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Location
Best time
Plan to visit November-April when cold-stunned sea turtles are most likely to be present for rehabilitation. February is ideal based on visitor reports of 30+ turtles in care. Empty exhibits can occur, so timing maximizes your educational experience.
Visitor tip
Pack sunscreen, bug spray, hats, water, and snacks before arriving. The facility involves outdoor walking on boardwalks through mangroves and open observation areas with limited shade. Free on-site restrooms are available, making it accessible for families planning extended visits.
Visitor tip
Ask staff members for personalized tours when you arrive—visitors report that staff like Lauren provide exceptional behind-the-scenes insights about individual sea turtles' rescue stories and rehabilitation progress, and can explain the coral spawning laboratory and cryopreservation work happening on-site.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Main Attractions
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, Coral Conservation and Research Center
- Notable Features
- 70,000+ corals, sea turtle veterinary hospital, deep-dive foraging pool
- Season
- Open November 1 – April 15
- Location
- Apollo Beach, Florida (part of 500-acre Conservation and Technology Center)
What visitors say
The Manatee Viewing Center is a FREE, fun, family-friendly activity in Apollo Beach, Florida. Hours: -10am-5pm (Trails close at 4pm) -November 1-April 15 -@manatee is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & Easter. Closed…
Be prepared to wait in line for a shuttle to this but it is a beautiful area to visit. There weren't any sea turtles to view (which is a great thing-no sick/injured ones at the time), but the staff was so friendly and shared lots of…
Went to the manatee viewing area near the Teco power plant. That was great. Then there was a golf cart shuttle to this place. As we were pulling up, the driver said that building is where the turtles would be, but they’re aren’t any to…
From 277 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Houses a Coral Conservation and Research Center with over 70,000 corals from 17 different species, including a coral spawning laboratory and cryopreservation lab for coral genetic preservation
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center treats cold-stunned sea turtles from across the United States, with some individuals shipped from as far north as Massachusetts, at a cost of up to $15,000 per turtle rehabilitation
- Part of a 500-acre Florida Conservation and Technology Center partnership that includes multiple facilities: FWC Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center, Manatee Viewing Center, and Clean Energy Center, accessible via free complimentary shuttle service
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