Enjoy it while visiting Tampa in Florida
Tampa has a treat for animal lovers who are willing to spend some money to see adorable and unique creatures. Most places like science centers, zoos, and aquariums charge an entrance fee, but there’s one exception: Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center. Here, you can take a break from your vacation itinerary and witness the delightful sight of manatees swimming in the water plant without having to pay anything at all. These gentle creatures find solace in the discharge panel of the Big Bend Power Station located in Apollo Beach. The panel releases clean and warm saltwater from Tampa Bay, offering a cozy refuge for manatees when the bay becomes too cold for them.
Take a break from watching the water and explore the various offerings at the center. Apart from observing the marine life, you can enjoy other attractions as well. Visit the stingray touch tank and learn from the educational exhibits, which even showcase real manatee bones. Don’t forget to browse through the gift shop for some souvenirs. For a panoramic view of the surroundings, make your way up the stairs to the 50-foot viewing tower. It’s conveniently positioned along the Manatee Viewing Center’s habitat loop trail.