The viewing center is open throughout Manatee Season from Nov. 1 to April 15.

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. — You have one last chance to see a flurry of Florida’s sea cows this week.

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach is closing for the season at 5 p.m. Wednesday as the temperatures begin to rise this time of year.

Manatee Season starts on Nov. 1, which is around the time Gulf waters cool during the winter, causing the warm-blooded animals to make their way to the clean, warm water discharge of TECO’s Big Bend Power Station. 

With the spring season underway and temperatures getting warmer, the manatees will be going back to rivers, canals and nearshore waters.

“Our discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals,” TECO’s website reads.

If you decide to make one last-minute trip, you can enjoy the center’s viewing platform, education center, cafe and golf carts that transport guests from the remote parking lot. There is also a touch tank with stingrays and a nature trail leading to a 50-foot observation tower. 

According to TECO, manatees have flocked to the canal by the power station since the early 1970s, once the water temperature in Tampa Bay drops to 68 degrees or cooler. 

“Our discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals,” TECO’s website states.

Each season, the center draws nearly 400,000 visitors for a total of more than 7 million.

It is a three-time winner of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for best free attractions.