Manatees in New Smyrna Beach: Summer Visitors You Won’t Want to Miss!
At Savvy Paddles, we’re lucky to launch right from Callalisa Park, a hidden gem that provides not only serene mangrove tunnels but also prime manatee-spotting opportunities during the summer months. Whether you're paddling with us on our Mangrove Tunnel Ecotour or toasting the morning with our Mimosas and Mangroves Tour, chances are high you’ll glide right past a few of these majestic marine mammals.
- If you’re visiting New Smyrna Beach this summer and love wildlife, you’re in for a real treat—Florida’s beloved manatees are on the move! These gentle sea cows are making their seasonal return to the warm, shallow coastal waters of New Smyrna Beach, and you might just spot them on one of our eco-friendly paddle tours.
🐘 Meet the Florida Manatee
The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 3,000 pounds—but don’t worry, they’re incredibly gentle and slow-moving. Often found munching on seagrass beds, manatees are herbivores with a laid-back lifestyle, spending most of their time eating, sleeping, and cruising the coastlines.
“Why Do Manatees Migrate to New Smyrna Beach?”
- During colder months, manatees hunker down in warm freshwater springs, but as temperatures rise, they expand their territory and migrate to coastal areas—including the tranquil waters of New Smyrna Beach. Callalisa Creek, with its calm estuarine channels and abundant seagrass, becomes a summertime sanctuary for these curious creatures.
- At Savvy Paddles, we’ve seen manatees cruise right under clear kayaks, poke their noses up near paddleboards, and even swim side-by-side with our guests. It’s an unforgettable moment, and we’re always careful to observe from a distance and respect their natural behavior.
Fun Facts About Manatees:
They can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes while resting—but usually surface every 3–5 minutes when active.
Despite their size, manatees are surprisingly graceful swimmers, using their powerful tails to propel themselves through the water.
Their closest land relative is the elephant—yep, the resemblance is real when you see their sweet, wrinkly faces!
🚣♀️ How to See Manatees with Savvy Paddles
Our small-group tours offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—and every booking helps protect the very ecosystem these manatees depend on. That’s right! With every tour, Savvy Paddles plants one mangrove tree and helps remove ocean plastic. Your experience supports a healthier ocean for all marine life, including our flippered friends.
🌿 Popular Tours for Manatee Sightings:
Mangrove Tunnel Ecotour – Glide through shaded mangrove channels and explore manatee habitats in peaceful surroundings.
Mimosas and Mangroves Tour – A bubbly twist on a classic paddle, perfect for catching manatees on a laid-back morning cruise.
📲 Plan Your Paddle & Follow Along!
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, paddling pro, or someone just looking for a new kind of Florida adventure, Savvy Paddles offers tours you’ll be talking about long after you dry off.
Book your tour today through www.suppaddleinflorida.com, and follow our manatee sightings and nature adventures on social media:
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @SavvyPaddles
🌊 Facebook: Savvy Paddles
🌐 Website: www.suppaddleinflorida.com
