Swimming with manatees

[kerplunk]

Hi all. I'm sure I saw a post talking about swimming with manatees ( at crystal waters????)
Can anyone tell me how far away from disney it is?
How much is it?
Is it a full days experience?

Finally, most important question of all, is it romantic ?
( Need to find somewhere a bit special and different to ask that all important question to my DG!!!)

Thanks

 

[Hilary]

Hi kerplunk , and welcome to the DIS!

Crystal River is about a two hour drive from Orlando, on the Gulf Coast. We visited a few years ago and saw the manatees, but didn't swim with them - it was definitely a magical experience for us (not sure how the manatees felt!) .

There are others who post here who have done a manatee swim and they should be able to tell you more.

Romantic? Well, I guess next to a manatee (not the most glamorous of creatures, it has to be said ) any girl is going to feel pretty special, but whether it's the right situation for an 'important question', only you will know!

Good luck

 

[vernon]

I found most of the swims offered were early morning ( VERY early) and the only practical way I could see of doing it was to drive down the night before and stay nearby in a motel. I think most of the dives were finished by lunchtime so a couple of hours drive back to Orlando would leave you back to your hotel by about 3.00.

I'm not sure your DG is going to think it's romantic if you happen to have a clod of Manatee poop in your hair, so I think it may be one of those activities that is fraught with danger for a romantic question.

IMHO a nice restaurant, at the entrance to Cinders Castle, (the rose garden next to Cinder's castle gives a more little privacy) or one of the Epcot pavillions might be a safer option.

 

[Claddagh]

Hi Kerplunk!!

I read a post about a place that does swimming with manatees. the website is www.fun2dive.com as I want to do this as a surprse for my husband. I e:mailed the "captain" and he sent me a lovely e:mail back. I will definately be booking for our trip in November. The cost is $85 per person (this includes refreshments and hire of wet suits). From what I have read on these boards and on the website, i do think it would be a truly memorable place for you pop the question to your DG . Speaking purely from a female and (not so) old romantic point of view, it would definately do it for me!! Good luck!!!