manatees

[julesk]

Where is it possible to see/swim with manatees? (other than Seaworld)

Has anyone been to Merritt Island wildlife refuge?

Has anyone tried one of the trip (like Gator Tours) that says you can snorkel with manatees?

DS1 is crazy about manatees since our last visit to Seaworld. :grin:

[tigger&eeyore]

we got back a week ago and did this we went to crystal river, homosassa very early start we stayed the night before at the riverside resort as we had to be in the office at 5:30am we went with capt mikes, also known as sunshine river tours i think, fabulous experience well worth doing we had a little baby kept chewing/playing with the rope on the anchor

[rpbert1]

Was looking at this the other day looks great ,have a look at the Video.
http://birdsunderwater.com/manatee_tours/index.html

[julesk]

:omg: :omg: :omg: That's amazing!! :omg: :omg: :omg:

If I showed the video on that website to my DS1 he would explode! :erm:

What is the Riverside place like to stay in? Is there anything else to do there, apart from the manatee snorkelling?

Thank you so much :wavey:

[josie112]

Check out this link for Capt Mike's tour at Crystal Springs.

http://www.manateeswimtours.com/

We are booked for the ultimate tour in April and can't wait!:wavey:

[julesk]

Aaahhh! That one also looks good - I see if leaves later - at 8am but groups are only up to 6 people.

Not sure with the underwater birds one how many people are in each group but they say they leave earlier to get there before other boats do.

Are you staying overnight somewhere?

[Malcolm]

Hi...went to Tampa power staion on the I75 they have a viewing area cafe and gift shop, we were about 15ft away from about 40 Manatees as they come to the power station for the warm water it pumps out. Its free to get in but unless you are traveling down the coast to the Bay for part of your vacation then it is a bit far to go
Malcolm

[josie112]

Yes, we have booked accommodation. We're staying here (as recommended by Capt Mike when I rang and booked the tour).....

http://www.riversideresorts.com/

We have booked in for the night prior to the manatee tour as it's such an early start and also for the night after the tour so we don't have to drive back to Orlando after a long day and also so we can have a nice leisurely meal at one of the many restaurants in the Hommassa/Crystal River area.

Hope this helps?

[julesk]

Excellent Josie thanks