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Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach

4.6
#31 of 1,990 in Wildlife in Florida
Must see · Wildlife Area · Nature / Park
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Get up close to Florida's famous manatees at Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center. In the cooler months, a large number of this endangered species seek refuge in the warm, clean water of Big Bend Power Station's discharge canal. Tampa Electric has set up a viewing area here where visitors can observe these gentle creatures. Watch them for a bit, and then enter the indoor education center to learn more about the manatees and power station. You'll be able to take part in activities and peruse information displays. Don’t miss the hurricane simulator, where you can experience the blast of strong winds and learn how Tampa Electric deals with serious storms. The many outdoor activities include an award-winning butterfly garden and a tidal walk. Put Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center and other Apollo Beach attractions into our Apollo Beach trip maker tool, and watch your holiday take shape.
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Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,964 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Fabulous place and free. You can see the manatee in the wild usually btwn november and april. They visit as the water is warm. We were lucky enough to see 4. They also have a small museum and gift... 
    Fabulous place and free. You can see the manatee in the wild usually btwn november and april. They visit as the water is warm. We were lucky enough to see 4. They also have a small museum and gift...  more »
  • This is an attraction for both adults and children. We went on 2/17 and there were only about 3 manatees presumably because the waters in the surrounding areas were pretty warm, so they didnt need... 
    This is an attraction for both adults and children. We went on 2/17 and there were only about 3 manatees presumably because the waters in the surrounding areas were pretty warm, so they didnt need...  more »
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!
  • 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!

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