This is one of my favorite places to take visitors. Particularly on cooler days there are plenty of manatees up close to the viewing area. In addition, you may see small sharks and rays. The center itself has a just the right balance - learn about manatees without being overloaded with data. It's not too far off I-75 and Tampa... More

Great place to see lots of manatees during the cold season, in their own habitat free to come and go as they please. Especially love the babies. Have been coming almost every winter for 17 years

I will start with the fact I've lived in Florida for much of my life and have seen manatees in the wild many times. They are facinating, adorable creatures. For those of you who haven't seen them in the wild and don't want to go to the Lowry Park Zoo (where they have a great manatee exhibit and hospital), the... More

Having never seen manatees in the wild before this place was amazing and nearly unbelievable. We saw 6 up close and 30-40 farther away. We were mesmerized and watched for nearly an hour. GO HERE when in Tampa

This is a wonderful experience and it's free! Once you get over the fact that you are in the shadow of the power station (which let's face it is why the manatees & other wildlife are there seeking warm water) there is a rich variety of wildlife. On our visit in early April 2013 (the end of the season) we... More

Closed now look at the website for details. Outdoor area is open but not the indoor facilities. Will not see manatees when weather is warm like it is now.

We visited on a chilly day in early March - approximately 43F before the wind chill. It was uncomfortable for the visitors but the manatees were lounging in the water by the hundreds! It is hard to do them justice in a photograph but it's worth a visit to check it out. We didn't expect much of a crowd on... More

Tampa Electric has done a fine job of developing this place for children as well as adults. We were impressed with what a nice facility it is and it is FREE! Kudod to Tampa Electric! First, there are two viewing areas. One is a pier built to walk out on that makes a circle. The other is a long pier.... More

When my husband and I were "freshman" snowbirds, a friend told me about the manatee viewing station at the TECO plant. We were surprised by this unusual, out-of-the-way opportunity to watch manatees up close, and we have added it to our growing list of non-theme park places to take our visitors, allowing them to experience Florida wildlife in a totally... More