At the north end of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge along SR 3, the Manatee Observation Deck on the north side of Haulover Canal makes it easy to watch for manatees making their way between the lagoons.
Resources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Titusville
Trailhead: 28.737637, -80.754674
Fees: Free
Restroom: Provided at fee areas
Land manager: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Phone: 321-861-0669
Open 24 hours. No facilities on site, but restrooms are available on the southwest side of the bridge at Bairs Cove (fee area).
Directions
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.
About the Park
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.
Explore More!
Learn more about Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge With recreational activities ranging from hiking to biking, boating, fishing, and bioluminscent kayaking, Florida's top destination for birding is also home to Kennedy Space Center.Slideshow
See our photos from the Manatee Observation Deck
Nearby Adventures
Bairs Cove A go-to location for spotting manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bairs Cove off Haulover Canal is also a launch point for bioluminescence.
Oak Hammock Trail The wildlife-rich interpretive Oak Hammock Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge provides an easy introduction to the hammocks of the island.
Visitor Center Boardwalk The only fully-accessible trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Visitor Center Boardwalk offers many overlooks for wildlife watching and birding.
Black Point Wildlife Drive Winding along a narrow dirt road, Black Point Wildlife Drive offers from-your-car birding in the marshes and mud flats of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026