Manatee Viewing Center image

Manatee Viewing Center

Tourist attraction Nature preserve

One of the Most Revieweds in Hillsborough County


Address

6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Website

www.tampaelectric.com

Contact

(813) 228-4289

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (8.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: manatees (59) free (37) area (31) time (29) great (26) viewing (24) shop (24) gift (23) visit (21) parking (21)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Samantha B. 3 months ago on Google • 117 reviews New
    Super nice place. They have a few trails to walk, a viewing tower, manatee viewing, a stingray pool, and a gift shop. The trails went to places that talked about solar energy and other sustainable energy sources. They had some interactive activities at the stops. They had a little pool with stingrays you could touch where the volunteers were really kind. The manatee viewing spot was perfect. There were so many! Overall great experience considering all the activities were free!
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Landon B. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here on December 26, 2022. This is a Nature Preserve where manatees in Tampa Bay are attracted to the warm waters of industrial canals. There was a wait time for cars to park at the Manatee Viewing Center, but we got patient and decided to wait. It was a busy day, but was still enjoyable. This experience is free! All the boardwalks and gravel paths are clean and maintained, but bathroom cleanliness can be improved. All the staff were volunteers and were very friendly. During our experience, we saw hundreds of manatees! It was a delight to see these manatees huddle together in a man made habitat. There are various signs educating people about the behavior of manatees and clean energy on the walking trails to the Observation Tower and Overflow Parking. Overall, is definitely worth the wait. Is great to see an organization that sincerely cares about our local wildlife and not looking for our money!
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justine V. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a really cool (free!) place to visit on a Saturday. The close parking lot was full so we parked in the overflow which ended being great because there is a little center over there with energy games and activities. Bathrooms as well. Then we took a leisurely stroll to the center. There were several manatees in the water and a stingray petting area. Lots of boardwalks and it's kind of cool to see the power plant up close. Lots of activities for young kids scattered about as well as informational signs. Staff were friendly and we had a great visit!
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ArtsyPhotos LLC Professional P. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit in the area! Beautiful and one of a kind experience. Manatees and Sting Ray up close for photos and experiencing. Great bird watching and plant life viewing also. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. The parking lot was crowded but easy to find. Handicap accessible throughout the center. We did not visit the gift shop due to the very long line to enter. Restrooms are available on site. Highly recommend for guests of all ages and interests!
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa W. 1 month ago on Google • 478 reviews New
    Great facility! It's free and free parking. There is a gift shop, you can also get food and drinks there. They have a touch tank with stingrays. We got to see so many manatees and sharks. If you park in the overflow lot the walk to the area is not bad it's pretty. They do have a golf cart shuttle. I will go here again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah T. 1 month ago on Google • 205 reviews New
    I absolutely love visiting here, its my 3rd time and I never tire of seeing these beautiful creatures. Parking was easy... and if there is not space in the main parking lot, there is remote parking with a shuttle, free. I always enjoy walking on the boardwalks and there is plenty of railing space to get a good view in. The signs are helpful to identify the birds and fish. The gift shop is very reasonable priced.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R S s. 2 years ago on Google
    A different experience to try to find manatee’s in their natural habitat! We saw lots of fish, butterflies, and birds. The ray tank was pretty awesome, and they flapped at the surface which was adorable. The pier was a good walk, and they have clean restrooms, and a snack area. Had to check out the gift shop, which did not disappoint! Indoors a face mask is required. There are nice activities for kids, such as coloring and playing with sand. Please walk on the pathway, they strongly advise that.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark M. 1 month ago on Google • 381 reviews New
    It was a great way to see Manatee's and Sting Rays with a couple viewing Piers. There was a shuttle that takes you to a Sea Turtle exhibit but the wait was 45 minutes and we had some youngsters so another time. It's open from November to April per one of the employees so I would check ahead. Nice thing was it is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunshine M. 2 months ago on Google • 187 reviews New
    What an awesome experience for people of all ages, and at no cost!!! Everything is set up perfectly. The gift shop was amazing and prices were great! Employees/volunteers were phenomenal. We definitely will be back. Visit on a cooler day to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Also, consider adopting a manatee to help save these gentle giants!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mermaids C. 2 months ago on Google • 119 reviews New
    The best free experience! Very clean, no crowds, educational, love watching manatees enjoying the warmer waters! Fun and playful stingrays! Beautiful boardwalk. Definitely will be returning to learn about the birds, gardens, and check out the gift shop. Wheelchair accessible. They have Wheelchairs as well. Very friendly staff. We felt very welcome.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca J. 1 year ago on Google
    Yesterday was the second time that I got to experience and enjoy the Manatee Viewing center. The first time in February I got to see tons of manatees because they were kind of wintering there. Yesterday in April 2020 we took the time to walk the many nature trails there and go to the 50 foot high look-out observation tower! It was beautiful and worth the walk. I would suggest though taking a trail map if there is one because there are multiple trails and things to see. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend seeing this. Especially in the winter months, but really anytime. The educational center was really nice and great for children also the butterfly garden and other exhibits there as well!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 michele b. 5 years ago on Google
