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Manatee Viewing Area at Merritt Island NWR

Manatee Observation Deck

Where Haulover Canal connects the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon in Merritt Island NWR, a manatee observation deck makes it easy to watch for manatees drifting by

Merritt Island NWR  |  Titusville
( 28.737637, -80.754674 )      

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Manatee Viewing Area at Merritt Island NWR
Visitors crowding the Manatee Viewing Area.
See more photos on Flickr

Where Haulover Canal connects the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon, a manatee observation deck makes it easy to watch for West Indian manatees in this tidal waterway.

Resources

50 Hikes in Central FloridaCentral Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book coverHikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Overview

Location: Titusville
Lat-Lon: 28.737637, -80.754674
Fees: free
Open: 24 hours

No facilities on site, but restrooms are available on the southwest side of the bridge at Bairs Cove (fee area).

Location

Follow CR 406 east from Titusville. Once you enter the refuge, keep left at the fork to continue on CR 406 to CR 3. Drive north to Haulover Canal. The viewing area turnoff is on your right, right after you cross the bridge.

Details

A short boardwalk provides a viewing platform adjoining the Haulover Canal bridge. Watch for the tell-tale flat water before a manatee surfaces. It helps to wear polarizing sunglasses to see into the water, where manatees may be grazing near shore. Interpretive information includes puzzles and quizzes for the kids.

Looking across Haulover Canal
Looking across Haulover Canal

Explore the park

Download a map Visit their website

Category: Central Florida, ParksTag: Accessible, Birding, Family-Friendly, Florida's Space Coast, Indian River Lagoon, Merritt Island, Merritt Island NWR, Mosquito Lagoon, National Wildlife Refuges, Titusville, Wildlife Viewing

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