TECO Manatee viewing center is one of the best places to see manatees in Florida! It’s located in Apollo Beach and has just been selected as one of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for best free attractions!
Since Manatees love warm water, they all gather at TECO’s Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach where warm water flows into the bay! The viewing center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary!
Other activities to do at the Manatee Viewing Center include a “touch tank” which allows visitors to have hands-on encounters with rays and other marine life.
There is also a mile long nature walk through coastal habitat that leads to a 50 foot tall observation tower.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center admission & onsite parking is FREE
Location: 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Hours of operation: Open daily from November 1st 2023 to April 15th 2024 from 10am to 5pm.
Contact: 813-228-4289
For more information, TECO’s official website