Sight guide · Tampa · United States
Visiting Manatee Viewing Center
On cold winter days hundreds of manatees gather in the warm discharge canal of a power station on Tampa Bay, about 30 km south of downtown.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Tampa · Photo: Clément Bardot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Manatee Viewing Center is a nature spot in Apollo Beach, Tampa. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Apollo Beach
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, kids and off the beaten path
- Best months
- February and November–December
Plan a trip to Tampa
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About Manatee Viewing Center
On cold winter days hundreds of manatees gather in the warm discharge canal of a power station on Tampa Bay, about 30 km south of downtown. A free viewing platform, boardwalk and tidal walk let you watch them surfacing, and stingray touch tanks and exhibits are on site.
Tip: Go on the morning after a cold night in January or February, when the most manatees crowd into the canal.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Apollo Beach.
Best time to visit Manatee Viewing Center
Manatee Viewing Center is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- December: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- February: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Tampa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Manatee Viewing Center is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Tampa Riverwalk and Ybor City Historic District.
- No. 16 of the 17 sights in our Tampa things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Tampa.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Tampa.
- A family favourite in Tampa with kids.
If you like Manatee Viewing Center
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — North Tampa, Full day
- The Florida Aquarium — Channel District, 2–3 hours
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park — Lowry Park, Half a day
- Lettuce Lake Park — North Tampa, 1.5 hours
Staying near Manatee Viewing Center
Where to stay in Tampa compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Manatee Viewing Center?
Plan 1–1.5 hours.
+Is Manatee Viewing Center free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Manatee Viewing Center?
February and November–December for the most comfortable weather. Go on the morning after a cold night in January or February, when the most manatees crowd into the canal.
+Do I need to book Manatee Viewing Center in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Manatee Viewing Center good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Tampa. Tampa is one of Florida's easiest family bases outside Orlando: Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, a big aquarium, a zoo with manatees and calm Gulf beaches within an hour.