Are there manatees at Homosassa Springs year-round?

Yes. The park keeps rescued manatees that cannot be released, so there are always animals in the spring. Wild manatees add to them from roughly November through March.

What does Homosassa Springs cost?

Admission is $13 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12; under 5 is free. The park is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with the last ticket sold at 4:45 p.m.

Can you swim at Homosassa Springs?

No. It is an observation park with no public water access. For an in-water encounter, Crystal River is 20 minutes north.

Manatee season 2026–27

Manatees at Homosassa Springs

Off season · opens in 58 days (Nov 15 – Mar 31)

Is there a daily count?

Homosassa Springs does not publish a daily manatee count. Season status is shown above; the visitor reports below are the freshest signal, and the Blue Spring count is the best statewide proxy for how many animals cold weather has pushed into the springs.

See today’s Blue Spring count →

Season rules at Homosassa Springs

A wildlife park with no public water access: manatees are viewed from the Fish Bowl underwater observatory and the spring-side bleachers. Resident, non-releasable manatees live here year-round; wild manatees join them in winter.

Official window: Nov 15 – Mar 31
In the water: No public water access
Park hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (last ticket 4:45 p.m.)

Where to see them

The Fish Bowl underwater observatory in the main spring (reopened October 2025 after storm repairs).
Ranger manatee programs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, included with admission.

Best time

Any day for the residents. For wild manatees, cold mornings from December through February. The park is a reliable choice on a day when Blue Spring or Three Sisters is at capacity or closed.

Recent reports· from people on site

No recent reports yet — be the first to report conditions.

Common questions

Are there manatees at Homosassa Springs year-round?: Yes. The park keeps rescued manatees that cannot be released, so there are always animals in the spring. Wild manatees add to them from roughly November through March.
What does Homosassa Springs cost?: Admission is $13 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12; under 5 is free. The park is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with the last ticket sold at 4:45 p.m.
Can you swim at Homosassa Springs?: No. It is an observation park with no public water access. For an in-water encounter, Crystal River is 20 minutes north.

Other manatee springs

Sources

Full profile: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park