Manatee swim-suitable for non swimmer?

[goodevans]

Hi,
I know this is subject of swimming with the manatees has been covered before BUT..........what about not "swimming" with them ???!!!! I am a very weak swimmer (virtually non)and scared stiff out of my depth:blush:

Has anyone been with a non swimmer or had one in their group before?

I think one of the companies say you can stay on the boat but I'm not sure if hours spent on the boat alone in the hot sun would be much fun:( when everyone else is in the water.

Idealy I would like to be in the water but not out of my depth or else wearing some flotation device..........possible? Or would the Manatees not come near? Would I just be considered a nuisance?
The rest of the family are all good swimmers and it's just me letting the side down again!

Any advice please as I really would like to do this if possible.
Thanks
Jan
x

[John]

I thought about this last year, however if you look at the video you can download online the current does look quite strong and I decided not to bother with it.

[Andy]

Hi there
We did this as a family last time we were there, we went with the virgin excursion. Only 3 of us went in the other stayed on the boat:( , it did not make the day any worse for us as there was plenty to do including the Airboat ride:spin:

[gala]

Hi there
We did this as a family last time we were there, we went with the virgin excursion. Only 3 of us went in the other stayed on the boat:( , it did not make the day any worse for us as there was plenty to do including the Airboat ride:spin:

I agree. I didnt swim or snorkle but still thought that this was the best tour we have ever done. I just watched the children from the boat and took the pictures of them up close with the manatees.

Margaret

[monkeehanger]

I think being able to swim is a prerequisite from the company taking you.

We did it a few years ago and you really need to be able to control your swimming and stay in the water for prolonged periods of time.

To get the manatees to come to you (you can't go to them, it's against the local regulations that protect them) you have to be very patient. Any splashing around could easily scare them off too.

That, along with some of the other 'critters' that reside in the water, means that it isn't for none swimmers in my opinion.

The boat trip itself is always pleasant and you can spend time on the boat itself, but I think you could probably get a cheaper boat hire alone and get the same experience.

Why not try one of the Seaworld swim experiences. I'm sure they cater for all needs and capabilities. We did the trainer for the day program and it was fantastic.

I'm sure most people reading this are responsible enough when swimming with the manatees, but it's not like a dolphin swim.

The link below is a really good guide to your swim...

http://www.savethemanatee.org/Tips.htm