Manatees gather in droves to enjoy the warm water that surrounds the Manatee Viewing Center.
March 25th is Manatee Appreciation Day, but we love them all year long!
A power company and manatees may seem like an odd mix. But nothing could be further from the truth! Our bond with manatees and our commitment to educating the public about the threatened species spans decades.
How do we show love to manatees? Here are our top ten ways!
- When we realized manatees were regular winter visitors to the warm water created by our Big Bend power plant, we built the Manatee Viewing Center (MVC) so the public could observe them.
- The area is now a state and federally-designated sanctuary for the gentle giants.
- Rehabilitated manatees are frequently released at the MVC, thanks to our special release accommodations and partnerships with rehabilitation organizations.
Meet Cabbage! He was rescued and rehabilitated from cold stress and later released at the MVC.
- In our 2025-2026 season, we added new state-of-the-art webcams, allowing the public to get a better view of manatees in the canal from the comfort of their homes. Here is the east camera, and here is the west camera.
- The MVC includes an educational center that contains interactive exhibits and informs visitors on how to help keep manatees safe.
- Our Polk County power plant has a water treatment system that improves water quality, which is essential for seagrass growth – a manatee’s favorite snack!
- In January of 2026, the popular stingray touch tank reopened after damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Seven cownose rays have returned, and the habitat is once again open to the public.
Cownose rays returned to their home, a touch tank at the MVC.
- Admission and parking at the MVC are always free.
- We provide solar-powered shuttles from our overflow parking area for guests with mobility issues, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the center and the manatees.
- The long-term success and reputation of the MVC drew other environmental partners to our campus – including The Florida Aquarium and its important turtle rehabilitation and coral spawning efforts.
We’re not the only ones mad about manatees: For three years running, the MVC was voted the #2 best free attraction in the country by in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards!
Plan your visit soon! Our Manatee Viewing Center closes for the season after April 15. Until then, it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’re sure to walk away MAD about manatees yourself!