Day tripper

Creature feature

APOLLO BEACH -- Linda Chartier of Tampa visits the Manatee Viewing Center for stress relief.

"I have never seen so many here before," she said as she observed about 50 manatees floating in the warm tea-colored water of Tampa Electric's discharge canal near Apollo Beach.

Shaped like large sweet potatoes with flat paddle-like tails, the grayish-brown manatees surface periodically to breathe.

The state designated the TECO canal an official manatee sanctuary in 1986. It is one of the few places where the endangered mammals can gather without fear of injury by a boat propeller.

They prefer water that is 6 to 7 feet deep and 68 degrees or warmer. During the winter, they migrate to warmer waters. The warm discharge water from the plant helps keep them warm.

An observation platform at the viewing center allows visitors to see the manatees without disturbing them. People can visit the education center to learn more about the gentle giant. Inside are displays, underwater photographs, a full-size mural, an authentic skeleton and a life-size reproduction of the manatee. A video tells the manatee story.

A tidal flat walkway leads to an estuary and some native flora and fauna. The center also has a covered picnic area with vending machines and a gift shop.

Mike Pence of Kansas City was a first-time visitor.

"They are beautiful," he said. "I've heard and read a lot of stuff about them, but until you see them live, you can't really appreciate them."

If you go

Manatee Viewing Center

• Where: Big Bend Road, off U.S. 41 near Apollo Beach. 228-4289.
• Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until April 30; closed April 20.
• Cost: Free.