‘Tis the Season for Ocean Discovery: December Events at the Discovery Center
Celebrate the holidays with us, Tampa Bay Watch style! We’re hosting a variety of special events and programs this month to help you get in the festive spirit while learning about our coastal ecosystem.
Holiday Shopping at the Discovery Center
New items arriving daily. Visit our gift shop to pick up eco-friendly, educational gifts for friends and family this holiday season! All purchases support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to restore the bay. Eco-vessel gift cards and memberships also make great presents for anyone who loves the water.
Holiday on the Bay Eco Tours
Every weekend in December, daily December 18th - January 1st
Trips depart at 5:00 PM from the St. Pete Pier
Fun for all ages, starting at $16 per child/ $24 per adult
We invite you to board our floating winter waterland! Enjoy a holiday sunset cruise on our festively decorated eco-vessel. There will be twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and fun, ocean-themed games guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Click here to purchase tickets.
Buy for the Bay: Members Only Shopping Event
December 13th, 5 - 7 PM at the Discovery Center
Become a Tampa Bay Watch member today to receive an invitation!
Come enjoy our twinkling lights and be the first to browse and purchase new retail items in the Discovery Center’s gift shop. Guests will enjoy hot chocolate, crafts, seasonal snacks, and private exhibit viewing hosted by our team.
Bay Babies: Freezing Friends
December 17th, 11 AM to 12 PM at the Discovery Center
Ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult
$5 per child/ $8 per adult
Here in Florida, we have some fun animals that love the sun! But what about animals that prefer the cold? Come join us with your young scientists for a winter program to discover how our arctic friends thrive in a freezing environment! Includes story time and hands-on activities. Link to register.
Crafting with Critters
December 17th from 1 - 3 PM AND December 18th from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Discovery Center
Fun for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
$5 per person
Join us for a special holiday crafting event. Create unique ocean-themed gifts for your loved ones while spending time with some cheery critters from the bay. Register for 12/17 or 12/18.
Birding on the Bay: Snowbirds Edition
December 18th, trip departs at 9 AM from the St. Pete Pier
Fun for all ages, starting at $16 per child/ $24 per adult
We’re putting a wintry spin our fan favorite birding eco tour! Enjoy viewing different native and migratory bird species as we cruise around Tampa Bay. We’ll observe a local bird sanctuary island that provides great photo ops. Participants will learn about the birds that call our area home, and meet a few out-of-towners as well! Click here to reserve your spot.
Oyster Ornaments
In addition to our regularly scheduled daily tank talks and feedings, we’ll be offering pop-up educational oyster ornament making sessions near our outdoor wet classroom on the St. Pete Pier. Schedule varies, so visit when you’re in the area to find out if we’re outside crafting!
Private Eco-Vessel Holiday Charters
Looking for a fun and unique way to bring people together this year? Charter our eco-vessel for your holiday celebration! Host an unforgettable holiday gathering for your friends, family, or work team. Enjoy a private charter on Tampa Bay to celebrate the season! Private charters are fully customizable for your group. Catered trips are available and all proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch's mission to restore the bay. For more information, please reach out to tbwdcecotours@tampabaywatch.org.
Squid and Lionfish Dissections
Multiple dates in December, visit our calendar to register
Family-friendly, children must be accompanied by an adult
$5 per child/ $8 per adult includes exhibit gallery admission
Explore the ins and outs of fascinating marine creatures with us! Our guided dissections are stinky, slimy, and more fun than you can imagine!
