Manatee Appreciation Day

Join us to celebrate Manatee Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Deering Estate is offering $2 off general admission.

Guests can enjoy a day at Deering Estate:

See Manatees in the Boat Basin
The boat basin fronting the Deering Estate on Biscayne Bay is a great place in Miami to see manatees. The supply of fresh water combined with the calm nature of the bay allow manatees to congregate and mate here. You may also see sea sharks, turtles, rays, and even dolphins. The marine life in the waters here are fragile so no watercraft of any kind are allowed.

Learn about Manatees
In order to raise awareness of manatees, learn more about their habitats and the challenges they face.

Program partners:
Miami Waterkeeper

Save the Manatee Club
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 Manatees and make a donation to the Deering Estate Foundation for a chance to win a fun Manatee-themed Gift Basket! The winner will be notified on Friday, March 28th!

Natural Areas Tour 
Join our naturalist staff for a hike through the Deering Estate’s protected natural areas. Along the way, learn about native plants and animals and the Cutler Burial Mound. The guided tour is offered at 12:30 p.m. 

Take a Stroll on the Mangrove Boardwalk
Enjoy a peaceful stroll on the Mangrove Boardwalk which features a unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Open during daily general admission for self-guided access from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gate closes at 4 p.m.)

VISIT FLORIDA – Where & How to See Manatees in Florida 

Manatee Image: Wendie Whitton