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Manatee Swims, Dolphin Encounters and Other Marine Wonders |
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Program Number: |
2615RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
6 nights |
| Location: |
Naples, Florida
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| Price starting at: |
$1,197.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Water Sports
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| Meals: |
18;
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Join us in Florida’s ‘backyard playground’ to snorkel with manatees, kayak the emerald green waters of Florida’s mangroves, watch dolphins swim playfully in bays and much more! Delight in a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you swim with manatees at Crystal River, and observe dolphins, manatees and other marine life on a boat excursion in beautiful Estero Bay. Join a local author for a kayak adventure on the calm waters of the Chazzowitzka River looking for exotic species.
Highlights
• Walk the site on Mound Key, an important Calusa Indian archaeological discovery.
• Join naturalists at Homosassa Wildlife Park for an opportunity to see Floridian mammals and birds in their natural surroundings.
• Visit the Manatee Park in Fort Myers, one of Southwest Florida's greatest treasures.
Activity Particulars
Kayaking 3-4 hrs at a time; Walking 1-2 miles; 2-3 snorkel swims up to 30 minutes each. Non-snorkelers can observe from the boat.
At Homosassa Wildlife Park, there is an optional, private narrated walk given by the Group Leader, a Florida Master Naturalist .
Itinerary Summary
Arrival Naples/Fort Myers, 3 nights; coach to Homosassa Springs, 3 nights.
Fort Myers
The city of Fort Myers boasts beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, but it is more than a seaside resort. It is the site of a Civil War battle and was chosen by both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford as a location for winter estates. In late winter, Fort Myers welcomes baseball’s Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, who hold spring training here.
Crystal River
Crystal River is a city on Florida’s Nature Coast known as the “Home of the Manatee.” During the winter, when water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico cool, more than 400 manatees take up residence in Kings Bay. The large, loveable sea cows aren’t the only fascinating wildlife here — you can also find alligators, colorful birds and more.
Naples
Named for the Italian city and only two miles west of Picayune Strand State Forest, Naples is part of the Paradise Coast vacation area that includes Marco Island and the Everglades. The city is home to a thriving arts scene and nourished by its clean beaches and many championship golf courses.
Key Largo
The most northern of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a popular diving and sports-fishing destination. Kayakers, birders and eco-tourists flock here because of its location between the Everglades and the country’s only living coral reef. At nearby John PenneKamp State Park, visitors can take snorkeling, diving or glass-bottom boat tours of the reef.
Key West
Real estate in America’s southernmost city dates back to the kings of Spain. Key West’s raffish charm has attracted the likes of John James Audubon, Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Ernest Hemingway, Harry Truman, Tennessee Williams and colorful characters who stroll past palm-lined streets, gingerbread mansions and conch houses to celebrate the sun.
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Accommodations
Naples: Hotel with in-ground pool; Homossassa Springs: B&B with shared bath.
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