Manatee Viewing Center

Category: Nature preserve in Apollo Beach, Florida

Address: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA

Phone: +18132284289

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 10AM–5PM

Tuesday: 10AM–5PM

Wednesday: 10AM–5PM

Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday: 10AM–5PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Rebecca Jackson

Apr 15, 2022

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!

Kyle Morrow

Mar 26, 2022

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!

Renee “Renee B” Bertschinger

Mar 1, 2022

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!

Anna Buccafuri

Feb 3, 2022

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!

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.

Questions & Answers

Planning on visiting tomorrow, are the manatees still there?

Katie Britt | Jul 20, 2018
John Wheeler | Jul 21, 2018

Should be, with the current cold temperatures.

Read More

Can anyone say in general what's the best time to see the Manatees? Are they there the whole time the center is open, or are some months better than others? What's the best time of day? Best weather?

Devin Nelson | Jul 20, 2018
Chad McClellan | Jul 21, 2018

They're seasonal business. The colder the weather the more manatees you'll see.

Read More

Is there alot of walking here? I have an eldery parent that had Parkinsons.

Alisha Westervelt | Jul 20, 2018
Jennifer Herrera | Jul 21, 2018

There is a lot of walking and they have wheelchairs for you to use. The staff are excellent in helping. The attendant in the parking area will get the wheelchair for you. The whole area is handicap accessible.

Read More

Are pets allowed?

P&L Hamlin | Jul 20, 2018
Dakota LaPalm | Jul 21, 2018

No pets. Only service animals. They must be ADA compliant service animals, no “emotional support”, “emotional support” animals are not ADA service animals

Read More

Are the manatee still active this winter?

Joanna Tinsley | Jul 20, 2019
joel colby | Jul 21, 2019

Yes, went here last Friday and they were very active. So much more to do here as well besides just see the manatees

Read More

How handicap accessible is the viewing area? Or other areas?

Vicki Arndt | Jul 20, 2019
lori Sheward | Jul 21, 2019

Very equipped.There are wooden walk ways

Read More

is the manatees still around?

Rick Sharp | Jul 19, 2020
dale fluke | Jul 20, 2020

A few. Go to Teco power plant manatee viewing area near Tampa. There were over 100 manatees there on Friday

Read More

Are they open today on new year's day

Jump A | Jul 19, 2020
Kevin Fleege | Jul 20, 2020

Yes open today

Read More

We want to visit this afternoon...will we see any?

Courtney Kinjerski | Jul 20, 2018
Thomas Vandenberg | Jul 21, 2018

There were about 8 to 10 manatees there and 6 or 7 sharks swimming around

Read More

are the Manatee's still there or have they left for Tampa Bay?

Pat Abramoff | Jul 20, 2018
Claudine Alexander | Jul 21, 2018

There still there but you have to walk out on the sidewalk that goes throgh the middle of the center...not the main viewing area. We saw about 20 really good out there about a week ago but none from the main area.

Read More

Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.

Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.

Related Places