Manatee Viewing Center

At Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, there is a lot to see and do! Visitors can wander along boardwalks overlooking the warm-water area where manatees gather; visit a newly remodeled education center to learn about the plant-eating, warm-blooded “gentle giants;” and even get a bite to eat at the Southshore Café.

A featured part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the Manatee Viewing Center's tidal walk offers more than just vibrant birdlife – it’s also one of the best spots to view manatees! On this 900-foot, ADA-compliant walkway you’ll see a variety of native coastal plants and trees, as well as animal life. At the end of the walkway, you can view manatees in Big Bend Power Station's clean, warm water discharge canal.

Connected to the Manatee Viewing Center is a coastal habitat trail that winds eight-tenths of a mile through saltern, coastal high marsh and coastal strand habitats. It showcases a variety of plant and animal life, immersing visitors in a peaceful, natural Florida setting.