SWIM all morning with the "gentle giants" of Florida in a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter, enjoy a bayside lunch on beautiful Kings Bay at a favorite local restaurant, and take a leisurely walk in the afternoon at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. You may encounter endangered and declining species such as the whooping crane and wood stork, red wolf, and Florida Panther, as well as the more abundant wildlife; birds of prey, shorebirds and wading birds, black bears, and alligators. The tour includes wetsuits, snorkels, masks, transportation, lunch, and instruction. Children ages 9-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 9 are not permitted on this tour.
Buses depart from Orange County Convention Center - South Concourse at 5:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM. Please arrive at the pick-up/drop-off area by 4:45 AM. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Orange County Convention Center on the day of the tour.
The fee is $350. (All registered attendees)
Know before you go for those attending the tour:
Pack a bathing suit and be sure to have it on under your clothes that morning. There is only one bathroom at the facility.
Bring a towel.
No breakfast or drinks will be served that morning. You may bring a snack/breakfast and/or drink with you on the bus. Lunch will be provided, buffet style, and also a snack and hot chocolate after your swim.
The captains of the boat work off of gratuity. If you feel your service was good, then please show your appreciation with a tip.
There is a gift shop to purchase souvenirs.
For Wednesday's Tour, there will be no shuttles running at that time. You will be responsible for transportation back to your hotel.
This is a one-and-a-half to two-hour bus ride each way. Restroom facilities are on the bus. The bus driver will not make any stops going there or coming back.