I live near the area and wanted to visit. I was hoping to find a great place to bring visitors. The center itself has alot of plastic manatees but there are no real ones. The only way to see a live manatee is watch their video or go to the observation deck and hope one passes by. The chances of one passing by is better than if you were out in the water in the ocean or inlet because this center is near the power plant (Manatees like the water) but i have been there several times and didn't see a real one. There are however some very interesing interactive displays and large aquariums with lots of different inhabitants. My son enjoyed the eels in the aquarium as well as other marine life. There is a $1 donation to enter and it is worth it to see the items they have as long as you weren't planning on only seeing manatees. The gift shop is great! Many items for sale of an average price.