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Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

6990 Dickman Rd, Tampa, FL 33572
813-228-4289
Website
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Ranked #6 of 75 attractions in Tampa
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Description: Visitors come to this warm water viewing center to see manatees, an endangered species of marine mammals.
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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378 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW via mobile

We drove to see the manatees on the last day of our vacation, but according to the sign they are only open November to mid April.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Tampa, Florida
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

It's nice to have something free to do. This is especially good in winter to see lots, LOTS, of manatees up close.

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See 9 more reviews by MissLaughsALot for Tampa
Tampa, FL
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 31, 2013

They have a boardwalk that goes a long way out into the water and the manatees are everywhere. There is so much room that everyone can get a front row seat. There is no charge for this attraction since it's just the hot water discharge from the power plant and the manatees are free to come and go. They stay... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by JamminJimE for Tampa
Riverview, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2013

This is a great place to go see Manatees in large groups and to see other sea life as well. A well maintained facility with friendly staff.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Tampa, Florida
Top Contributor
134 reviews 134 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013

you walk on a boardwalk out over the water to give you a better opportunity to see a Manatee. This is the main attraction. The do have a small garden to walk through, an inside area to learn more and of course a gift shop. Our friends from out of state enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 19 more reviews by Ripchen for Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Lakeland, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Beverly C for Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
89 helpful votes 89 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 5 more reviews by Gatorzman for Tampa
Athens, Georgia
Top Contributor
79 reviews 79 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Norwich, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

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

Was this review helpful? Yes 2

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