Disclosure: My trip to Wakulla Springs was hosted by Visit Wakulla. All opinions expressed are my own.
Looking for the best place to see manatees near Tallahassee? I was lucky to get an up-close look at several of Florida’s beloved “chubby mermaids” during a weekend trip to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
A Florida hidden gem located less than 30 minutes south of Tallahassee in Florida’s Big Bend region, Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. At Wakulla Springs, manatees find refuge in one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.
Take the River Boat Tour at Wakulla Springs to See Manatees Near Tallahassee
If you want to see manatees and other wildlife, the best thing to do at Wakulla Springs is the jungle cruise river boat tour. Wakulla Springs State Park offers daily ranger-led boat tours through the jungle-like setting of an ancient cypress swamp.
Cruising from the springs down the Wakulla River, the Wakulla Springs boat tour is a serene ride offering an up-close look at Florida wildlife. During our boat tour, our group saw several manatees swimming in the pristine river and lots of alligators resting along the swampy riverbanks. We also saw lots of wading birds and turtles.
While we marveled at the Florida wildlife on the scenic Wakulla Springs river boat tour, we also saw where the jungle-like swamp provided a backdrop for old Hollywood movies including Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954).
Wakulla Springs boat tours are about 45 minutes long and cost $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 – 12. Children under three can take the boat tour for free. Reservations are required.
More Things To Do at Wakulla Springs
A perfect Florida destination for nature and history lovers, Wakulla Springs State Park offers outdoor adventure and relaxation in an old Florida setting. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, experience the 69-degree spring waters in the designated swimming area and relax at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
In the swimming area, a 22-foot dive/observation tower provides a platform for adventure or wildlife watching. While I didn’t jump, I did climb the tower for a magical early morning view of manatees frolicking in the spring on the first day of fall. It was a magnificent way to welcome fall and see manatees near Tallahassee.
Cherokee Sink at Wakulla Springs State Park
In addition to taking a dip in the spring waters at Wakulla Springs, you can also experience swimming in a sinkhole lake at this Florida state park. A 1.4-mile hiking trail will take you to Cherokee Sink, an 80-foot deep limestone sinkhole that’s filled with bright green water.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
Seeing manatees at sunrise at Wakulla Springs didn’t require me to camp at the park. I stayed the night in Old Florida style at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
Built overlooking the springs in the 1930s by industrialist Edward Ball, the 27-room hotel was meticulously crafted with marble, iron and heart cypress to be a retreat of quiet elegance. The lobby features marble checker tables and a stunning cypress ceiling that was hand painted with wildlife scenes.
At the lodge, you can dine overlooking the springs in the elegant Edward Ball Dining Room. It serves southern specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also treat yourself to a taste of nostalgia at the lodge’s old-fashioned soda fountain offering floats, shakes, malts and more.
Kayaking The Wakulla River To See Manatees Near Tallahassee
Want to kayak to see manatees near Tallahassee? While you can’t kayak inside Wakulla Springs State Park, you can kayak the Wakulla River outside of the state park boundaries.
During my trip to Wakulla, I joined TnT Hideaway for a guided kayak tour of the Wakulla River and got to paddle by a number of manatees along the way.
The slow-moving river and unspoiled natural setting make the Wakulla River a very relaxing place to paddle. It’s an ideal Florida outdoor adventure for nature lovers and anyone who wants to see manatees near Tallahassee.
More Places to See Manatees in Florida
Want some more suggestions for spots to see manatees in Florida? Check out this list of ways you can help protect Florida manatees that includes places to see manatees in the Tampa Bay area.
Looking for more outdoor adventures and unique activities in Tallahassee? Check out these 8 unique things to do in Tallahassee recommended by locals.
Get ideas for more things to do in the Florida outdoors with our guide to adventures beyond the beach and all our Florida adventure guides.
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Seeing Manatees would be delightful in Spring. This place looks lovely.
It is such a lovely place to see manatees and enjoy the beauty of the real Florida!