Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach

This is one of my favorite "tourist attractions" around here. It's beautiful, not too built up (but building more! 😁) And just has an amazing atmosphere. I love the sting ray touch tank. The long pier is amazing to walk down and see all the fish. The countless times we've seen all sorts of wildlife there, plus the GIFT SHOP IS CHEAP. The snack bar is cheap, and has decent "snacks." The bathrooms are always clean. It's a well taken care of place. :)

I went to the center near the end of December. The manatee center is part of a nature preserve on the east side of Tampa Bay, located at the west end of Big Bend Rd. Parking is located just south of Big Bend Rd. Admission and parking to the center is free. There are several refreshment stands for some drink and food. There are also some information and kid fun type booths as well as nature trails ideal for a walk. The main viewing area is on a boardwalk and decking area facing the waterway adjacent to the power plant. The power plant uses the water to cool down some of it's equipment and returns the warmed up water back into the waterway. It's this warmer water which attracts the Manatees during the cooler months. On the day I was there, at least 30 Manatees we're within eye site as well as a small shark and several small groups of tarpon. A great place to spend and hour or two.