    Had an awesome day watching manatees, black fin sharks, sting rays, birds, fish..... so much stuff! Really cool to watch the sharks jumping up out of the water. A must see if you're in the Apollo Beach area! Pics can't do it justice. The cafe & gift shop are reasonably priced & all proceeds go back into the Manatee preservation.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brenda B. 9 months ago on Google
    Well kept center that brings you closer to nature. Great walking areas and tons of wildlife. The touch pool for the rays was amazing. Wish the center was opened all the time instead of seasonally.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna B. 2 years ago on Google
    We had so much fun at the Manatee Viewing Center! We saw LOTS of manatees, sharks, fish, rays, and even birds. They have a really pretty nature trail that leads to the viewing area, as well as a little stingray tank where you can touch the rays. It’s a cool place to see wildlife, take photos, and learn about the animals. Although we didn’t have time to check it out, they did have a gift shop and a Kona Ice Truck on the property, as well as lots of photo ops. The only thing we wished was different is that most of the manatees are on the side closer to the power plant, so they were a bit hard to see from far away, but other than that we loved it. This is a fun place for people of all ages, and is a must-see in Tampa!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan Y. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great place to visit! Plus, it's FREE! Parking is a little tight, but they have overflow parking and parking attendants. Apparently the best time to go is in the winter on a cooler day. The manatees search for the warmer water found near the nearby power plant. There were dozens of manatees as well as schools of fish. There is a stingray petting area and also some nature trails. You can spend a 2-3 hours here if you really took your time. Loved it!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy s. 1 month ago on Google • 123 reviews New
    So fun, clean, and it's FREE!!! This place is great! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. First time touching a sting ray! The walkways are large, everything was clean (even the bathrooms). While the manatee weren't close, you can definitely see them there. It's amazing the entire facility is free. It needs to be on your bucket list!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley S. 3 months ago on Google New
    We moved to Florida in February of this year and this is the first time we've experienced the manatees at the viewing center. My kids are obsessed with the "sea cows" and had an absolutely amazing time here. We came around 4:25 in the evening and we shared the dock with only a few people and the kids got to check out all the different spots that they were in. I definitely recommend checking the cameras on the website to see if the manatees are in the area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron G. 11 months ago on Google
    We really enjoyed seeing a manatee. I think we were a bit late in the season. They migrate so there weren’t many left, but we did get a good look at one which was really cool. Hard to be a free exhibit like this. There is an area to buy food, bathrooms, and a gift shop. There is also a small education area that teaches about manatees and even has some skeletons and bones. The power plant next door was also interesting to look at. We didn’t get a chance to take the walk around the natural area but it seemed pretty nice. Highly recommended.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Terrell G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome place to bring the family. You can check ahead on the website to see if the Manatees are available for viewing ahead of time. They have other aquatic life that are available to see. The stingrays are available to pet if you like; just make sure you follow the instructions of the team members. Plenty of open space. It's a nice place. The entrance is free. The parking is free.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience! The manatees are beautiful and easy to see from multiple viewing platforms. Plus there are the stingray interactive exhibit, mangroves, tons of fish and wildlife, the gift shop, snack shop. The boardwalks are well maintained with several benches. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. I highly recommend stopping here!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike Z. 1 month ago on Google • 96 reviews New
    Record number of manatees in recent days. Yesterday a new record of 1100 sightings and today there were hundreds. Hiking trails are excellent. Parking is a little difficult to find even at the overflow lot. Entry is free. Lots of activities for children, cafe, gift shop and clean restrooms. Extensive viewing area with a new area added this year. There is an observation tower that is an easy hike from the viewing complex. Highly recommended in the colder months when the water is cold and the manatees come here for the warmer waters released from TECO power plant cooling towers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Susan G. 3 years ago on Google
    The website says the center is open, so my grandkids drove all the way from DeLand only to find a sign that says “temporarily closed— check our website”!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle M. 2 years ago on Google
    Brought a family of 7. We all had a great time. Unfortunately it was too hot the day we went, the manatees were not visible, in the shade to stay cool. No issue, there a lot of other attractions to occupy all age groups. Walked the long pier to the water, where all the weather instruments are, saw the butterflies, touched a stingray, saw a lot of different birds, went in the hurricane wind speed machine, and had an ice cream!! Parking and entry to view all attractions are free!! We all had a great time. Definitely will be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Robert V. 3 years ago on Google
    Closed for no reason. Should not be on the news if the are closed. Redickaless
