Christopher Columbus sighted a manatee on his first trip to the New World and mistook it for a mermaid. There ain't nothin' sexy about a manatee. . . Photographic opportunities are not limited to manatees. In winter, big schools of jack crevalle, snapper, snook, and other saltwater species swim in from the Gulf of Mexico to take advantage of the warmer, 72-degree spring water. Many kinds of birds, including owls and hawks, reside at the Homosassa Wildlife Park throughout the year.
Alligators are also present year-round.
The park is located off US 19 in the town of Homosassa Springs, about two hours north of Tampa. Article copyright Menasha Ridge Press . All rights reserved. Move on to Orlando Wetlands Return to Top Great Adventures in Florida is available from the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore. Work Outdoors at GORP Jobs Click Here.