THE KAYAK CLUB IS PLANNING THIS PADDLE. THE INFO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST MAY BE OF INTEREST TO RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE BOATS AND WISH TO SEE MANATEES.

Paddle trip to view Manatees - Tuesday, January 14th

Apollo Beach Marina, 1485 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach Fl,

Phone - 813-645-0720

Plan on leaving to arrive at the marina by 11:00 - The GPS says it is about 1 1/2 hours to the marina.

This is a short paddle from the marina to the area where the TECO power plant discharges warm water into Tampa Bay. Because of the cold spell we are enduring there should be lots of manatees in the area. We will paddle out to the buoys marking the discharge canal and just sit and wait.

Weather forecast - high of 63, Partly cloudy, 6% chance of rain, wind from the north at 11mph. Dress accordingly and wear your life jacket.

Fees - $10.00 per boat to launch, this includes vehicle parking. CASH ONLY.

Rentals - none available

Bathroom - at the marina

Lunch - On your own, lots of choices in the area, or pack something to eat while manatee watching.

TECO has a manatee viewing area at the power plant with a lot of educational information that will be available after the paddle if you wish to spend some more time.

Please let me know if you are planning on going so that I can notify the marina with a head count.

Any questions, don't hesitate to call.

Giles Snyder

TECO has a manatee viewing area at the power plant with a lot of educational information that will be available after the paddle if you wish to spend some more time. The info below was copied from their website.

Manatees love warm water. And by a stroke of POWERful luck, Tampa Electric can provide it to them! Our Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling, then sends the water flowing clean and warm back into the bay. In the winter months the manatees leave colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.

Because of this uniquely unusual migration, we’ve built the Manatee Viewing Center so everyone could have a chance to see manatees gather. Our discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals.

Location: 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Hours: Open daily from November 1 - April 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m Have questions? Call us at 813-228-4289.

NO PETS allowed, service animals are welcome.
Tampa Electric proudly offers free parking and admission to all who visit!