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Winter special
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Winter Special
Manatees in the Fort Walton Beach

Swim with Manatees Near Fort Walton Beach

For travelers who are looking for a place where they can indulge in the sunshine and enjoy time on the sand, it’s hard to top a getaway to scenic Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Here, you’re invited to relax and unwind at your own preferred pace, leaving all of your stress and cares far behind. Fort Walton Beach is also a terrific place for wildlife enthusiasts to get up close to some truly incredible creatures while they’re in town. If you’re one for the water and swimming with manatees in Florida has long been on your to-do list, the following are a few options you’ll want to be sure to consider the next time you’re here.

Check Out the East Jetty in Destin

Manatees in the Fort Walton Beach area aren’t there in abundance year-round, but if you’re heading this way in March, April, or May, you’ll find you’re just in time to see the vast majority of them passing through the surrounding waters. Over at the East Jetty in nearby Destin, those looking to cool off with a swim in the calm and shallow waters might be delighted to find themselves sharing space with a manatee or two! This family-friendly area for taking a dip is a delightful place for manatees who also like to linger in the waves. You’ll be impressed by the size of these incredible creatures when you get up close with adult manatees reaching average lengths of 9 to 10 feet and weighing around 1,000 pounds.

Book a Snorkel or Dive Tour with Scuba Fort Walton Beach

If you’re looking for a more guided experience underwater where you can get up close to manatees and swim alongside them, booking a snorkel or dive tour with the team at Scuba Fort Walton Beach is always a good choice. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, you can learn how to interact with these creatures in the water in a way that’s respectful of their habitat and fosters an appreciation for nature at the same time. If you’re not certified to dive but would like to learn, this company offers certification courses on-site before you head out into those open waters.

Enjoy the New Partnership at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Located at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has proudly announced its partnership with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) as of March 2024. As manatees continue to rise on the vulnerable species list, protecting them becomes that much more important. While you won’t be able to swim with manatees at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you will get up close as you learn more about the concerted effort to safeguard their future through the rehabilitation program at this facility where manatees are cared for before being returned to the wild.

Book Your Fort Walton Beach Getaway in Style and Comfort Today

Make more of every moment in Fort Walton Beach in luxury and style when you book last-minute condo rentals in Fort Walton Beach through the Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and to start planning your next trip to sunny Florida.