Captiva Island activities, family friendly captiva, wildlife, wildlife refuge
Visit the Manatees on Your Captiva Island Retreat
"Visit the Manatees on Your Captiva Island Retreat"
Manatees are strange, yet fascinating creatures. Their appearance and slow movements make them seem like messengers from a different age, all while reminding onlookers of fellow herbivorous land animals as they graze for food along the ocean floor. In a watery world full of predators and their speedy foes, the slow, majestic movements of manatees offer a welcome contrast.
Manatees Visitors to the Manatee park just across from Sanibel and Captiva are encouraged to explore with their own kayaks, though there are also rentals available.
Of course, as you may have noticed in the first paragraph, it’s difficult to describe just what Manatees are and how they look. So when you’re at Captiva Island for your corporate retreat or vacation, why not find out for yourself?
On the edge of Fort Myers, right on the mainland opposite of Captiva and Sanibel Island, Manatee Park, a “non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee,” sprawls out over 17 acres. During the winter months of December, January and February, visitors can see the animals in their native habitat while renting a boat or enjoying a picnic. As manatees generally surface every three to five minutes in order to breathe, plenty of picture opportunities arise.
While the park offers its own kayak and boat rental, visitors are allowed and encouraged to bring their own and start exploring. Even fishing is allowed, as are family picnics in the picnic area, pavilion and playgrounds.
The idea: to make the Manatee refuge a refuge for humans as well, bringing the two together to enjoy each other’s company and learn about each other. Spend an afternoon at Manatee Park, and you’ll be able to enjoy nature while simultaneously learning about one of the most mysterious creatures in our world.
Of course, it all begins with finding a luxurious place to come back to after your adventurous day on the mainland! Contact us to book your retreat today.