A manatee in the water.

Manatee Appreciation Day

Mar 31 2027
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
$8-$16

Celebrate Manatee Appreciation Day at Deering Estate!

On Wednesday, March 31, 2027, join us for a day of discovery along Biscayne Bay, where the boat basin at Deering Estate offers one of Miami’s best spots to observe manatees in their natural habitat. The combination of fresh water and the bay’s calm conditions creates an ideal environment for manatees to gather and interact. While you’re here, keep an eye out for other fascinating marine life, including sea turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins.

This special day is all about raising awareness of manatees – learn about their habitats, the challenges they face, and how we can help protect these gentle giants for generations to come.

Other activities include:

  • Natural Areas Tour at 12:30 p.m.
    Take a guided hike through Deering Estate’s protected natural areas with our naturalist staff. Along the way, learn about native plants and wildlife, and visit the historic Cutler Burial Mound.
  • Stroll the Mangrove Boardwalk
    Enjoy a peaceful walk through a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. The boardwalk is open daily for self-guided access.
  • Shop for Souvenirs
    Stop by the Main Gate Ticket Booth or the Gift Shop at the Visitor Center for Deering Estate keepsakes including adorable manatee plushies!
  • Manatee Gift Basket 
    Show your APPRECIATION for the Manatees and make a donation to the Deering Estate Foundation for a chance to win a fun Manatee Gift Basket.

Program partners: University of Miami Mammal Program & Save the Manatee Club 

Save the Manatee logo featuring palm trees and a manatee silhouette.


Save the Manatee® Club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, and the late former U.S. Senator Bob Graham when he was governor of Florida. The organization’s mission is to protect imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. To help support Save the Manatee Club in its mission, you can Adopt-A-Manatee® today!

 

 

Deering Estate Souvenirs
Stop by the Main Gate Ticket Booth or Visitor’s Center to purchase a Deering Estate souvenir, including manatee plushies! Prices vary & supplies are limited.

 

 

Manatee Gift Basket to support the Deering Estate Foundation

Show your APPRECIATION for the Manatees! Make a donation to the Deering Estate Foundation for a chance to win a beautifully curated Manatee Gift Basket filled with unique items inspired by the beloved gentle giants and the Deering Estate’s natural beauty.

This special gift basket includes:

• Adorable plush manatees
• A bag of Manatee Gourmet Coffee – Drink Coffee, Save Manatees
• Two Deering Estate branded mugs
• A coastal and manatee themed puzzle (500 piece)
• A bottle of wine
• A pair of custom, etched drink glasses featuring manatee designs
• “Respect The Locals” Manatee t-shirt
• Hardcover “Legacy” book – A 116-page full color coffee table book that features the art, architecture, natural areas of Deering Estate. Presented by the 100 Ladies of Deering with a Foreword by Les Standiford and Introduction by Paul S. George Ph.D, this book will please history lovers, art lovers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful photography.
• Manatee stickers
• A one-year, Deering Estate Foundation Family Membership

Donations are accepted through Friday, April 2, 2027 at noon. Winner will be notified by Monday, April 5, 2027.

Support conservation, celebrate wildlife, and enter for a chance to bring home this charming collection.

Donate today for your chance to win!

VISIT FLORIDA – Where & How to See Manatees in Florida 

Manatee Image: Wendie Whitton

 

 

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