Apollo Beach — Attraction in Riverview

The Apollo Beach smokestacks are visible from the interstate and are the signpost for the likeliest spot to view manatees for 60 miles north or south. Parking and entry are free. The power company maintains a very nice viewing area which includes a stingray petting zoo, informational exhibits, and the long wharf. Wheelchair accessible. The manatees congregate at the warm water exhaust of the power plant across the small inlet about 50 yards or so across from the viewing wharf. If you want to see manatees up close I would suggest a day trip to the power plant in Ft. Myers, or to various springs well north of Tampa and Orlando. What's cool about Apollo Beach is the crazy/huge variety of large fish visible from the wharf. Polarized sunglasses will help see the crazy manta rays, sheepshead, sharks and tarpon swimming by the wharf. Small binoculars will help seeing the manatees across the inlet. There is a snow cone vendor at the viewing area. A fun, cheap close-by visit to see marine life without the drive,...

Calling it a "beach" is funny to me, usually calling it that means there's swimming, but apparently there's just scenery. Put my feet in the water to cool off a bit, but beach patrol wasn't having it. I asked why politely,I'm not swimming or wadding , not breaking any rules as stated..she responded 3 people died here last year while swimming..rip current 3 inches of water ankle deep mind you,so we got out as well as the 5 other people around us. It's a nice place for relaxing, not for kids if they want to swim, or enjoy an actual...

I was driving down the rd and past an address up, before I got turned around I felt a medical emergency coming on, so I pulled my car to the side, whoever the female park ranger or security guard was tonight Was extremely unprofessional, instead of asking me if something was wrong, she called out from her mule behind the gate making smart remarks saying things like asking if I could read. Need to hire people with common sense because that lady apparently didn’t have any. I love that place but that lady...