# Florida manatee
Manatee Park | Fort Myers, Florida
Looking for a fun (yet inexpensive) activity in Fort Myers? Check out Manatee Park! This park is a refuge for the Florida Manatee in the winter months (December - February). In addition to manatee viewing this park also offers education about manatees and native Florida plants. There are nature walks, mangrove trees, butterfly gardens, and kayak rentals available too! One of the other nice things about Manatee Park is that admission is free! There is a small fee to park. Manatee Park Website: <a href="www.leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark">www.leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark</a> Manatee Park Location: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905 Instagram: @TravelCrazyKatie
Visiting The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach has delivered reliable electricity to the community since 1970. Manatees gather in large numbers in the power station's discharge canal, where saltwater – taken from Tampa Bay to cool the units' flows, clean and warm, back to the bay. When Tampa Bay reaches 68 degrees or colder, the mammals seek out warm water refuges such as springs and power plants. Big Bend's discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals.