Hello Fall Eco-Adventures!
Get ready for the goosebumps! Fall means new tours, stories, and fun aboard The Discovery! Our 45 ft covered eco-vessel is the perfect venue to host adventures on the water. Join us on the St. Pete Pier for some affordable special programs offered this fall! Many of these programs are for people and families of all ages to enjoy. Read below to explore program highlights:
Snell Island
NEW! “Liquid to Land” History Tours
What did it take to build a thriving city by the bay? A whole lot of creativity, determination, and shoreline sculpting! On this tour, developed and hosted by Tampa Bay Watch and the St. Petersburg Museum of History, you’ll discover the history of St. Petersburg from the water – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join us to find out how a cast of colorful characters brought notorious local landmarks to life, and learn what happened to the Tampa Bay ecosystem as a result. It’s the perfect blend of history, science, and gorgeous views.
Price: $45 *Included admission into the Discovery Center and St. Petersburg Museum Of History
Dates:
Oct 21, 2023
Nov 18, 2023
Dec 16, 2023
IT’S BAAAACK! Haunted Tales of Tampa Bay
Haunted Tales of Tampa Bay
Under the surface of the sea, creepy critters lie below. Dive into these spooky specimens and the haunted history of the Tampa Bay estuary as the sun sets. This memorable tour is a great way for the family to enjoy a themed evening on the water. Don’t worry- we will get you back to land before the monsters and ghosts of the estuary come out!
Dates:
Oct 22, 2023
Oct 27, 2023
Oct 28, 2023
Oct 29, 2023
Eco Connections Adult Education Series
As Tampa Bay residents, our lives are interwoven with the waters that surround us. Learning about these waters can help better understand how to protect them. Eco Connections is the Discovery Center’s newest offering for adults – a place to connect with like-minded community members while exploring connections between humans, animals, land, and sea.
Register to attend individual sessions or take the full course for a broad understanding of key issues that impact the bay and how simple daily choices can make a difference in the health of our waterways.
Price:
$20 for each
$55 for all 4
Session 1: Water Quality – Challenges and Solutions
October 27th, 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: Boat-based aboard Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s eco-vessel
Board the eco-vessel Discovery for an introduction to Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Watch, and ecology. Then we’ll dive into water quality on the water – what causes water quality problems, how water quality impacts humans and animals, research, and solutions. You’ll hear about locally relevant issues such as harmful algal blooms, plastic pollution, industrial and mercury contamination, and more.
During this boat trip, participants will assist with data collection for a hands-on citizen science project that helps scientists understand how animal populations are affected by water quality changes and events. Discovery Center educators will also conduct a plankton tow and share findings under a microscope. The harmful algal cells, microorganisms, plastic particles, and other ecosystem components we find will offer a unique peek into the current health of Tampa Bay!
Session 2: Giving Back to the Bay
November 3rd, 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: Lassing Park
Tampa Bay gives us so many opportunities to enjoy life by the water. Giving back to the bay is a great way to feel connected to our natural surroundings while ensuring that future generations can also enjoy them. Participants in this session will spend part of the day with members of Tampa Bay Watch who will lead a field trip to Lassing Park. We’ll visit a recent “Living Shoreline” installation and have the option to get our feet wet while hearing about how these volunteer-supported projects benefit humans, our local ecosystem, and the global ocean.
Living shoreline project
You’ll discover what happens behind the scenes to plan, coordinate, and fund a “Living Shoreline", find out why our water quality depends on healthy habitats, and build a vertical oyster garden to take home or donate for installation on a local dock. This is an active program, so wear comfortable clothing and prepare to get your shoes muddy, if you’d like!
Session 3: Invasion in the Bay
November 10th, 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: Discovery Center Classroom
During this session, participants are invited into the Discovery Center’s state of the art classroom to learn from our educators and a special guest speaker. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek into the complex world of invasive species – how they arrived here, how they impact the local ecosystem, and what Tampa Bay Watch and other organizations are doing to solve the problem.
You’ll be guided through a lionfish dissection, meet invasive animal ambassadors (perhaps our cane toads, Willy and Wonka, will make an appearance), and practice using citizen science tools. Expect to leave this program with new knowledge and skills that will help you advocate for smarter management of invasive species in and around Tampa Bay.
Fishing Workshops
Local catch on Tampa Bay!
You’ll fall for it, hook, line, and sinker. Learn how to tie a knot, cast a line, bait a hook, and most importantly, how to catch and release a fish during our Fishing Workshops! Our biologist anglers will blend the fishing fun with some insight into how we can have a positive impact on the marine environment. The workshop goes over fishing practices that will help you protect the waters that everyone knows and loves. Whether you are a beginner or an expert fisherman, there is something for everyone. Equipment is provided or feel free to bring your own. There’s even a chance to win prizes like fishing gear!
Price: $20
Dates:
Oct 28, 2023
Dec 9, 2023
Holiday on the Bay
“The Discovery” decorated for the holiday season
Let's get into the holiday spirit! We invite you to board our floating winter waterland. Guests will enjoy a sunset cruise with spectacular views on our festively decorated eco-vessel. There will be twinkling lights, seasonal surprises, "snowbird" sightings at the bird sanctuary, and ocean-themed activities. These trips are fun for all ages, and the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends.
Price:
Adult - $24
Child - $16
Dates:
Dec 9, 2023
Dec 16, 2023
Dec 17, 2023
Dec 22, 2023
Dec 23, 2023
Dec 24, 2023
Dec 26, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024
If you can’t make it out for a specialty program, join us for an Eco Tour of Tampa Bay or a scenic Sunset Tour!
