An Unlikely Spot for A Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa FL

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An Unlikely Spot for A Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa FL

Manatees are some of the coolest animals you can possibly see in the wild. It’s kind of like walking along a trail and bumping into a Black bear, truly awe-inspiring. My family and I are huge Manatee lovers and fans. We’ve even swam with manatee in Crystal River and Homosassa Springs area, part of Florida’s Nature Coast. So when I heard that there is a viewing spot for Manatee, I was all over it. The catch was, that it is part of Tampa Electric’s plant. Who would have ever thought this would be a place for manatees to congregate and play? Today’s I want to talk about manatee viewing center in Tampa FL

teco manatee viewing center tampa

How Teco Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa Came About?

Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach has been giving electricity to the communities around it for over 16 yearsIn 1986 the plant started a commercial operation – Big Bend Unit 4That year people started seeing manatees in large numbers in the power station’s discharge canal. This is where the saltwater – taken from Tampa Bay to cool Unit 4 – flowed, clean and warm, back to the bay.When Tampa Bay reached 68 degrees or colder, the mammals would seek out this new refuge.And that’s how the Manatee Viewing Center was soon born.Today, Big Bend’s discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these beautiful, completely harmless animals.

Video Fun

Visiting Tampa electric’s manatee viewing center

The center is much more than just watching the animals. There is also a great educational exhibit area where you can learn more in depth about these creatures.

Also, if you’re up for a hike, there are several short, easy hiking trails to visit.

The best part of it all, it’s free!

NOTE – To get here you will need a car. It’s about a 20-minute drive outside of Tampa’s downtown area. Definitely worth the visit, especially if you have kids. 

Also, the center is only open when the Manatee is visiting, which is usually during the winter months. It will be reopened again from October – March. 

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: An Unlikely Spot for A Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa FL
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/manatee-viewing-center-tampa-florida/
Published Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:28:46 +0000