watching and give yourself flexibility to pick the coldest, clearest day of your trip.


Top Places To See Manatees In And Around Dixie County

1. Manatee Springs State Park


Located a short drive from Old Town and Cross City, Manatee Springs State Park is one of the most reliable winter manatee viewing spots near Dixie County. The spring run flows into the Suwannee River, and when the Gulf and river get chilly, manatees move into the warmer spring basin.


What you’ll experience:



  • An 800-foot boardwalk through a cypress forest, with overlooks above the spring
  • Clear views into the water from multiple platforms
  • The chance to see manatees resting, slowly cruising, or nursing calves in the calm spring pool


2. Fanning Springs State Park


Fanning Springs State Park, just up the road from Dixie County, is another Suwannee River spring that can host manatees in colder months. The spring flows directly into the river, and the park is known for wildlife like deer, birds, and manatees, especially in winter.

 

What you’ll experience:



  • A large spring basin with a boardwalk and river overlook
  • Short trails and picnic areas under mature trees
  • Easy access to small-town restaurants and the Nature Coast State Trail for a full day out


3. Suwannee River Village & Canals


Down at the southern tip of Dixie County, the fishing village of Suwannee sits where the river meets the Gulf of America. The area is surrounded by marshes, creeks, and canals connected to the river.


In cooler months, manatees sometimes travel along these quieter side channels and river bends as they move to or from warmer pockets upstream.


How to look for manatees here:


  • Stay at a local motel, RV park, or fish camp with river or canal access
  • Watch from docks and canal fronts in the early morning
  • Take a slow boat ride on the river, scanning calm coves and creek mouths


4. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge


Stretching along the lower Suwannee River across parts of Dixie and Levy counties, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge protects thousands of acres of marsh, tidal creeks, and river forest.


Manatees move through the refuge as they follow the river between the Gulf of America and inland spring runs. You may not see tight winter “clusters” here like at a small spring, but patient visitors can sometimes spot a manatee surfacing near boat ramps or calm bends in the river.


Where to go in the refuge:


  • River access points and boat launches along the Suwannee
  • Scenic drives like the Dixie Mainline, paired with river overlooks and short trails 
  • Marsh edges where freshwater meets tidal flow


Make Dixie County Your Next Manatee Watching Getaway

In Dixie County, manatee watching feels different from crowded tourist spots. Here, you can stand on a quiet boardwalk, listen to the wind in the trees, and hear that soft splash as a manatee comes up for air on a cool winter morning.



Ready to plan your manatee adventure? Explore more places to stay, find RV parks and fish camps, and discover more outdoor guides at VisitDixie.com, your starting point for Florida’s Hidden Coast experience.