Manatees near DCL terminal?

[Michelemouse]

Hi All,

I seem to remember reading something about a place to see manatees in the Port Canaveral area. My DM, DF, DD and DS will be arriving at the Radisson early on the day before our cruise and I thought this might be a fun thing for them to do that afternoon. If anyone has more info I'd appreciate it.

TIA!

 

[Favorite Auntie]

michelemouse,
There is another thread on this subject. You might want to check it out....

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=390952

Try that thread, it has some info on it...

 

[Kaslee]

We saw what looked like a manatee in the port. As we were leaving on the Wonder, there was a dolphin swimming along at the front of the ship. While we were watching it we spotted a large fat tail disappearing into the water. We assumed it was a manatee as it definately wasnt a dolphin.

 

[EMT-319]

There was a site close to the terminal that Dave listed on his web site. We checked it out in March. Didn't see any Manatees and the location was roped off with cones and construction barrels. I e-mailed Dave when I got back, and he was going to check with a local resident to confirm what I reported.

I noticed that he now no longer lists that manatee viewing area on his web site. They must have gone somewhere else.

We did have fun watching the birds dive for fish in the harbor while we were eating lunch on the ship in port on day 1. Somebody on our cruise videotaped a bunch of dolphin alongside the ship as we were traveling out the canal.

 

[jgalecpa]

We had a CLose Encounter of the Manatee Kind in Port Canaveral at the dock at "Grills" restaurant.

It was two summers ago, but it was memorable.

 

[dclwdwlover]

Both times we cruised we saw manatees. The 1st time (1998) there were TONS of the on the pier that extends way out from the dock as you're sailing away & in the water all around it. The last time (2001) although not as many, we still saw a bunch in the same place. There were people on the pier, but I'm not sure if they let just anyone go out there. This was right after 9-11, too.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi this is Shirley who first mentioned the manatees off of Central Brvd. in Cape Canaveral - Dave did contact me as to the conditions that had existed - when I checked it out - it has now become the beginning of condos and there are no manatees around there - now I understand there is a place right behind Radisson that is called Manatee Park - I will be checking on it tomorrow and post how it is and also let Dave know so that he can put it on his map ok?
Talk to you then - each have a great day
Always
Shirley

 

[Michelemouse]

Thanks Shirley!

We'll be staying at the Radisson so that would be perfect!

 

[snelsonbrown]

You are most welcomed -
Shirley

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hello Dear Shirley.

now I understand there is a place right behind Radisson that is called Manatee Park

To the west of Grand Junction, Colorado, just over the Utah line, is a rather romantic overlook called "Softdickle Park." The name notwithstanding, I believe a few children were conceived there. This non-related name analogy might also apply to "Manatee Park." Just a thought...

 

[snelsonbrown]

BD - LOL - thanks for the imput - I put a call in to the mayor of Cape Canaveral - he is out of town until tonight so most likely he will call me tomorrow - anyhow if it quits raining long enough - Norm and I are checking it out today - what do you think of the new hotel coming - its about time also we have a new Publix coming into Cape Canaveral - we are finally growing up - that is something I have wished for - for years - Cape Canaveral is finally getting recognized - but can the roads handle all the traffic here - oh well we are going to find out soon enough.
Take care and have a great day
Always
Shirley

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Good morning Shirley.

thanks for the imput

It's not really "imput." More like bsput. Cause I just made that up while typing - didn't want Disers spending too much time pouring over their Utah road maps on a search for "Softdickle" anything.

I put a call in to the mayor of Cape Canaveral

Geez, and you're expecting a call back? I've called the mayor of the town I work in for close to 2 years now - he's still "unavailable"...


On a personal note, Shirley, thank you for taking so much personal time to research and post so much indepth information for the benefit of all of us here at the Dis. You AND Norm are quite remarkable people. I am proud to count you as friends. You keep proving everyday that it is my loss we aren't neighbors too...

 

[snelsonbrown]

Thank you BD for your kindness - nope Rocky is super about calling me when I leave a message - in fact one time I was up in arms over something happening here in Cape Canaveral, he was kind enough to stop by the shop to explain - if it has to do with kids and animals - I do want an answer and if I can fix it, I sure do give it my best.
Thanks again and by the way it is my pleasure to help any way I can - after all I am right here and it isn't any trouble. Hey I am the kind of business I would have wanted in my life when I needed some answers
Take care and God bless ya super good.
Always
Me

 

[snelsonbrown]

OK everybody - Norm and I checked out the manatee area today and it is very awesome - when I say awesome, I mean very peaceful, long long broadwalk and yes there are manatees there - I saw them but I do not know if they are there all the time since they do move around quite a bit -
Now directions - super simple - between Race Trac gas station and the Radisson there is a stop light - turn right on West Centeral Blvd - go EXALTY 2/tenths of a mile - TURN LEFT ON Thurm Avenue (I belive it is Ave) and go one tenth more of a mile and there it is on the right hand side - the sign reads as following MANATEES SANTUARY - drive in, park and there you can see the manatees in the wild - the place is very clean - very well maintained - I was very very impressed -
anyhow hope that this helps and if I can help any further, just drop me a note ok.
Always
Shirley

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Thanks Shirley - I still have your directions from last Nov in my cruise folder - just changed the cruise dates. Will now change the directions.
If we ask at checkin at the Radisson will they be able to give directions too?

 

[snelsonbrown]

The Manatee Santuary Park is directly right in back of the Radisson - you just have to take the road between Zackery's and the fun park - go 2/10 of a mile turn LEFT on Thurm Avenue - go 1/10 and it is right there - you can not get lost honest.
Dave will have it on his site for print out.
Always
Shirley

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I'm working on it now. Thanks, Shirley!