happybratpack
<font color=green>Just Maryann :)<br><font color=b
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
- Messages
- 3,682
If you want to know more about us check out our pre-trip:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2412641
Now, on with the show! Im going to start with the one portion of the trip that wasnt Disney related, hope nobody will mind
On Wednesday the alarm went off bright and early at 3:30 am - I know, I know! We were so dragging but forced ourselves up for the part of the trip Ive been looking forward to the most, swimming with the Manatees. So we were off on our 2 hour drive to Crystal River for what was to be the experience of a lifetime.
We arrived at 6 am at Birds Underwater (http://www.birdsunderwater.com) for our 6:30 boat trip. We struggled into our wetsuits (NOT a pretty picture, let me tell you!!) and watched the safety/info video on swimming with these awesome creatures.
After a short boat ride we arrived at our destination, Three Sisters Springs. I cant put into words or pictures how utterly awesome this place was. The water was crystal clear and so smooth. It was serene and really just an awesome site.
Getting the nerve to get into the water (68-72 degrees year round) was a challenge, especially since Im a cold-wimp. It only took a minute or two to acclimate and then it was actually pretty comfy.
Its definitely eye-opening at first, especially since the air temp was in the 50s.
I cant explain how that first glimpse of actual Manatees in the wild made me feel, it was somewhere between awe and the desire to protect these magnificent animals. Hard to explain.
We spent a couple hours in the water, it felt like it flew by though.
Here are some other shots, there was a young manatee that was so super friendly and inquisitive. Quite often once you start rubbing their backs they would roll over so you could rub their tummy, they were sort of like giant puppies in that regard. Just unbelievable!
Looks like hes being tickled
Anyway, I could go on for days, but if youre interested in more pics you can check out our photo album here:
http://thebratpack.zenfolio.com/p774464917/slideshow#h6188703
Another cool thing Birds Underwater did was both Captains were in the water with us taking video with HD cameras. The quality was great and for $35 it was a super deal, especially since we didnt get all the pics we wanted.
We were finished with the swim, changed, bought the DVD plus several other manatee items (ha) by noon. Its definitely something to think about if youre going to MCO anyway during the winter months. I cant recommend it enough!!! Add it to your Bucket List!
Up next WDW!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2412641
Now, on with the show! Im going to start with the one portion of the trip that wasnt Disney related, hope nobody will mind
On Wednesday the alarm went off bright and early at 3:30 am - I know, I know! We were so dragging but forced ourselves up for the part of the trip Ive been looking forward to the most, swimming with the Manatees. So we were off on our 2 hour drive to Crystal River for what was to be the experience of a lifetime.
We arrived at 6 am at Birds Underwater (http://www.birdsunderwater.com) for our 6:30 boat trip. We struggled into our wetsuits (NOT a pretty picture, let me tell you!!) and watched the safety/info video on swimming with these awesome creatures.
After a short boat ride we arrived at our destination, Three Sisters Springs. I cant put into words or pictures how utterly awesome this place was. The water was crystal clear and so smooth. It was serene and really just an awesome site.
Getting the nerve to get into the water (68-72 degrees year round) was a challenge, especially since Im a cold-wimp. It only took a minute or two to acclimate and then it was actually pretty comfy.
Its definitely eye-opening at first, especially since the air temp was in the 50s.
I cant explain how that first glimpse of actual Manatees in the wild made me feel, it was somewhere between awe and the desire to protect these magnificent animals. Hard to explain.
We spent a couple hours in the water, it felt like it flew by though.
Here are some other shots, there was a young manatee that was so super friendly and inquisitive. Quite often once you start rubbing their backs they would roll over so you could rub their tummy, they were sort of like giant puppies in that regard. Just unbelievable!
Looks like hes being tickled
Anyway, I could go on for days, but if youre interested in more pics you can check out our photo album here:
http://thebratpack.zenfolio.com/p774464917/slideshow#h6188703
Another cool thing Birds Underwater did was both Captains were in the water with us taking video with HD cameras. The quality was great and for $35 it was a super deal, especially since we didnt get all the pics we wanted.
We were finished with the swim, changed, bought the DVD plus several other manatee items (ha) by noon. Its definitely something to think about if youre going to MCO anyway during the winter months. I cant recommend it enough!!! Add it to your Bucket List!
Up next WDW!
She also said there were some areas where the water was murkier and brackish and they didn't take people to swim there. 
Still love the ride though. 
