The Manatee Viewing Center in Apallo Beach, Florida is a PLAYGROUND for young and old alike when Tampa Bay water temperature dips below 68 degrees (F).
The following photos give a more comprehensive overview of where the manatee congregate in the canal at the Big Bend Power Station.
Entering the viewing area
The protrusions in the water are the backs of manatee enjoying the warm waters provided by the power plant
Close view of a manatee surfacing for a breath of air with reflections from the steam stacks glimmering on the water
On any given day there can be hundreds of manatee in the canal at the same time one day I hope to be there to witness that spectacle,
with that being said be assured I did not leave the area on this day disappointed.
Do You See What I See…
© PC PHOTO 2012 All rights reserved
My last post Will TRAVEL to watch Manatee had only minor levels adjustment because I wanted to share my excitement of seeing the manatee for the first time this season right away.
For more information and live video feeds visit: tampaelectric.com/manatee
Patty Charles 
The title worried me – I was expecting Nude Bathers, but I understand the Manatee’s need for warm water during winter. Tee Hee.
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Lol, nude bathers would be cause for concern!
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wish I knew all the photo lingo alas I do not, the first shot is great, I feel like I’m on the walkway, wonderful colours, the steam stacks add a great touch, and what a priviledge to be so close to these Manatees, great photos!
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I’m so glad my photo’s translated so well even without photo lingo! I do feel privileged to see these amazing creatures so close up in natural habitat. Glad you enjoyed Lynn.
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Thank you for sharing. I took the liberty of re-posting it. They are gentle creatures.
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Glad you enjoyed this post Bob and thanks for thinking this subject matter was worth re posting.
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Beautiful! I have heard of this location, but haven’t made it there on any of my trips down to Fl. Next time, I’m going to plan for it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed – this is a destination well worth going to.
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Wonderful post! Manatees are such gentle creatures….I hate when I read about one involved in boating accidents.
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It is heartbreaking when a manatee is injured by boaters, I did photograph one with multiple scares and probably should have included it in this series. Glad you enjoyed.
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Wonderful series. I would love to see this sight.
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I am so fortunate to see them and am happy to share!
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If you are a witness of such spectacle, please share it with us, I’d love to see it!
This is really amazing!!
Great shots 🙂
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These are my photo’s Pablo and it pleased me very much to share my experience with you.
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Hi Patty,
Beautiful shots! Love the reflections in the middle picture. Have a great day!
Sherrie
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Thanks Sherrie glad you enjoyed my manatee photo’s.
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Love the leading lines in the first image.
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Yes, they drew you right in to the scene didn’t they.
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Great shots. Love the clarity of the photos
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This was one of those perfect weather days we look forward to in the winter. btw, Thank you!
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Was initially confused with the smoke stacks but ended by loving those shots of the manatees!
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Not exactly a place to think they would congregate but the hot water discharged in the canal is a big draw for them because they aren’t cold water mammals.
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I did not notice the smoke stack reflections in the last image the first time, nicely done. I also love the reflections in the middle image!
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Thanks Jens, so happy you enjoyed 🙂
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Seems like such a contradiction to see the manatees alongside the smoke stacks. And what was God thinking when he created the manatee??…maybe a lesson about the unexpected beauty that lies beneath a plain, almost homely exterior.
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They are a phenom that I don’t understand either and I think that is what fascinates me.
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