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Photo: Tampa Electric / organiser photo · source

Gardens & wildlife

Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Apollo Beach, FL · Tampa BayFreeFree admission and parking

About

Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center sits on the discharge canal of the Big Bend Power Station, where manatees have come for warm water since the early 1970s. When Tampa Bay drops to 68 degrees or colder they crowd in, and in the 2023-24 winter the center counted 1,100 at one time. Boardwalks run over the warm water, and a 900-foot tidal walkway ends at a view over the canal. On a clear day the 50-foot tower looks across Tampa Bay. Admission and parking are free. The season runs November 1 to April 15, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the trails close at 4.

Highlights

1,100 manatees at once in winter 2023-24Free admission and parkingOpen daily Nov 1 to Apr 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.900-foot tidal walkway and 50-foot towerBest when Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or colderClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Easter

Getting there

6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

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