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jace K. 1 month ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    During my visit to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, I was truly impressed by the exceptional level of maintenance and care evident throughout the facility. The staff's extensive knowledge of marine life, particularly their expertise on manatees, greatly enriched my visit. Furthermore, I was delighted to see the commitment to sustainable energy, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. The fact that the majority of the facility operates on solar energy is a commendable feat, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility. The day of my visit was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to witness a remarkable number of manatees, as well as encountering some sharks and tarpon. This diverse marine life added an extra layer of fascination to the experience. Overall, the Manatee Viewing Center left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Florida's marine ecosystems.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle H. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    This is the best free thing to do in the area! Last year we went to the Manatee viewing area at the end of the season and didn’t quite get to see any manatees. This year we went first of January and they were out there by the hundreds at least. The museum inside gives a great education materials on manatees, and would highly suggest it for everybody. We went on what I thought was a busy day, and there were still tons of spaces for people to view the manatees.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zuzu 11 months ago on Google
    We visited the viewing centre unsure if we would even see anything. Luckily for us there were plenty around and it was amazing to see them. Being from the UK we do not have these swimming around in our waters. They have got facilities on site. With a shop, cafe, toilets and car park. It is free to enter which was a pleasant surprise. The reason for only 4 stars is that the power station that is in the background of all the photos spoilt the experience slightly as it was noisy and not the most pleasant thing to look at.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie P. 4 months ago on Google
    Very friendly and informative here desk! I got to see multiple manatees young and huge, and some large tarpon. Nicely maintained facility, and helpful audio commentary on the boardwalk. The Ray touch tank and cafe were both closed, but that may have been due to the rainy weather.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 grlenamored 1 year ago on Google
    We had an amazing experience at the Manatee Viewing Center! Be prepared to do a lot of walking as there are many beautiful walking trails. We pretty much walked the entire property (about 5 miles). There is a shuttle on site if needed. I recommend getting there at opening as the place tends to get crowded and the parking area closest to the entrance fills up fast (there is over flow parking in the back). Definitely put on your walking shoes as the roads are paved with seashells throughout the trails. Maybe even pack some snack if you have toddlers/infants and definitely stay hydrated! Sunscreen is a good idea too. This is a well maintained property with lots to offer. The viewing pier gets a bit crowded but luckily manatees gather on all sides so everyone has a chance to see them. There is also a fishing pier as you get further into the property. We also visited the Aquarium where they have rescued turtles. There is also an education building that offers lots of FREE brochures/booklets on wildlife and sea life as well as interactive things for the kiddos while in there! Staff at the gift shop was very helpful and friendly. Restrooms are kept clean and stocked. You have the option to donate and support via CHECK only. I wish this was something I knew ahead of time but I will definitely be ready on the next visit. And get this, the Manatee Viewing Center is FREE to the public!! Overall, I think this is a great place to check out and we will definitely be visiting again at the end of the year.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Big O. 2 years ago on Google
    This is always a great place to spend a few hours it's clean and informative. The cafe was convenient. Interactive things available is the stingrays. The boardwalk was awesome. I also took the walk to the observation tower.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 4 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing, and free!! Parking filled up fast, but they have an overflow parking lot. There were at least thirty manatees in the area when we came, and it’s still pretty warm right now. The observation tower was worth the walk, lots of schools of fish to see and watch them jump. The learning area is geared towards smaller children but was still interesting. Cute gift shop. We didn’t eat onsite, but they did have a place for food and the prices seemed very reasonable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mari-Ann K. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Got to rate this place 5 stars not least because it’s totally free! It’s a fabulous way to see these gorgeous creatures and enjoy watching all their cute habits. Plus there are so many other exhibits and fun things for adults and kids to watch and take part in. The little cafe has good food and drink options at really reasonable prices. It was well worth the trip and we will most likely go again when we have friends and family in town. We went over the weekend and did not have to wait even though it was popular. We did not have to buy tickets in advance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim 1 month ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Great place to see lots of manatees! There are viewing platforms above the water, so visitors can look down into the water to see the adorable manatees. They gather near the power plant to take advantage of the warmer water in the winter months. There are hundreds of them swimming about! There is a cute gift shop ( an employee told me some of the proceeds go to support manatees) , snack bar, restrooms & an area to see & interact with stingrays.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James D. 3 months ago on Google New
    Great place to see several hundred manatees & a few sharks. They have a stingray petting aquarium as well. Great for kids and adults alike, and it's all free!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr. Carole G. 1 year ago on Google
    Love free adventures! Entry is free and plenty of parking is free. The manatee viewing is always a thrill. Touch tanks are fun as well. You can walk out to a tower or walk the decking along the water. Restrooms are clean. There is a small gift shop and a snack area. I would check their live cam to be sure the manatees are there before you head over. We've seen them in Jan, Feb and March. Excellent place for kids!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joann G. 2 years ago on Google
