07 February . 2025
Exploring the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL: A Winter Wonderland for Wildlife Lovers
Did you know that Waterset in Apollo Beach, FL is less than 1 mile away from the country's 2nd best free attraction? Well, it is, and it's the TECO Manatee Viewing Center! If you are looking for a winter escape in Florida during the chillier months, the Manatee Viewing Center is a must-visit destination. During the winter months, November through April, the surrounding waters by the TECO plant are a hotspot for these animals, and luckily for us, it’s right around the corner.
Manatees, also known as sea cows, are warm blooded creatures that rely on consistent water temperatures to survive, which is why this TECO plant is so important. It provides these animals with critical protection from the cold during the winter months when the water is usually much cooler. These animals often swim in waters that are shallow so there is an abundance of vegetation for them to eat. That is why they are so easy to spot at the viewing center! However, this also puts them in danger when in shallower waters as they are more prone to boat strikes.
Arriving at the Manatee Viewing Center
Getting to the Manatee Viewing Center from Waterset is a breeze. It's right off Dickman Road and is about a 5-minute drive from the community. Once you arrive, there is plenty of parking available whether that is in the main lot directly next to the viewing center, or in the overflow lot that is about a half a mile down the road. There is staff and ample signage to direct you to the overflow lot in the event that the main lot is full. If you or a member of your group is not equipped for the half a mile walk, not to worry, there is a convenient shuttle service that will take you and your group from the overflow lot directly to the viewing center.
Time to Start Exploring
Once you arrive, you will see that there is plenty to do to keep you busy during your day trip. The viewing center has many observation decks and platforms so that there is enough room for everyone to get up close and personal with the manatees. You can stroll along all of the platforms and hopefully you’ll get lucky and get to see a multitude of manatees. For those in the group that enjoy stretching their legs, there are miles of scenic walking trails that are perfect for spotting local bird species and native plants.
During the Tampa Bay Rays offseason, the center also features a stingray exhibit where you can learn about the fascinating creatures up close. The exhibit offers a hands-on experience where you are able to put your hands in the tank with the stingrays and touch them. It’s a super fun activity for the whole family and really cool that they are the same stingrays that are at our baseball games!
There is even a small yet informative museum inside where you can take a deeper dive into the world of manatees and other marine life. On the wall inside of the museum, you can see a life size cutout of a manatee and see how your size compares to these sea cows! There is also a gift shop upstairs where you can find some unique souvenirs to remember your trip. If you’re feeling hungry or just need to take a rest, the cafe onsite has a great selection of snacks, light bites, beverages and lunch options for the whole family.
The Manatee Viewing Center is free to visit (so is parking) and it's a great way to spend a few hours, or even the whole day, during the winter months. Whether you're a local or a visitor from out of state, this hidden gem in Apollo Beach is a great way to experience the magic of manatees in their natural habitat. Now is the perfect time to catch them while the weather is still nice and cool! Don’t miss your chance to see these majestic sea cows right in our own backyard.