When: Anytime from May 1 to December 19

Length: A 7-day itinerary is provided but this can be lengthened or shortened

Fee: To give you an indication, but pls. contact me at the bottom of this page for your offer:
From $1,599. Prices include all taxes, airport transfers, entrance fees, guides, guest speakers and bottled water, sodas and snacks aboard the mini-coach. 2 Children from ages 8-12 receive a 40% discount provided they share room with paying adults. Single Supp. $695. A 5 or 6 Day version of this tour is also available upon request and we welcome any enquiries from groups and families.

Day 2: Manatee swim in the Crystal River NWR. Dry suits and snorkeling equipment included. After lunch visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Further opportunities to see manatee plus many other Florida wildlife representatives. Including a Panther/Cougar, Black Bears, Otters, different species of Birds and Waterfowl, Alligators and even a Hippopotamus. All these animals have been injured or orphaned and most are in rehab for eventual return to the wild. O/N Crystal River Meals = B L & D

Day 3: After breakfast choose one of three alternatives (1) a Kayak Tour of the Crystal River area (2) a motor boat tour along the Rainbow River or (3) a second swim with manatees. All options must be pre-booked. Afternoon and evening are at your leisure or you may join our naturalist guide on a walking tour through a special Preserve near by. O/N Crystal River Meals = B & L

Day 4: South for an exclusive Marinelife Adventure program. The Center is non-profit dedicated to marine research, public education and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine mammals. Our special program includes a narrated tour of the Center plus a boat tour of area waterways & beaches with a Marine Biologist guide. You will also have a chance to snorkel and participate in some seine netting that will show the variety of marinelife in the coastal region. Manatee protection issues will also be explained and discussed during this program. A beach picnic lunch is included. O/N Sarasota Meals = B L & D

Day 5: Visit an 8.5 acre non-profit tropical plant attraction, renowned for its collection of over 6,000 orchids and 20 distinct "gardens" containing over 20,000 plants from around the world. Then you will visit a very special wild bird sanctuary and rehab center. A boardwalk allows access to the aviary, where injured birds are convalescing before their return to the wild. Birds that can be seen here are osprey, cormorant, pelicans and sandhill cranes. O/N Sarasota Meals = B & L

Day 6: Visit to the new, state of the art Florida Aquarium. Follow a drop of water from its source in a freshwater spring to the open ocean and during its journey experience the many and diverse aquatic and non-aquatic animals and plants that have a symbiotic relationship with this watery path to the coral reefs and beyond. An early return to the hotel will allow you to swim in the pool and enjoy the romance of a West Coast sunset before our Farewell Dinner featuring a Guest Speaker. O/N Sarasota Meals = B & D

Day 7: You have a free morning to relax poolside or take a trip to the nearby chic shopping district for some last minute purchases. Return to Tampa Airport . Meals = B & L

NOTE: A $25 donation is made to the Save the Manatee Club on behalf of each adult participant in the Tour. This automatically adopts a Manatee. The list of Manatee names will be given at registration time so that the people can personally choose their Manatee. We process the adoption upon receipt of final payment and will have the certificates ready when the clients arrive in Florida.

A 7-DAY "VOLUNTEER" MANATEE
RESEARCH OPTION

Our 7 day service program will allow you to be part of the data gathering necessary to understand and protect these gentle giants. Over four days, using a combination of a 6 passenger research pontoon boat and a flotilla of sea kayaks, we shall calmly cruise the main channels and backwaters of the 10,000 Islands (Collier County) and Estero Bay (Lee County) to identify individual manatee, observe and record their activities and behaviours in two of Florida's most dangerous counties for manatees. We shall also compile a dossier of boater activity recording courteous as well as inconsiderate behaviour.

While undertaking this wonderful experience you will be treated to one of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems in the world - the Everglades. You will see the many birds that are indigenous to the area. Also learn the fascinating history of the area from the captain and kayak guides and be on the lookout for other marine specialties of Florida, such as dolphins and sea turtles.

On our way north we shall stop at the Mote Marine Laboratory to share your experiences with the members of staff at Florida's top marine mammal research facilities. Then as your treat the wild manatees at Crystal River will meet you and show their gratitude as only they can, for a job well done. Guest speakers from Save the Manatee Club and other organizations dedicated to the protection of our marinelife will join us at various times to be determined by their schedules.

ITINERARY:
Independent arrivals in Ft Myers. Transfer to Naples 5 nights. Van transportation to inland waterways of 10,000 Islands (Days 2 & 3) and Estero Bay (Days 4 & 5) or such areas as we are directed by the Research Coordinators. Research boat (6 passenger) and sea kayaks for Manatee ID and research program. Picnic lunches and cold drinks on-board each day. Narrated transfer to Crystal River via research facility for meeting with staff. Crystal River 1 night. Swim with Manatee in Crystal River refuge area. Departure Ft Myers airport. Airport transfers to Ft Myers Intl Airport included.

PRICING: From $1,399 Prices include all taxes, airport transfers, boat fees, kayaks and equipment, research materials, dry suits and snorkel equipment, guides, guest speakers and bottled water, sodas and snacks on board the research boat and mini-coach. We do not accept children under the age of 12 on our service programs Single Supp. $395