Manatees are one of the top species Florida travelers hope to see on their beach vacations. Along with dolphins and turtles, manatees can be found all around the Gulf Coast. Considered more elusive than other sea mammals, manatee viewings are largely based on luck and the season.
One of the best places in the state to view these animals is just an hour north of our rentals in Anna Maria Island. Visit in the winter, and you can see dozens of manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center which is sponsored and run by Big Bend Power Station.
Big Bend Power Station
This power plant runs on coal and covers around 1500 acres of Tampa land. It’s located in southeastern Hillsborough County and has been operating since the 1970s. And if you’re thinking that this is one old power plant that could do with upgrading, you wouldn’t be wrong. In fact, TECO Energy, the company that owns and operates Big Bend Power Stations, agrees with you. They have put plans in motion to upgrade one of their units (Unit 1) to use natural gas while retiring Unit 2, thus removing the need to use coal to generate electricity. This major upgrade is expected to take place by 2021. The environment and all the environmentalists are grateful for this decision and the strides taken to improve bad environmental practices.
While the plant’s sustainability practices could be debated, it is a great example of how mankind and animals can learn to live as happy neighbors and even benefit from one another. The station pours warm water into the bay, which attracts manatees during the winter months. Florida visitors benefit from the easy viewing access allowing young children and the elderly to get glimpses of these shy creatures.
The Manatee
West Indian manatee, the ones who love a hot bath during the cold months of winter, are an endangered species. And since these lovable animals come to the station of their own accord, the people at TECO thought it would be a good idea to introduce them to the general public. This will raise awareness among humans about this beautiful species while also teaching the manatees that humans are a curious but harmless species.
In 1986 the idea for the Manatee Viewing Center came into existence. Right from the start the mission of the center was put forth as both educating and entertaining the public. And because it’s a federal as well as a state sanctuary, you can be assured that the manatees are well taken care of there.
You can view the manatees during the center’s open season. This starts on November 1 and lasts until April 15th. You are introduced to exhibits and interactive displays that tell you about the habitat, life cycle, and challenges this endangered species faces. The tour also includes some anecdotes by the tour guides, who are in fact TECO retirees, as well as answers to your questions.
One thing is for sure, you’ll come out at the end of the tour a more enlightened person than when you went in. And you can thank the manatees for that.
Other Attractions
Power stations and cuddly manatees are not the only things you can see around here. Once you’ve learned enough, it’s time to explore other attractions in the area.
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is one of those hidden gems that you really need inside information to know about. Even many of the locals are not privy to the mere existence of this wonderful reserve, despite the fact that it’s open to the public. You can enjoy yourself here for free and even park for free. Always be courteous
Plan Your Visit
Visiting the manatees is a wonderful day trip for the family, but there’s plenty of things to do on the island to keep you entertained. Stay at one of Anna Maria waterfront vacation rentals, and ride your bike around town, drink your morning coffee on the beach, or lounge poolside in the afternoon before grabbing dinner out.
Dining must be high on your agenda right about now. You always need a good meal to keep you going. Circles Waterfront Restaurant is the right answer for your culinary needs. We recommend sitting at the patio. The food is delicious if you eat inside, but when out facing the waterfront, the food is heavenly.
Our Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals
From Anna Maria Island, it is easy to make a quick afternoon drive over to Sarasota or Bradenton for some other dining options or see some of the more popular area attractions. If you want to visit the Big Bend Station to see the manatees, you’ll drive a bit further away. It’s about an hour north to the Apollo Beach area, just south of Tampa and across Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg.