Virgin Manatee Swim

[emdeb]

Has anyone been on the manatee swim with virgin? We are going in August and wondered what it was like as I have only read about it on the virgin web site.

Em :stitchbou

[Andy]

Hi Em
We went on the excursion during our last visit, only 3 of the 4 of us swam but the day was epic:cool2: We also had the Air boat ride and a look around the Homassa Park, we would do it again.

[Big_Mark]

A day I will never forget and a very moving experience, a must do IMO.

It's a must do and we all enjoyed the whole day.

Try here this is the company Virgin used in 2004 and there's a great video too. http://www.americanprodivingcenter.com/

also here's a part from my trip report for 2004
Day 20:
Up very early and waited for the tour bus, it is hissing down with rain and I was really down, why rain today.
We headed for a place called Crystal River its about 75 miles north of Tampa. Halfway there the sun came out and there were blue skies everywhere, perhaps somebody is looking down on me. We found out later that it rained in Orlando all day.
The first stop was at the All-American Dive center where we were fitted with wetsuits, flippers and snorkels. We had to change into them in the car park but nobody seemed to mind. Back onto the coach and then headed for crystal river. The party was split into two groups and we headed out into the river, the guide explained a few rules about how to handle the Manatees safely and within the rules. Because I was the only person wearing an all black wetsuit the man explained that some people might tickle me when mistaking me for a Manatee, it did happen! Both my boys of 13 and 10 tried it they are both good swimmers but the water is crystal clear and only about 5-6ft in depth and about 71F in temperature, there are floatation devices on board if needed for the younger kids. The experience was great and the guide went out his way to find the manatees and encourage everyone to touch them, if anybody was having difficulties approaching them he would spend time with individuals to make sure that they did experience it. The manatee trip lasted for about 2 hours and on the way back to the dock two dolphins swam past, more dolphins than we saw on the dolphin boat trip. The manatees swim was filmed underwater and copies of the video were available to buy and transferred to PAL if necessary, I did buy a copy and it is very good.
Swimming with manatees is a wonderful experience and I would urge people to try it.
After returning the equipment we were driven to a small bar on the river for lunch sitting on the jetty, the place was just like a small town bar you see on the TV, completely different from the Orlando area, I really enjoyed it. After lunch we headed for Homasossa State park, Half the party went into the park and the other half were taken for a air boat ride, after we swapped over. The park was great but very small, more manatees, bears, bald eagles, gators and birds, A very nice peaceful walk. The airboat ride was great but I recommend people take sunglasses for the trip, as the wind against your face is very strong.
We headed back to Orlando early evening and it was still raining in Orlando.

[emdeb]

Thanks for the info - we have booked this when we go in Aug 06 - really looking forward to it. :jump:

[jwalowls]

I like the sounds of that

[kemo]

Does anyone know if they do the trip in Nov/Dec

[Big_Mark]

The season for Homosassa is Nov to April
http://www.americanprodivingcenter.com/info/Homosassa.asp

Crystal River is year round
http://www.americanprodivingcenter.com/info/Crystal_River.asp

do try it!

[grantasmic]

We're thinking of doing the Virgin Manatee trip when we go in November and found this thread by doing a search for some tips!

Big Mark - you say in your post that you had a tour bus pick you up. We're staying at the Buena Vista Palace at LBV - do you (or any other Dibbers!) know if there's a pick-up here, Downtown Disney maybe? As it's looking likely that only 2 of us out of our family group want to do this visit, a tour bus would be a huge plus in helping us to make up our minds!

[Big_Mark]

I am sure they will pick you up from here, I know all the pick ups met at Crossroads which is at LBV. Why only 2 members? It really is a fantastic day out, they will regret it.

[grantasmic]

Thanks for the info Big Mark. To answer your question - there are 8 of us and we'll usually start each day as a family, then go our separate ways before meeting up again at the end of the day. The Manatee swim is 'bookmarked' for when the grandchildren are a bit older! Who knows, we might adopt one on their behalf and then they can visit him/her next holiday!
We all have different 'must do' lists, for instance me and DH are looking forward to visiting Fantasy of Flight (if we have time!!) - as we both have an interest in aviation - but, it's not everyone's cup of tea! We've learnt from past holidays that by doing our own thing it makes for a much less stressful time, as we all get a chance to experience different attractions, shoppping malls, other Resort Hotels & co, and then we swap stories over dinner.
Everybody happy! And, of course, there's an excuse to go back again to visit all the places we didn't get to see this time round!

[jeanwales]

We all have different 'must do' lists, for instance me and DH are looking forward to visiting Fantasy of Flight (if we have time!!) - as we both have an interest in aviation - but, it's not everyone's cup of tea!

Hi, if you are interested in aviation then you MUST make time for this one. We have an annual pass here and go twice a year. Great museum with lots going on and the restaurant is a must do for lunch.

Sorry to take this thread off topic a bit here. xxx

[grantasmic]

Thanks jeanwales - always good to get another recommendation! Been trying to get to Fantasy of Flight for the last couple of visits, so maybe it'll be 3rd time lucky!

[FloridaBound]

This is a post under a previous username (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51595). The manatee swim is the dog's doodahs, one of the best things that I have ever done (and I've done some!)