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

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has officially opened its Manatee Rehabilitation Center, reaching a major milestone in its effort to accommodate the growing number of manatees in need of care. But that’s not the only place in the Tampa Bay Area where you can see manatees, the official marine mammal of the state of Florida since 1975.

The large, slow-moving, aquatic herbivores are related to elephants, and they’ve had a rough time of it lately. Between the loss of their main food source to pollution and boats that can’t seem to stop ramming them, there have been a record number of manatee deaths in 2021 and 2022.

Preliminary data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show that manatee deaths have declined significantly in 2024. This is attributed to improving seagrass populations in the Brevard County region, where significant die-offs occurred when the manatees’ main food source was depleted.

The Tampa Bay area has had more success caring for its manatees, and at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s new rehabilitation center, the public can get a glimpse of the work being done there to nurse 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 the 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, who was rescued in February from cold stress in Kings Bay in Citrus County, and Zamboni, who was rescued in January from cold stress in Placida Bayou in Pinellas County. They were both taken to Zoo Tampa for intensive care and recently transferred to Clearwater for rehabilitation. Yeti weighed 365 pounds at the time of his rescue and currently weighs 495 pounds. Zamboni weighed 306 pounds in January and currently weighs 440 pounds.

Here are other places in the Tampa Bay area where you can see manatees.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Guests can view manatees in the underwater viewing area, which has barriers to limit human interaction. “Our goal is to prepare these manatees for their winter release and give them the best chance of success in the wild, so we ask that guests maintain a calm atmosphere and refrain from using flash photography,” an aquarium spokesperson said. Admission tickets 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 a member of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. They, along with SeaWorld Orlando and the Jacksonville Zoo, are major care facilities for the rehabilitation of manatees. They have expanded their manatee care facilities where guests can observe them via underwater monitors and meet the Manatee Rescue Team. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552.

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Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: A visit to the park, with its crystal clear waters, is a unique opportunity to see deep into the water without the disturbance of the waves. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards, which is a great way to see manatees in the spring. 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. 352-592-5656.

Tampa Electric Manatee Observation Center: Since the 1970s, manatees have been gathering there, especially in the winter months, seeking warmer waters near Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Generating Station. Unfortunately, it is not currently open, but when it opens for the season, November 1-April 15, the sprawling visitor center at 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, is free to visit. 813-228-4289.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park: Citrus County Park has paved paths and elevated boardwalks for pleasant strolls. The park also offers an underwater observatory where visitors can “go underwater” beneath the surface of the spring to see the various fish and manatees swimming in their natural habitat. Admission is $13 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. 4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. 352-423-5600.

Three Sisters Sources: This spring in Crystal River is one of the most famous as a habitat for manatees, especially in the winter, but it’s also one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. Local operators can bring swimmers and snorkelers out for a closer look. General admission in winter is $20 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 15. General admission in summer is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 15. 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River. 352-795-4216 ext. 337.