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Manatee Viewing Center

Scenic Lookout, Other Great Outdoors, and Zoo

Apollo Beach

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8.9^/10

160

ratings

"Amazingly awesome!! Came to see manatees and I wasn't disappointed!"(17 Tips)
"The best place on earth saw so many manatees!!!"(3 Tips)
"likely to see hundreds of manatees."(2 Tips)
"center and a gift shop."(3 Tips)

45 Tips and reviews

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Jan SundströmDecember 31, 2017
Can't believe this is totally free of charge. Great view of the manatees, and a nice modern exhibit inside. Make sure you take the tidal walk too.
Claudia Flores-GrisalesJanuary 20, 2015
Come and see the manatees, relaxing in the warm water. Scenic view. Variety of birds & fishes. We saw blue crabs too! There's a small gift shop. Also, there's a energy generator plant (contrast).
Upvoted Jan 4
Dede ClinchNovember 3, 2013
This place is amazing!! Beautiful surroundings and Manatee's for the viewing. Also an educational center, gift shop and snacks. They are only open November to April.
Upvoted Dec 27, 2024
Kate SchreckJanuary 26, 2016
Amazingly awesome!! Came to see manatees and I wasn't disappointed! Got a good education as well which was a major bonus! Such a fantastic hidden gem!
Samantha WoodMarch 15, 2019
Manatees flock here when the water is cold in the Gulf! Open from November until mid-April, it's free to visit. Even if the manatees are elsewhere, they have a stingray touch tank & great trails.
Gregorio B.February 27, 2017
If you go and visit between Dec.-March you're likely to see hundreds of manatees. This popular spot is free and definitely worth the trip.
TBOcomApril 20, 2011
Dozens of manatees are the main attraction, but there's also a 900-foot nature walk, a learning center and a gift shop. The Short List: one of our top 5 attractions you've probably never visited. Read more
Julie AlejosFebruary 3, 2014
SO neat. Lots of manatees to see & opportunities to see other wildlife. Good walking too.
John PaterakisFebruary 4, 2018
An abundance of manatees. A great place to spend an afternoon, and absolutely free!
Julie StoopsFebruary 20, 2016
Loved this!! Can't wait to go back and spend more time.
Peanut McKenzieJanuary 25, 2016
Walk out in the viewing platform! It's well worth it! The Manatees are enjoying the warm water off the #TECO cooling towers on this brisk January day!
Jane SchildrothApril 6, 2014
Check their web site in advance so you will know whether or not to expect the stars of this show to be present.
Hope SextonFebruary 23, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Love it here just enjoying seeing the manatees and being by the water makes my day
Jenn PDecember 24, 2014
So awesome!!! Free and so much nature. The new observation tower is nice!!
Nick SonstebyFebruary 20, 2020
If you have an electric vehicle, they have two ChargePoint charging stations very close to the entrance.
Josie RossDecember 28, 2014
This place is pretty cool if you happen to fun yourself in Orlando, I suggest you come!
Sara WatlingtonApril 6, 2014
Great place! Make sure you go on the peer through the mangroves!
Danielle DJanuary 25, 2016
Awesome ! So many manatees and even sharks jumping out of the water !
Kate SchreckJanuary 26, 2016
This manatee (sea cow) was a beauty!!
Jeannie SparksJanuary 30, 2014
Be sure to check out the indoor exhibit all about Tampa Electric. Very interesting!
Lauren BaconFebruary 4, 2016
Great spot to stop and see manatees
Katie MDecember 1, 2013
Come on a cold day at high tide.
Michael O.April 4, 2016
Only open until April 15...warm too warm after that--manatees wander off...Hurricane Simulator is 45 seconds and a waste of $2.00
Bill Van WagnerSeptember 8, 2015
What's not to enjoy at this cost?
Manatee Viewing CenterFebruary 15, 2013
It's a great day to see manatees!
Steven MulderJanuary 12, 2014
Nice day for Manatee migration. Pretty cool!
Eva 🐾 BanovaMarch 8, 2015
So pretty! Very kid friendly. Kudos to TECO for doing this.
Matt JonesFebruary 8, 2015
Totally awesome place to see. And free = automatic win
EuníceDecember 23, 2016
Everything
christina lynn agathaFebruary 1, 2015
The best place on earth saw so many manatees!!!
Manatee Viewing CenterJanuary 7, 2014
Check out our Web cams at http://tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/
Grant GorisMarch 31, 2012
Take a walk out in the viewing platform! It's well worth it!
Laura MichaelFebruary 1, 2015
We were here the first weekend of February and there were SO many manatees!!
Zach RomerJanuary 1, 2012
Amazing juxtaposition of nature and industry!
Kieran FaganMarch 25, 2013
Cool to see these creatures. Not born performers, though.
Sarasotahookah.com cprrecertify.comApril 26, 2013
Go online for camera view
iSapien 1956672March 16, 2015
Didn't see a manatee, but saw this huge tarpon.
Vicki WarnerMay 6, 2018
Very cool!
Donna Alano-DeSantisDecember 29, 2012
Get there early-limited parking!
Sarah StollMarch 28, 2010
January and February are the times to go as there are literally hundreds of manatees here
Mark MolnarMarch 30, 2014
Awesome fun
John BoosNovember 2, 2013
Open for the season
Grace HornAugust 7, 2012
Closed until November 1
Rey David SantiagoJanuary 6, 2011
Lots of manatees !!
MariusMarch 24, 2018
Coole Idee von dem Energieunternehmen. Manatees sind toll!

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