Manatee Viewing Center

What an amazing experience! I just happened to be in the area for a medical appointment, and decided to drop by. It was my first time visiting the viewing center.

Upon entering (it opens at 10:00am), I was told that manatees were going to be released into the canal that morning. I couldn't believe it. This was my lucky day! Every staff member that I came across was so excited about it. I can totally see why. Apparently it doesn't happen very often.

I ended up staying there for a full 90 minutes. I just had to see every minute of it. It's an experience. I basically walked down through the mangroves on the Tidal Trail to the viewing area just to see all the manatees and fish that were huddled together in front of the power plant. The trail is very organized with boards describing the wildlife that you may encounter. The staff there are so friendly, and eager to answer any questions. It's so educational!

I was just amazed by all the wildlife that I was seeing around me. Before I knew it, it was already time to view the releasing of the manatees. It was the best experience ever. It's something I never thought I'd ever witness. It's so great to see manatees making this sanctuary their home during the winter months. What an awesome place to view them in their own habitat.

So, Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is seasonal. It opens daily from November 1st through April 15th. Give yourself plenty of time to explore it. There's normally a Rays Touch Tank for kids to interact with the stingrays. That whole area was not available during my visit. The stingrays were relocated due to damage to their habitat caused by the recent hurricanes. I totally missed seeing the observation tower, but I did go back a second time to visit the education building. There weren't as many manatees the second time around. I'm guessing it wasn't cold enough. I was able to visit the sea turtle rehab center while I was there. It's so great that they offer a complimentary shuttle from the overflow parking lot to both the viewing center and the rehab facility. I can't wait to go back!