6 places to see manatees in Tampa Bay, including a new Clearwater spot

Clearwater Marine Aquarium held the grand opening of its Manatee Rehabilitation Center, heralding a significant milestone to help accommodate the surge in manatees requiring care. But that’s not the only place in the Tampa Bay area you can see some sea cows, Florida’s official state marine mammal since 1975.

The large, slow-moving, aquatic herbivores are related to elephants and are having a very tough time lately. Between the loss of their prime food source due to pollution and boats that can’t seem to stop hitting them, we had record numbers of manatee deaths in 2021 and 2022.

Preliminary data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows a significant decrease in manatee deaths so far in 2024. That is credited to improved seagrass in the Brevard County region, where there was a significant die-off when the prime food source for manatees was depleted.

The Tampa Bay area has had better luck in taking care of its manatees, and the new rehab center at Clearwater Marine Aquarium lets the public see the work they are doing to nurse their rescued manatees back to health.

“By educating our visitors and supporting research and rescue efforts, we can make a real difference in the survival of these gentle giants,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate and admire manatees in their native waters.”

Their first two patients are Yeti, rescued for cold stress in Kings Bay in Citrus County in February, and Zamboni, rescued for cold stress in Placida Bayou in Pinellas County in January. They were both taken to ZooTampa for critical care and recently transferred to Clearwater for rehabilitation. Yeti weighed 365 pounds at the time of his rescue, and he currently weighs 495 pounds. Zamboni weighed 306 pounds in January and currently weighs 440 pounds.

Here are other places to see manatees in the Tampa Bay area.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Guests can view manatees through the underwater viewing area, which has barriers to limit human interaction. “Our goal is to prepare these manatees for their eventual release in the winter and provide them with the best chance for success in the wild, so we ask guests to maintain a quiet atmosphere and refrain from using flash photography,” an aquarium spokesperson said. Admission and tickets can be purchased online at cmaquarium.org. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. 727-441-1790.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Like the Clearwater aquarium, the zoo is also a member of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. They, along with SeaWorld Orlando and Jacksonville Zoo, are critical care facilities for manatee rehabilitation. They have new additions to their manatee care facilities where guests can view them through underwater viewing monitors and meet the Manatee Rescue Team. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552.

Explore Tampa Bay’s sights and bites

Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter

We’ll serve up the best things to do and the latest restaurant news every Thursday.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Visiting the park, with its crystal-clear water, is a unique chance to see deep down into the water without disturbing the lugs. They have kayaks and paddleboards for rent, which can be a great way to spot a manatee in the spring. 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. 352-592-5656.

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center: Since the 1970s, manatees in search of warmer waters near Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station have gathered there, especially in the winter months. Unfortunately, it is not open now, but when it does open for the season Nov. 1-April 15, it’s free to visit the expansive visitor center at 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach. 813-228-4289.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park: The Citrus County park has paved trails and elevated boardwalks for nice strolls. The park also offers an underwater observatory that allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim in their natural habitat. Admission is $13 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12. 4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. 352-423-5600.

Three Sisters Springs: This Crystal River spring is one of the most famous as a manatee habitat, especially in the winter, but it is also one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. Local outfitters can transport swimmers and snorkelers to get a closer look. Winter general admission is $20 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 6-15. Summer general admission is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6-15. 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River. 352-795-4216 ext. 337.