Manatee swim video

[Big_Mark]

Here's a link to a very short video of swimmmg with manatees if anyone is interested.

I have my own video of last years swim but its on VHS so I can't show that one.

It was one of the best days out I've had in Florida and a very moving experience.

MANATEE VIDEO (http://easylink.playstream.com/americanprodiving/shotmanatee2.wvx)

[gala]

Its a wonderful day out - quite the best weve ever had in Florida. The memories will last a lifetime.

Margaret

[AndyJ]

Wow!

That little one clearly loved being tickled under the flipper =)

How was this video shot? I have an underwater camera, and would love an underwater video camera =)

[Big_Mark]

On our trip there were two tour guides , one helping with the swimming and the other one shooting the video underwater, it was with this company,
http://www.americanprodivingcenter.com/

Yes they love being tickled, just like dogs really. If they don't like it there're off. The guide says if you don't come up with green slime under your finger nails you're not doing right.

Because I was wearing a black wetsuit and was about 20 stone at the time I had a few tickles myself. LOL (SERIOUSLY)

[AndyJ]

Hehe know that weight feeling =)

In Oct 2004 I did a Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove. I was 21 Stone at the time.

A friend asked me nicely, when he heard that you get towed by the dolphin through the water, if the dolphin was ok with pulling my weight !

Im down to 18.9 stone now, and 16.9 as the target for 7th October or I have a Main Street related forfeit.

God help anyone in the MK that evening if I don't make it.

[Heffalump]

Am still having that problem with windows media player that I had with the last video link you posted, Mark. It kind of plays the video in two small boxes simultaneously and it's all tinged pink :confused2 It's really frustrating. HELP! ANYONE?!

T. xx :(

[AndyJ]

Heff,

Are you up to date with Windows Update from the Tools or Help menus of your browser?

You may need a newer version of Windows Media Player.

[saonaqueen]

We took the same tour - it was simply the best day of the trip!
Bought the DVD, hat, t-shirt and goodness knows what else - oh yes sponsered a manatee too!

[JudyC]

I was wondering how this trip would compare to Discovery Cove for value and enjoyment. I know it would be quite different but would like some opinions. We have been to DC last year and I'm not sure I can justify paying for it again next year, so I was wondering if this could be an alternative.
My DS wants to know is the water very cold. We are going next Aug.

[Midnight]

this does look great for Crystal River. I'm going mid september, and was thinking of doing the DC for my girlfriend for the dolphin swim, but having already got tickets for Seaworld and Busch seems a bit of a waste and rather do that on future honeymoon in some other country....but I really like the idea for a manatee swim and it seems in a more natural environment.

I see its roughly 1.5hrs drive from orlando itself....so 5hrs for me :D

How much does it cost tho, I can't seem to find the prices as such on the website? And also, do they hire out wetsuits? Lastly it says they video it, and a dvd is available...does that mean a dvd recording of the actual encounter, or just a generic dvd they sell to others, and try to get you to buy the video too?

cheers,
Tuck

[Big_Mark]

We went as part of a full days tour, the swim, a wildlife park and an airboat ride, it also included lunch and transport to and from your hotel.

Our tour was via Virgin but this site I think is the same company,

Try here
http://www.viator.com/tours/Orlando/2855MANATEE/Florida-Adventure-Tour

[Midnight]

the price seems quite reasonable I admit, and cuts out me planning the likes of Boggy Creek in to the holiday. I'm tempted to maybe book for towards the end of our stay. the only thing that worries me is how they say that swim with manatees is not guaranteed, especially out of season.....might get disappointed riding around looking out for them to see nothing, kinda like how read that sometimes don't see any crocs on boggy creek boat rides etc. also - how long did you get with the manatees on your trip?

cheers,
Tuck

[alex1]

I am very interested in booking a manitee experience, my daughter is more excited about that than anything else.
I have seen a trip that includes the air boat and lunch from one of the ticket sellers (orlando tickets I think) for about 55 pounds per adult - that seems pretty good value.
Has anyone used them and did they have a good time?Is it better to book once over there or do you recommend booking before you arrive?
Getting really excited now.:jump:

[saonaqueen]

This is the one we did:

http://www.gatortours.com/id39.htm

We booked through Seligo before we went

HTH

Margaret

[Heffalump]

Originally posted by AndyJ72
Heff,

Are you up to date with Windows Update from the Tools or Help menus of your browser?

You may need a newer version of Windows Media Player.

Thanks. Just tried that and it says I have the most recent version and no updates are available. Cheers for the suggestion though. Am off to post in tech now.

T. xx :jump: