Swimming with Manatees

[Fairy Nuff]

I wanted to share this with everyone. We took a break after a week at Disney this past winter, and heard about this place that will take you on a snorkling tour on the Homassassa River about two hours from Orlando, and they will give you a tour where the manatees migrate during the winter. This was wonderful, and very educational. While it was just my husband and I who went this time,, we saw other groups that had children who got to expirence the gentleness of these mammals up close and personal.

http://tebbie.dynu.com/wdwun/m.jpg
one of my new friends :) They love when you rub their tummies, and they will roll over so you can do that for them :) They really are like huge puppies.



It's very affordable, and a georgeous morning out away from the crowds.

About two months after we did this,, and got our diving certification with this place,, they were featured on CNN, for their conservation efforts and educating the public on the need to protect the manatees.

http://www.americanprodive.com/ (Swim with manatees)



I highly recommend this for anyone who loves animals.

Fairy Nuff :hearts:

[DisneyFreak]

It certainly was great Fairy Nuff. We did this about two years ago in Crystal River, FL. It was a very joyfull experience. It is amazing how peaceful these "sea cows" really are.

For those of you who may do this (highly recommended) just be aware that you are not allowed to go after or chase them. It is illegal in the state of Florida to do so. You must let them come to you (which they normally do, even with young ones). There will be sheriffs around the river area dressed as locals or tourists that will be watching the groups of people.

[Fairy Nuff]

That's exactly right :) When we were there,, there was a pregnant cow, and there were two people using 'rebreathers' who were 'parked' on the bottom, hoping to catch a picture of the birth,, apparently there has never been a picture taken of a manatee birth out in the wild, so it's very sought after. Anyway, it's illegal to do this,, you are not supposed to use any dive equiptment except for snorkles, as it disturbs the manatees. The guy who took us out, said as we were swimming back toward the boat, that those people were about to get caught,, cos he had just spotted one of the 'rangers' or whatever he called him. Someone had radioed in when they saw the 'photography poachers'. :) You CAN take pics,, I took loads, but it's how you go about it that can get you into trouble.

I forgot to mention that this place we used,, also took a video and we got to purchase that. I think it was like $20 for the video. The manatee snorkle tour was about $45.00 so for a family, it's pretty affordable :)

Also, there are sanctuaries, protected areas marked with ropes and floatie things, and if you enter that area, it's like a $10,000. fine. You don't want to do that.

Any organization that conducts these excurxions should first give you a lesson on 'manatee interaction'. They don't want to get into trouble as well.


Fairy Nuff
:hearts: