• Terrapin on rock

    Crafting with Critters

    Still searching for the perfect gift? Create your own holiday treasures with us! Craft unique, sustainable art pieces while enjoying the company of our exhibit gallery animals.

  • Holiday Boat Ride

    Tropical Tidings

    Hop aboard our festive boat and set sail into the sunset. This one-hour tour is the perfect way to enjoy the holidays, with sparkling lights on the water and breathtaking Bay views.

  • Santa on top of Boat

    Holiday on the Bay

    Celebrate the season on the water with this two-hour festive boat ride through the Tampa Bay estuary. Spot wildlife, explore local habitats, and enjoy a sprinkle of holiday cheer!

  • Brown Pelican flying

    Birding on the Bay with the MFA

    Sail with us around Tampa Bay’s bird islands to spot coastal birds up close, then head to the Museum of Fine Arts for a docent-led tour of the Audubon’s Birds of America exhibit, now through February.

  • Personalized Private Charters

    Holiday gatherings, corporate meetings, birthday parties and more! Make your next event unforgettable by hosting it aboard our boat!

  • Lionfish

    Dissect & Discover

    Invasive species, mysterious molluscs, and apex predators! Join a hands-on lionfish, squid, or shark dissection to find out how these animals survive and thrive. All specimens are responsibly sourced.

  • Manatee

    Bay Babies

    Designed for ages 3 to 6. Join us monthly for a delightful blend of story time, creative crafts, interactive activities, and thrilling animal encounters.

  • Birthday Sandwich

    Wild Celebrations

    Explore endless possibilities for your child's next birthday celebration at the Discovery Center! Captivating exhibits, hands-on activities, and more will make their day truly unforgettable.

  • Eagle Ray

    Sensory Programs

    Thoughtfully designed for families and individuals on the autism spectrum or with other sensory differences.
    Join us for our next class on January 19th all about birds!

  • Eco Vessel Field Trip

    Field Trips

    Discover the wonders of nature at our education center, or let us bring the wildlife experience directly to your classroom!

TAMPA BAY WATCH

DISCOVERY CENTER

Welcome to the Discovery Center, Tampa Bay Watch’s premier educational space on the St. Pete Pier. Dive into our engaging displays about the rich local ecosystem and learn about our ongoing efforts to restore it. Enjoy hands-on interactive exhibits, join our daily programs, and get up close with marine life. Plus, don’t miss our exciting Wildlife Boat Tours, setting sail regularly from our dock on the Pier.

Tampa Bay Watch is dedicated to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

Interactive Exhibits

Learn about Tampa Bay Watch’s work to restore the bay, and don’t forget to meet our animal ambassadors!

Hands-On Learning

We offer a variety of free and affordable daily programs featuring Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.

Estuary Exploration

Join our knowledgeable educators for a wildlife boat tour aboard our 45-foot catamaran, Discovery.

Experiences

Fishing Workshop

Birthday Parties

Labs & Dissections

Private Programs

History Boat Tour

Your membership builds a brighter future for Tampa Bay