Manatees

Question

Is there a good place here to see manatees in late February? Also looking for flat walking trails to see wildlife other then Peace River. Thank you!

Answer

Great question! Yes — there are places around Naples (and nearby in Southwest Florida) where you have a chance to see manatees in late February, plus a few nice flat walking trails to spot wildlife.

Where to See Manatees near Naples in Late February

Naples / Marco Island Backwaters: According to local tour operators, manatees can be found year-round in the shallow backwaters, bays, and canals around Naples and Marco Island. A guided boat or kayak tour is often your best bet for actually finding and observing them, since many of their preferred spots are not near trails or shorelines.
Naples Bay: This is one of the areas mentioned specifically in winter as being good for manatee sightings. While there’s no guarantee, calm bay waters make it a likely place for them to travel.
Manatee Tour Operators: Companies like Shurr Adventures offer “Kayak with a Manatee” tours or motor-boat tours in the Naples / Marco Island / Everglades City region. These tours often give you a better chance to see manatees, especially in backwater channels and grass flats.
Warm-Water Refuges: In other parts of Southwest Florida (such as around Fort Myers), manatees congregate in warm-water discharge areas during the colder months. While this is a bit of a drive from Naples, if you're really keen, Manatee Park in Lee County is one of the more reliable winter viewing spots.

Recommended Flat Walking Trails in / Near Naples for Wildlife Viewing

Gordon River Greenway: This is a nearly 2-mile system of paved trails and boardwalks along the Gordon River. You can often spot birds, turtles, possibly small reptiles, and other wildlife along the water.
Naples Preserve (Hedges Family Eco-Center): A short, 0.4-mile nature trail winds through pine flatwoods and oak / rosemary scrub. This is a very peaceful spot and great for a relaxed walk, especially for bird-watching and soaking in native Florida habitats.
North Collier Regional Park: Features a 2.5-mile paved trail around a lake and elevated boardwalk through wetlands. This is an excellent place to walk flat, see marshy areas, and possibly spot wading birds and other wildlife.

Tips for Manatee Viewing

If you’re doing a kayak tour, consider going in mid-morning to early afternoon — some guides say sunlight helps illuminate manatees in darker water.
Use binoculars or a camera with zoom — manatees are often shy, and being at a bit of distance makes for safer (and more respectful) viewing.
Follow wildlife-viewing etiquette: don’t harass or touch manatees, and give them plenty of space. Guides will often remind you about safe distances.
Dress for the walk / tour: even flat trails can be hot or buggy, so bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Bottom Line

Yes — there is a real possibility of seeing manatees near Naples in late February, especially if you take a guided kayak or boat tour. For land-based wildlife viewing, the trails at the Gordon River Greenway, Naples Preserve, and North Collier Regional Park offer flat, scenic routes through natural habitats.