day excursion non-drivers

[ali-s]

We are planning on having a day out on one of the organised trips. I selfishly fancy the crystal river/manatee trip, for the manatees and airboat ride,but am I right in thinking it would be really boring for the 3 non swimmers? , the boys aren't confident out of their depth.,(and hubby's just not confident !) My other choices would be either clearwater, with a boat trip, or silver springs. Which would appeal most to 6 & 8 yr old boys.?

[eblondie26]

The crystal river manatee trip isnt boring for non-swimmers. I went in March and saw quite a few people not swimming. There is an area that is shallow and your boys are more likely to feel happier in the water there. If you went with the same tour company as me - Traci from native vacations, then she will change her tour to suit YOUR needs. When myself and my partner went, it was great to get away from the crowds as it was only the 2 of us in our group!
If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them....a mantee trip is a very memorable day!

[ali-s]

thanks alot, I'd decided to write this one off, but will put it back on the list now. Are' native vacations' easy to find ?

[eblondie26]

As we didnt have transport Traci picked us up from the hotel (an extra cost..but was very resonable). The journey seemed pretty straight-forward. Why dont you contact traci yourself as I know that she will be more that happy to talk to you. trust me...shes not pushy! She'll just answer your questions...nothing more unless you wanted more.

You really cant write this idea of!!! it really is a wonderful experience...Cant wait until November.

[steven1105]

I did the Clearwater Screamer Day excursion and we loved it, really felt like a day off. Couple of hours at the beach next to the Hilton Hotel then off to the Clearwater screamer ,and they are quite some characters there,.lol. The boat ride is great and you get to see dolphins playing in the wake then they open the boat up and you get pretty wet. Back to Hilton for a decent Buffet lunch then back to the beach for around 3 hours. I really enjoyed it. cant wait to do the Everglades trip some year too.

steve

[gala]

I have done loads of trips as we never hire a car. The best trip we ever did was the Crystal River trip -fab day out.I am not sure though that I would bring children as young as 6 and 8 if they were not confident swimmers. Most of the swimmers were older children and adults.As a non swimmer myself I did enjoy the day but getting in with the manatees is something I wish I had been able to do.The water is quite deep though.
As Steve says the Clearwater Screamer is a good day out and I do think it would be worth thinking about. The lunch at the Hilton was great.
Another trip that is wonderful is the airboats trip , visit to the alligator farm, and swamp buggy ride. After that its off to Naples for lunch at the Van der Bilt hotel on the beach and a boat trip out in to the Bay of Mexico with rum punch and soft drinks to boot. For us it would be a toss up between the Manatees and this one. Check the 2nd option out!

http://www.shop.viator.com/brochure/product_show.jsp?ID=1010&PRODUCTID=1016&CODE=31705A

Margaret

[stevie50]

Also went on the same Clearwater trip as steven1105 and found it well worth it.

[scuba_mickey]

I'd love to go on the Manatee trip (esp if I can snorkel with them - I hear they don't like scuba divers) - I thought the manatees could only be seen in Winter/Spring - is this right? I'm going to WDW in 2 weeks (can't wait!)

[Big_Mark]

I did the manateee trip to Crystal River this Feb. WOW its one of the best experiences of any holiday Iv'e had.

The trip was via Virgin through http://www.gatortours.com/ They pick you up from your hotel (very early 6.30am).

My wife didn't swim but she had a great time and ereally regrets not getting in the water. The manatees are in their natuaral habitata and the river is never more than 6ft deep and the water is so clear.
you can hire a wetsuit at $10 to help with floating and you can also use the life jackets on the boat to lay on in the water. The guys on the boat go out of their way to make the experience unforgetable.

The manatee swim lasts for about 2.5 hours. Lunch is included at a local bar on the river. In the afternoon wehad an airboat ride and visited HOMSSOSSA wild life park.

A really great trip, this will be my priority on our next visit to Florida.

DO IT!!!

[Big_Mark]

p.s There were people of all ages and swimming abilities, swimmimg with the manatees, small children to oaps.

They also video the experience under water for you and you can buy a copy for about $25.