    We went on a very warm day so we saw 3 manatee and many fish. Touch tank open but educational center closed. Arrive early due to parking
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon F. 4 years ago on Google
    We have been coming here for over 20 years and to see the growth and popularity is just phenomenal. All of the attractions are free. The nature trail and observation deck are both very cool to see. It is a .7 mile one way trek to the observation deck from the parking lot, so there is a bit of a walk, but it is well worth it. There is no guarantee that you will see manatees, but if the bay temperature is below 68 degrees, they should come up into the warmer water by the viewing center. The pier is cool to walk out on and look at the different types of wildlife and fish. You could spend 3-4 hours here easily, longer if the fish and other wildlife are active.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Renee “Renee B” B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is always a great place for families. A favorite for adults and kids. Interactive Stingray tank, great volunteers with lots of knowledge. Always fun to see the manatees in their natural environment. Walkway is beautiful, saw lots of fish, birds and manatees. It was crowded, but this did not take away from the experience. Photos compliments of our visiting family!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 4 years ago on Google
    We didn't get to see more than the back of a manatee, but you couldn't ask for a nicer place to walk around. I was really glad we went when it opened, it wasn't busy at all. It started to get busy around noon. All of the employees were friendly and it was an overall great experience. We loved the 1000's of little crabs along the boardwalk to the tower. We also enjoyed seeing the gigantic fish in the manatee viewing area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bella 4 months ago on Google
    Nice and friendly manatee center. I was no able to see a manatee, but I learned a lot about them. Free parking. Free entrance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla B. 3 months ago on Google New
    This place was amazing. I'm so glad that they give back to the community like they do as it is free. There is a gift shop, two peirs to walk out onto. They had a petting area for sting rays. They had several beautifully landscaped gardens. These are all just extra perks as far as I'm concerned. The manatees were so very cool!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monica M. 3 months ago on Google New
    The Manatee Viewing Center was wonderful! I definitely didn't expect to see so many manatees but boy was I wrong. We saw black-tipped sharks, Atlantic Tarpon, Redfin Needlefish, and stingrays! What a wonderful and free experience available to the public! The gift shop has so many cute and affordable keepsakes or gifts to choose from. There is a stingray pool where you can watch and touch the rays as they swim by. So much fun! We can't wait to return!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ash21 L. 4 years ago on Google
    the first time seeing the manatee and lucky we got to see them releasing a manatee today amazing experience! must go. it is free, but suggest to leave a donation when you leave the place. it requires expenses to keep it going
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 April S. 3 years ago on Google
    Not open. Signs that they won't open until Nov 2021.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Louisa 3 years ago on Google
    Why is it closed for no reason?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hope 3 years ago on Google
    Love it hear especially when the manatees are here. Your able to get great views of the different heards and see the baby calf's with Mom. Also has a nice walk way to where you can walk out and see even further than the observation deck. Not to mention the educational center and gift shop. Nice that it's here but I remember when I was a kid we could go out and sit whenever we wanted to without it being a specific time of day or year. Down side to growing development in the area over the years so my children/Grandchildren will never have the the chance or the unique opportunity that I had when I was younger of being able to swim with them freely or as I had done, or get out of the boat and free a Manatee that had been entangled in fishing line and set her free, and then I stayed in the water with her to ensure that she was alright before getting back in my family boat. After that anytime we visited the area she along with other manatees' would visit with us and allow us to pet and play with them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sherry S. 1 year ago on Google
    This center is a drive away from downtown, but definitely worth it. I arrived here just shortly after 10am, and the main parking lot was already packed. The overflow parking is just down the road and is about 0.5 mile walk back up to the center. The facility is nice and very family friendly. There is a manta ray touching pond, as well as several areas to view the manatees. The staff will direct you to get the best viewing. There is also several bathroom facilities as well as a small cute gift shop. Also nice to sit down and have picnic. I would becareful crossing the parking lot, as there are many cars and buses full of children.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tony S. 3 years ago on Google
    Site was closed...CLOSED CLOSED
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Christy C. 3 years ago on Google
    We have gone by twice because the website says open, but it is still closed. Someone should update the website.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Caitlin M. 3 years ago on Google
    This place did not post that they were closed until further notice on their website. When we called they said that they were open for the 2020 season. We drove 45 minutes just to find out that was closed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathy K. 1 month ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    Such an incredible experience!! They don’t charge for anything unless you want to buy something. Entrance, parking and even the shuttle are all provided. The people, the driver of the shuttle, lady guiding you to the red sidewalk, the lady helping with the stingray tank-all were so nice. We also got to see the stingray tank and “pet” them. Such incredible experiences beginning to end. We didn’t get to go to see the sea turtles due to time and we had to go, but we will definitely go back.

  • 5/5 ZRinaldi 2 years ago on Google
    Shout out to the lady who said there was another boardwalk, or I would have completely missed my chance to see the manatees. Great place, very friendly staff. Observator, stingray center, food, manatees, trails. What could you not like about this place.

  • 5/5 Marco M. 4 months ago on Google
    It's worth a visit to see it. Especially those who have never seen a manatee. It has complete infrastructure and after the renovation, the walkways were expanded for walking and observing nature.

  • 5/5 Kevin C. 3 months ago on Google New
    FREE everything, free parking, free tix. Water is not that clear but u can see many manatees. Also fishes. Free stinggray touching as well. Also has restroom and ev charging might also be free.

  • 5/5 Sarah H. 3 months ago on Google New
    Very cute little viewing center ! A great informational center and they have a touch pool for sting rays, plus a cafe. We got to see so many manatees, it was great, seeing their little noses pop up above the water !

  • 5/5 Michael M. 1 year ago on Google
    The Manatee viewing center is a great place to visit. Many things are outstanding here and the fact in the day and age is it's free, yes I said free. Colder days are better to visit as your chances of seeing manatees increases greatly. We did see 7 when we went on a 80 degree day though. Find a park representative and ask them about the park all of them are more than happy to educate anyone willing to lessen. They also have a tank with several stingrays in them that anybody can touch. I would visit this place again when we are in Florida and I would recommend others to do so.

  • 3/5 Amie W. 4 years ago on Google
    No Manatee but okay walk

  • 5/5 Dawn R. 4 months ago on Google
    It was my first time here, it's a very relaxing place and I was delighted to see not only manatees but dolphins too!! Definitely can't wait to visit again!!

  • 5/5 Theodore R. 4 months ago on Google
    Lovely place. Great for the kids. Nice nature trails, boardwalks, and observation tower. Come in the winter to see the manatees but there is plenty of other wildlife to see year round. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

  • 1/5 Linda L. 3 years ago on Google
    How sad is it that this place can stay open out of fear of being sued by someone that may catch covid? They have been open for a long time when flu season has been here yet they now cant open until 2021?? Sad world we.live in

  • 5/5 Marja S. 3 years ago on Google
    Haven't actually been there yet; is it still open?

  • 4/5 Jennifer S. 3 years ago on Google
    We have gone twice now, once with the manatees in and once without. Both times were nice but wish the viewing area wasn't so crowded. even when the manatees are not in they have cute little trails you can walk and a nice gift shop to visit.

  • 3/5 Todd G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice if you're in the area and the Manatees are in, usually winter months. They don't do enough to make a long trek there.

  • 5/5 Ready To Eat Y. 3 years ago on Google
    great for a short amount of time with the family to stretch out and see animals doing there thing

  • 1/5 Guest R. 3 years ago on Google
    It was closed. It might open Nov1st.

  • 5/5 [email protected] A. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved spending some time here. Didn't get a great view of the manatees but we shared time and space and could see manatee fins, tails, exhalations. Large variety of fish seam near the walkway, as well as sharks, and rays that leapt from the channel in a sparkle of spray. Petted rays in the display tank, what a joy.

  • 5/5 Helen E. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent views very relaxing family special👌🏼👍🏻☀️ (Original) Excelentes vistas muy relajante especial en familia👌🏼👍🏻☀️

  • 5/5 Gemmy F. 3 years ago on Google
    So much fun!

  • 3/5 Osborne E. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to bond with family or friends but some area have trashes scattered around.

  • 5/5 Mark K. 3 years ago on Google
    You get to see the manatees up close in the water during the colder months. Seeing the power plant up close is also cool, pretty loud though so its not exactly peaceful. They have attendant (biologists-in-training) to answer any question you might have. More than just a dock, they have a education center, food truck, and bathrooms.

  • 5/5 Paul L. 3 years ago on Google
    The manatees flock here when it gets cold. You can see a bunch of manatees in the winter months.

  • 5/5 david a. 3 years ago on Google
    Great visit in winter

  • 5/5 Joe H. 5 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful day! I took my friend Joseph and his Mother up from Venice. They had a wonderful time. This was my second time. I'll see ya next year.

  • 5/5 Kathleen C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to go with the kids and it’s FREE. We went on MLK day when the kids were out of school and it was busy. I would recommend packing a picnic lunch and going to the nearby beach to eat. They have concessions and lots of seating right on property.

  • 5/5 MusicMan R. 4 years ago on Google
    FREE! It was a miss with seeing Manatee's today but we have been here many times and seen hundreds of Manatees swimming near the dock. Did I mention FREE. Free parking and free entrance. I love the new stingrays touch tank. Thank you for a fun trip.

  • 4/5 Mary M. 4 years ago on Google
    This free science center is a fun experience for the whole family. Open the winter season until April 15th, you can see a variety of fish, birds and wildlife. If you're lucky, you can also see some manatees. There is a stingray petting tank, a butterfly garden and a nature trail. A must see if you are in the area this time of year.

  • 5/5 Matthew P. 4 years ago on Google
    Words can’t describe how wonderful a place this is!! We were a bit bummed that our ‘escape from Ohio winter’ trip was chilly but it made the manatee viewing here all the more amazing. Very friendly staff, great trails & an awesome gift shop as well. A must visit if in the area!

  • 5/5 Al K. 3 years ago on Google
    They have a mold-a-rama.

  • 5/5 Barabarbarabara I. 4 years ago on Google
    Go every year to check out the manatees and their babies.

  • 5/5 Lindsay R. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting combination of nature and industry working in harmony. Great place to see the manatees and many varieties of birds and fish.

  • 5/5 Susan S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was a great day there with my family .. I really enjoyed my self as well as my family

  • 5/5 Lauren A. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a fun and educational place for the family. My daughter loves animals and enjoyed every minute of it.

  • 5/5 Dawn J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to take your seasonal guests. go in the cooler season and check 24 hour video cam before you go.

  • 5/5 Sue G. 3 years ago on Google
    Took the grandchildren and we all had a good time

  • 5/5 Anthony W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great to see the manatee's

  • 5/5 Debbie F. 3 years ago on Google
    It was Awesome going to see all the manatees, fish and different birds that are there

  • 5/5 Jess L. 4 years ago on Google
    It was exciting to see them. Fun place to take kids.

  • 5/5 Christina S. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it!

  • 4/5 Shania W. 3 years ago on Google
    There was some interesting wildlife but not a manatee in sight. It's not their fault of course but the "Big Ben" powerplant was pretty contrasting to the overall theme.

  • 5/5 Hugh B. 3 years ago on Google
    This is such a great place. The day we went there were hundreds of Manatee, we saw sharks and lots of different fish.

  • 5/5 Brian 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed such a nice visit here with my Uncle Harry new and saw manatees in the water it was just really nice. Their gift store is tremendous as well and I have a memento of this very nice visit

  • 5/5 Travis H. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome and FREE

  • 5/5 Pam L. 3 years ago on Google
    Having lived in the area all of my life, this FREE viewing area of our precious Manatees is an amazing place to visit in the winter months. Parking is free and safe for all. Everyone should make this a stop on their vacation and if you love here it is always a place to come to and relax. I like to sit and watch the Manatees and other sea life interact where they know that they are safe..

  • 2/5 David C. 3 years ago on Google
    the place is nice when you want to be alone and the good thing is it's free but people must observe cleanliness


Call (813) 228-4289 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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