We were visiting Fort Myers from Rochester NY in March 2010. My daughters (ages 4 and 6) and I visited Manatee Park on a chilly March day, and it was the HIGHLIGHT of our 8 day vacation! We rented a canoe and paddled out to the canal to see the manatees, and we were DELIGHTED that they were friendly, calm, and wonderfully happy creatures to paddle with! My daughters squealed with delight when the manatees came up for air right next to the canoe (they were so close we could have touched them)! My 4 year old swears they were smiling at her when they came up for air! We saw about 40 of them from the canoe, and gently and carefully paddled over them. They never ever "rocked the boat". We also saw a huge blue crab, and a black chicken (?) of some kind. A lovely horse farm was just to the side of the canal as well. I highly recommend renting a canoe to get up close to the manatees. We will always remember this as the best part of our trip!

Date of Posting: 17 March 2010
Posted By: Laura Savoca
Rochester NY

Stan and I rented a couple kayaks, intent on catching some fish. We paddled out into the Orange river into a huge herd of huge manatees. We fished (but didn't catch) and enjoyed paddling amongst the giant manatees that were drawn to the warm water outflow of the power plant. We will be back soon for another try at some fish and a paddle with the mantees.

Date of Posting: 16 February 2010
Posted By: Gerry Crow
NH

We just got back from a great kayak to see the Manatees. It was very efficient and a very inexpensive way to have a memorable excursion. You gave us a great time. Thanks!

Date of Posting: 08 February 2010
Posted By: Bill Duncan
New Hampshire

What a fantastic outing for the family. We enjoyed the Orange River, the sights of the Manatees with their young, and the helpful and friendly staff. We will be back again and again.

Date of Posting: 04 February 2010
Posted By: Bob L
Cape Coral, FL

The last week of January and here are these gentle giants trying to keep warm. This was a peacefully exciting life experiences that I got to see these gorgeous creatures. I recommend anyone/any age to go experience. I'll never forget it!

Date of Posting: 04 February 2010
Posted By: Cathy Byrd
Central Ohio

My friend and I rented kayaks with a goal of seeing manatees in the Orange River. The experience was amazing! There were huge manatees, babies, almost everywhere. They were coming up all around us for air. Our kayaks glided over their enormous, slow moving bodies and we were able to see them so close we could have touched them-which of course we refrained from doing. The experience was like being in a river full of small whales. You see and hear them breathing and spouting all around you. At one point, one of the giant animals came up under my kayak. For a moment I was lifted out of the water only to slam back down again with a shower of water all over me. No harm done. Just a very exciting experience! I would highly recommend this incredible experience! It costs very little but gives you a thrilling, close up encounter with these beautiful giants.

Date of Posting: 17 January 2010
Posted By: Rochelle Ryan
Providence, RI

We visited twice in one week. The viewing of the manatees was exceptional. We decided to try the canoes and it allowed us to even get closer to them. The park, the wild and the adventure was amazing. We will definitely bring all our guests.

Date of Posting: 14 January 2010
Posted By: Marg Graham
Port Charlotte, FL

One manatee in particular followed our kayak - bumped the boat. It held my attention for an hour plus. It followed us into shallow water.

Date of Posting: 05 January 2010
Posted By: Beverly Swanson
Anacortes, WA

Kayaking up-close & personal with the manatees. A great experience.

Date of Posting: 05 January 2010
Posted By: Steve Demapoulos
Anacortes, WA

Had an AWESOME experience! A manatee followed our canoe and greeted us several times! My eight year old daughter can't wait to go again. What a beautiful thing!

Date of Posting: 30 December 2009
Posted By: Mindy Zea
Minnesota

Visited again 12/20/09. Witnessed several manatees including a mother and baby. Met friends from Ohio and brought them here to see them and they also saw mother and calf, what a great day!

Date of Posting: 21 December 2009
Posted By: Chrissy Fischer
Labelle, FL

Had the best experience! Two manatees approached our paddle boat. Will do this again. Just wonderful! I was in awe at their sheer beauty.

Date of Posting: 18 December 2009
Posted By: Chrissy Fischer
Labelle, FL