swimming with manatees

[KES]

Is it worth doing if you have done Discovery Cove and swum with Dolphins?

[castanea1985]

Is it worth doing if you have done Discovery Cove and swum with Dolphins?

Hi Karen

We haven't swum with them, but we've kayaked with them. They are very 'rough' skinned. The dolphin feels like a boiled egg, but a manatee has skin like barnacles... so I'm not sure if I'd like to 'brush up' next to one!! They are beautiful, sedate creatures and are certainly worth 'interacting' with..

Tracy xx

[Mickiengland]

Hi Karen

We haven't swum with them, but we've kayaked with them. They are very 'rough' skinned. The dolphin feels like a boiled egg, but a manatee has skin like barnacles... so I'm not sure if I'd like to 'brush up' next to one!! They are beautiful, sedate creatures and are certainly worth 'interacting' with..

Tracy xxSo many people have said great things about swimming with the manatees and I've been in touch and got a quote. They (I won't mention their name as I wouldn't want anyone to take it as a recommendation when we haven't actually been with them, but they come highly recommended by dibbers) will take our family of 5 out for the day on a boat just for us, for just a little more than one day at Disney. Sounds really nice.....but.....I've also heard people say that they are best to see in Winter. Has anyone had experience of them in Summer? I don't really want to risk a day of the holiday if there is a chance that we won't see any (especially as its my idea :erm: !!).

[lelee]

Hi. I swam with manatees at crystal river back in october 2006 and i would highly recommend it. In fact i prefered it to swimming with dolphins at DC, more one to one interaction and more time spent in the water. I have read on different sites that there is less interaction in the summer months due to the fact the manatees stay out at sea more at this time of year but thats not saying there wont be any in the water to see and interact with. I would definately give it a go as its great value for money and will be the highlight of your holiday. I booked mine through sunshine river tours (highly recommended)

[robbinsretreat]

Hi

I have done both of theses and thoroughly enjoyed them. \Dicovery Cove was good, but 10 mins with a dophin (with strangers) was not worth the money. We went to Crystal River with capt Joe of fun2dive. This was fantastic and so personal. We were out on the water swimming with diferent manatee for at least 4-5 hours (we could have spent longer if we had wanted to) He also only takes a max of 6 guests too. This is my recommendation
Like i said i have done dc, but wouldnt again.
Whilst we were in the Keys last week we went to 'the theater of the sea' and they do dolphin experience swimming etc for about half the price of dc. We didnt do this, but a guest of ours recommended it

Hope this is of help

Phil

[julesk]

We also went out with Capt Joe at fun2dive - one month ago but already many manatees have left the area. We were unfortunate in that there had been a rainstorm the night before so although we were right up there with the manatees, we couldn't see them underwater.

[lmumju]

At Seaworld 2 years ago we did the Trainer for a day package which was fantastic. The manatees were great and we got to swim with them which was fanastic! It was about £195pp but was so worth the saving up!

[eeyore88]

We have done both and wouldn't do DC again but are doing the Mannatee swim again next year on the crystal River with the Animal park and breakfast included the day lasts about 12 hours and is worth every penny. The price for ext year including an Airboat ride is £57

[gala]

We had a fabulous time doing this at Crystal River back in 2001. We went on a VH organised trip and it was probably the best trip we ever did. I know it has changed now but from what I can remember we stopped off for breakfast in a town called Inverness and then went off to Crystal River. I didnt swim. Instead I watched the kids as they did. It was a wonderful experience watching them as the manatees came up close. We had lunch afterwards and then had an airboat ride amongst the crocodiles. After that we visited a rescue centre called Wild Bills. It was a fantastic day and we are seriously considering it for this year. I see that Viator do the tour so we may opt for that one.

Margaret

[RSSPENCE]

Four of us did this two years back and loved it. We did the Virgin package, breakfast, transport, swim with Manatees, Airboat, and a zoo, Homassassa I think. Excellent real Florida day out. I would love to do it again. It was a bit intimidating just getting into the water, weeds everywhere and the unknown creatures within. But to see the Manatees up close was amazing. I was just a foot from a mum and baby, they were perfedctly relaxed and it seemed to reflect on the few of us with them. Saw some big fish too, fortunatley my wife didn't otherwsie the tranquil place may have heard a few choice words.
Also love DC, but that is more for the luxury of the day.

[Jo&Stew]

We have done both and wouldn't do DC again but are doing the Mannatee swim again next year on the crystal River with the Animal park and breakfast included the day lasts about 12 hours and is worth every penny. The price for ext year including an Airboat ride is £57

I think we are planning to do this one, sounded good for the price.

We will be going the end of April, will that be too late to see the manatees?

[eeyore88]

I think we are planning to do this one, sounded good for the price.

We will be going the end of April, will that be too late to see the manatees?


Sorry i don't know but were doing it in May so i hope we'll see them.

[julesk]

Hopefully you will get to see a few resident manatees but most have left the area by April.

[Jo&Stew]

Oh :confused2 Well I suppose if we do it pretty much as soon as we get there the last week of April we might have more chance. Thanks for the info though :wave: