Swimming with Manatees

[snookhams]

Our last visit we did Discovery Cove and we may again this year (using some of DH redundancy money), but friends of ours swam with manatees whilst in Florida. Has anyone else done this and if so where, thought that it would be an experience to treasure.

 

[Latte Lover]

I haven't done this myself, but a friend has. She went to Crystal River I think. It's a completely natural setting. You get into the water from the boat and wait for the manatees to swim up to you. She said it was an unforgettable experience.

 

[Hilary]

We went to Crystal River a few years ago to see the manatees (but didn't want to swim with them), and have wonderful memories of seeing them in their natural habitat. We took a boat out from the marina and spotted two mothers and their calves gently gliding past - magical

We spent a day at the Homossassa State Park a couple of miles away and saw lots of manatees - Blue Peter filmed from there on a programme about manatees a couple of years later.

Crystal River is a couple of hours' drive from Orlando and we spent three nights there at the Plantation Inn and Golf Resort. There was also a Best Western nearby, but we didn't see any other accommodation. We felt that was long enough there for us, although we've said we'll go back one day to explore a little further afield.

 

[kirstenjet]

Hi,
I did this year before last and it was so much better than Discover Cove, (which I loved every minute of as well!) I think becuase the manatees have a choice in it.

Here's what I wrote about it then, sorry it's so long!

I went with http://www.fun2dive.com . The bloke who runs it is Capt Joe Detrick. You couldn't ask for a nicer bloke to go with, definitely knows his stuff, his lists of qualifications and previous jobs (wildlife photography, working for Disney, Sea World etc) was very extensive. The manatees swims are run Oct-Feb. Only six people as taken a day and all wetsuit. snorkel and flippers are included in the price ($85).

You have to be at his shop in Sanford ay 6am (very easy to find with his directiosn) and it takes 45 mins for I Drive. There's coffee waiting for you and when everyone arrives he gives out the equipment, gives a talk on what's allowed and what isn't (no going into the sancturies, no chasing, no swimming underneath, no holding etc). You watch a video and then sign a disclaimer to say if you do any of the ablove and you get caught he isn't responsible and you have been told. The fines are $100,000 plus.

You then get in your car and follow him to Crystal River for about 9-9.30am, stopping for breakfast along the way. Then it's off to his little boat and to wherever he thinks the manatees are going to be. Once there everyone gets in (including Joe so make sure everyone's okay).

Admittedly I found it a bit scarey the first time one swam underneath me as where we were the visability was about 10 feet, water was about 16-20ft deep. There no real current so it''s not much different form swimming in a pool.

I had some problems anyway as I suffer from claustrophobia and I couldn't cope with the snorkel because of it (made me panic) I was going to give up and get back in the boat and just watxch,even at this pooint though just being on the boat and seeing them in the water would have been worth every single penny!.As I was holding on to the ladder on the boat in the water trying to calm down a manatee suddenly appeared next to me. It was beautiful! It stayed with me for about 20 minutes rolled on to it's belly so I could scratch his tummy for him. I decided to give it another go after that and must have seen another 6-8. THe rest of the group went off to look into the spring we were next to were there was some big fish.

At about 12ish Joe told us all to get back in the boat to have a rest and omething to drink (Drinks ,fizzies and waterand trailmix was provided free).

There was a piece of rope hanging off the boat as Joe says the manatees like to use it as a chewing toy. While we were having a break 2 manatees came over to play with it. Some us got back in the water with them and they stayed with us for the next four hours. In that time others did come over and at one point we were surrounded by about 8. They are so gentle at no point do you feel threatened, even if they hit you by accident with their tails it's just like being very gently pushed. A mother and baby of about 3 months came over at one point as well.

I really can't recommend this to you enough, it was the most beautiful and moving day I've ever had. I really can't describe how special it was! I think it was also partly because they are wild, if they come see you it's completely their choice to stay or go.

You can also buy a video ($40), but you have to let Joe know before you leave that you want one so he takes the video camera with him and you can also rent underwater cameras for $25 with a roll of film. Both were really worthwhile.

We did see some other tours out and a was so glad I hadn't gone for a cheaper shorter one. They had more like 12-25 people with them and there was no way they could all be watched by the people there plus they didn't seem to have been told what they were meant to do (like keep quiet otherwise you scare them away) plus thry left before they'd seen more than two. Joe really did know what he as talking about. Also if you've got kids it'd probably feel a lot safer in a smaller group.

If I have missed out anything you wanted to know please feel free to ask, I've bored everyone I know with it!

Cheers,
Zoe

 

[susie2]

hi kirstenjet,this sound wonderful could you please tell me how you booked this, we are going in dec and would love to go, did you book over the intenet or did you ring him, also what did you have to pay upfront, hope you dont mind answering my many questions but this would be a lovely surprise for the kids, susie

 

[suei]

We (myself, my husband, and our 2 sons) swam with the manatees at Crystal River last summer, and it was wonderful. There's no guarantee that you'll find any manatees however, but it's apparently more likely in winter as more manatees come into the river estuary where the water is warmer. We went with Birds Underwater, and the trip lasted all morning starting at 7.00am-we booked it with them by phone. We swam with 1 group in the river estuary, and 4 more (including a mum with a baby) later on in an inlet where the visibility was much better. The baby was especially playful and very inquisitive, but they all seemed to enjoy being scratched on their backs and under their front flippers. It was an experience none of us will ever forget, and one that we'd all like to repeat before too long.

 

[SNOWHITE7]

This sounds wonderful and something I'd really like to do. I found your original thread and tried to view the photos but the links wouldn't work. Would it be possible to post new links to them here? I'd really like to see them.

 

[kazzie]

After reading Zoe's report over a year ago we decided to book with the same company.

It was an amazing day,one to be remembered

 

[vernon]

Here's a link to Bird's underwater, who run snorkling trips at Crystal River. I haven't actually used their service as yet, but I did find them very helpful when I phoned trying to book a trip. Their information was very useful and they actually advised that the time of year I wanted to go wasn't the best. The were happy to talk themself out of business because it wasn't likely to be a good guest experience. When I do rebook I'll certainly use them . http://www.birdsunderwater.com/

 

[annette_tr9]

we were thinking of swimming with manatees next time we are in florida next feb. the only thing putting me off is the boat trip because i get really really really really sea sick. how long are you actually on the boat for???
we went to discovery cove last time and loved it!!

 

[Found Nemo]

The new (2005) Virgin brochure has trips to swim with manatees.

It sounds pretty similar to those above- it's at Crystal River and you go snorkelling in the river where they swim. You also get breakfast, lunch, an airboat ride, return transfers from Orlando and some other stuff.

It costs £69 for adults and £57 for kids- I think you can book it separately on their website even if you haven't got a holiday with them.

They also do an overnight trip from Orlando to swim with dolphins in the Keys

 

[kirstenjet]

Hi,
Of course I don't mind
If I remember correctly I phoned up to book it and gave him a credit card no by way of deposit. I'm pretty sure we then paid on the day.

I'll try to put the photos up again today.


The boat trip really wan't that long, I don't think theres much chance of getting seasick. The one I went on it was only a small boat and the water is very calm.

Kazzie, I'm so glad you enjoyed it, did you do a trip report or similiar as I'd love to read about your day?


Zoe

 

[kirstenjet]

I've uploaded the pics

HERE

sorry if not all of them are too good!

Zoe

 

[susie2]

zoe, those pictures are lovely i am convinced that this would be alovely surprise for the kids, thanks for your reply will ring him and book now susie

 

[kazzie]

Zoe,I have never done a trip report I'm ashamed to say

I would love to but don't seem to have the time

 

[SNOWHITE7]

Zoe, thanks for posting the photos again I think they're brilliant and much better than the ones on the official web site. I have added the site to my favourites and will definitely try to do this if we can go at the correct time of year.

 

[annette_tr9]

thanks for the photos!! after seeing them i have decided that i definately want to go!! They are so cute!