Aquariums

Manatee Center

Name: Manatee Center
Address: 480 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, Fort Pierce, FL, US
Telephone: (772) 429-6266
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1460 reviews)

📍 480 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

📞 (772) 429-6266

🌐 www.manateecenter.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	Closed

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Manatee Center

Nature center devoted to coastal life. Nature center devoted to coastal awareness featuring a waterfront viewing platform & exhibits. Admission is only $1, making it one of the most affordable nature centers in Florida. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Nature Center
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Manatee sightings, hands-on animal encounters, Indian River Lagoon ecosystem exhibits
Admission: $1
Special Programs: ManaTales, Lunch & Learn, Creekside Chats

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Admission is only $1, making it one of the most affordable nature centers in Florida
⭐Manatees frequent the center year-round due to warm water, with cold snaps bringing them closer to shore for better viewing opportunities
⭐The center offers free pre-K story time and activities (ManaTales) on the third Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM
⭐Reviews mention spotting five manatees during single visits, indicating healthy wild manatee populations in the nearby Indian River Lagoon

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit during winter months (December-February) when cold snaps draw manatees closer to warm waters for the best chance of close-up sightings. Manatees are wild animals with unpredictable patterns, so consider visiting multiple times for guaranteed viewing.
🕐Arrive early on weekday mornings when the center opens at 10am to avoid crowds and have better manatee viewing conditions from the second-story observation tower overlooking the inlet.
💬Plan 1-2 hours for your visit to explore the small aquarium exhibits, interactive touch tanks, butterfly garden, and marina views. The center is compact but information-rich, perfect for families with young children.
💡Bring young children on the third Thursday for free ManaTales story time and activities (10:30 AM), or attend monthly Lunch & Learn lectures (second Friday at noon) for deeper educational content about manatees and local marine ecosystems.
💬At just $3 entry fee with free parking and a free gift shop, this is an exceptional value. Combine your visit with the complimentary scavenger hunt activity, which young children particularly enjoy throughout the exhibits.