An environmental education facility like no other, located in Apollo Beach along the clean, warm water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, the Manatee Viewing Center welcomes the public annually from November 1 through April 15. Come experience a tidal walkway showcasing vibrant Florida plants and birds, butterfly gardens, our educational building, and – when the water temperature of Tampa Bay falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit – manatees. No pets, please, but service dogs are permitted. Admission and parking are free!
In addition to showcasing natural Florida’s coastal wildlife and plant life, the Manatee Viewing Center staff, joined by volunteers and students, also conduct habitat restoration. Among the 2007-2008 season’s many highlights, the Newman Branch Fisheries Habitat Restoration Project was given an Award of Excellence from the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission during their 26th Annual Community Design Awards ceremony.
The Manatee Viewing Center is home to a 40-panel, 7,000-watt photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array. Installed atop the Center's education building, visitors can see this impressive system from the main parking lot and learn more about how solar power is generated. Visit the solar page to learn about Tampa Electric's other PV array installations.
Chart this PV array’s hour-by-hour output.
The Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 1 through April 15. (The center is closed Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Easter.) From home, you can operate the center’s east and west Web cameras. Make your reservations here for your class or group to visit the Manatee Viewing Center. For more information, call (813) 228-4289.
Directions to the Manatee Viewing Center.
The Manatee Viewing Center is proud to feature free parking and admission for its guests. Any donations you choose to make to the center are greatly appreciated and go directly toward the purchase and maintenance of educational exhibits and publications that can help teach more visitors about the manatee and the many animals and plants that share its habitat.
