Newman Creek Preserve and

Manatee Viewing Center

The Canoe Outpost is proud to partner with Tampa Electric and the Manatee Viewing Center to offer kayak and canoe rentals in the Newman Creek Preserve! Explore winding mangrove tunnels, encounter varied wildlife, and gain unique water access to the tidal boardwalk, observation tower, and the Manatee Viewing Center. Enjoy self-guided, paddle-out and back trips where you decide how you spend your day. Paddling, fishing, discovering all the preserve has to offer.

Please note that during off-season, April 15 through November 15, all boat rentals must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, and we have a 2 boat minimum rental. Certain areas of the manatee viewing center, boardwalks, and so on will be closed during this time period as well, and manatees will more than likely not be present in the channel, but lots of other wildlife including a large variety of birds, tarpon, snook, sharks, dolphins, etc will likely be visible. Please call to learn more about our offerings and restrictions at 813-634-2228. Thanks!

Book Your Trip

A short paddle takes you to the overlook tower, accessible by water, where you can get a birds-eye view of the surrounding estuary.

Launch off from our home base, just a short drive from the manatee viewing center overflow parking area, and begin your trip with the help of our friendly staff.

Explore the winding mangrove tunnels and enjoy the shady nature preserve in peace and quiet. Keep a lookout for crabs, wading birds, fish, even sharks!

The trail is well marked, and cell coverage is good along the trail in case you want a little assistance from GPS.

Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Pelicans and more make this trip a birdwatcher's paradise.

Newman Creek Preserve - Manatee Viewing Center Kayak Rentals

Overflow Parking Lot - 6798 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach FL.

Follow the signs to our parking area. Please call (813) 634-2228 when you arrive and park.

Tram or van transportation to our launch site is provided from the covered tram solar pavilion.

Newman Creek Preserve Hours:

10:00 am - 4:00 pm
7 days a week by reservation Same day reservations are available.

Boats Launched 10:00 - 2:00 All boats must return by 4:00

Phone
(813) 634-2228

Text
(813) 451-1322

- Vince W, Yelp.

“Great location for some local water access and getting one with nature.

This family biz with Brian Sr and Jr. is well ran and has always been a pleasure to deal with. Your safety is ALWAYS number one with them.

We will be returning here for Many Many years to come.”

Paddling Adventures

Your paddle trip at Newman Creek preserve - Manatee Viewing Center is an easy and fun way to explore all the preserve and center have to offer. Our paddle out and back trips are suitable for all ages and experience levels. You decide how to want to spend your time in the preserve and how long you will stay out. We launch daily from 10:00 - 2:00 and you return to the launch point anytime before 4:00. Enjoy your day in the Florida outdoors.

A popular trip is to follow the green trail from our launch to the Manatee Viewing Center. Paddle through the mangrove canopy and tunnels to the observation tower where you can climb and get great views of the estuary and the bay. Continue to the Tidal Boardwalk where we have arranged special gate access to the Manatee Viewing Center. Explore all the center offers including wildlife and manatee viewing, exhibits, boardwalk, trails and gift shop. Bring you picnic lunch or purchase a sandwich or snack from the viewing center cafe and enjoy the shaded picnic area. Explore the estuary while you paddle back to the launch. Allow 1 3/4 hours of paddle time plus your stops.

A short side trip on the yellow trail will take you to a beach landing close to the Conservation Campus. From here, it is a short walk or tram ride to explore the Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation and Coral Conservation Centers where you can observe sea turtles being cared for and corals being preserved to help save our reefs. Also on the campus are the Marine Fisheries Hatchery with exhibits and tanks of spawning and juvenile fish used to help replenish our oceans and the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center which offers estuary, fishing and environmental displays. Learn more about these centers through the links below. Allow 15 minutes of extra paddle time plus your visits.

Looking for a longer paddle? The red trail will take you through the mangroves to the pond start of Newman Creek. Return or continue to paddle the red loop around the mangroves, or venture to the blue trail in the Apollo Beach Nature Park. Allow 1-1.5 hours of paddle time.

Like to fish? Saltwater fishing for snook, redfish and trout is a great way to spend the day.

“So, how does this trip work anyway?”

Use the “Book Your Trip” button to get started. Select the day and time you would like to start your trip and complete your reservation. Want to go today? Great! Same day reservations are available.

We meet at the Manatee Viewing Center overflow parking lot, at 6798 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach FL., 1/4 mile south of the viewing center main parking lot. Park and call (813) 634-2228 to let us know you’ve arrived. We will provide a van or tram shuttle to the launch site or you may choose to walk the 1/4 mile along the trails to the launch site.

At the launch site, we will verify your reservation, and then have each member of your party sign our liability waiver. If you would like a copy of our waiver, you may download it here. We will provide an orientation and map and make sure you are set for a great paddle.

Take your time and explore at your own pace, soak up some good vibes, and then return to the launch point anytime up until 4:00. Our staff should be present to assist, but if not, give us a call at 813-634-2228. We’ll provide tram or van shuttle, or you can choose to walk 1/4 mile back to the parking lot and you’re off to your next adventure.

Don’t forget to take some photos along the way, and tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

What to bring?

There is room on all of our boats for a small 12pk size cooler and a small gear or dry bag. We suggest you dress in light weight, quick drying clothes. A shirt and shoes are required for visiting the various centers.

Water shoes (you will be getting your feet wet)
Water or other drinks (no alcohol please)
Sunscreen and bug repellant
Hat, sunglasses
No pets are allowed on these trips

We recommend that each group, preferably each boat, have a cellular smart phone, protected from water. We offer 5L dry bag and phone bag rentals and sales. We provide maps and trail signs to guide you but using the Google Maps app to see and share your location can be helpful. Even better, for fun and information, we recommend you install the free “All Trails” app for iPhone and Android. This app tracks and records your path so you can see where you went and where you are.

Newman Creek Pricing & Reservations

Prices are per boat, not per person. Prices include all needed gear, life jackets, paddles whistles and boat cushions upon request. Advance reservations are recommended and requested but same day reservations are available. Please note that all trips out of Newman Creek are booked through our online booking platform. Need more information? We love to help. Just call us at (813) 634-2228. Ready to go? Hit “Book Your Trip” and we’ll see on the water.

Please note that some areas of the preserve may be inaccessible at very low tides below +.3 feet. You may check the 2023 or 2024 tides charts here so you can plan your paddle time or call if you need assistance.

We offer Old Town Scout 16’ canoes. They have a capacity of up to 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years old with a total weight limit of 600 lbs. combined for people and gear. The paddling positions include seat backs. Boat cushions are furnished for children sitting in the middle. Canoes are a great traditional boat offering extra space and a chair like seating position but if you are looking for greater stability and ease of use, we suggest a double kayak.
Double Kayaks offer stability and ease of use. We offer both sit in and sit on top style kayaks. Double kayaks have two paddling positions with seat backs but can accommodate a child under 6 years old as a 3rd passenger (child position will not have a seat back). There is also room for a small 12pk size cooler and/or gear bag. Total weight limit for gear and people is 550 lbs.
Single kayaks offer stability, ease of use and maneuverability. We offer sit in and sit on top style kayaks, each with 1 paddling position with a seat back. There is also room for a small 12pk size cooler and small gear bag. Total weight limit for people and gear is 325 lbs.
Unfortunately due to the logistics of our launch area and agreements with the Manatee Viewing Center, our operation is only set up to handle boat rentals and not service personal vessels.