Articles>>OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & SPORTS EVENTS

SWIM WITH THE MANATEES

SWIM WITH THE MANATEES (Booking #1101) - This is a truly unique experience which you will remember for a lifetime.  Swim with the manatees in crystal clear Rainbow River.  You can rent a wetsuit and snorkeling gear or bring your own.

  • Tours begin at 6:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
  • Cost is $29.50. 
  • Reservations are required and 7 days cancellation notice.

 

http://birdsunderwater.com/manatee_tours/index.html 

Patti Recommends:

  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and underwater camera (or you can purchase one of the digital quality videos which your captain will shoot)
  • Bring plenty of manatee questions as your Coast Guard certified Captain will love to answer them!  

Click Here To Book This Tour

You can also visit these sights.....within 30 miles of swimming with the manatees:

 

Airboat Tour (Booking #1102) - A surprisingly different way to see Florida's backwater areas....airboats take you where motorboats can't!  One of the most thrilling and beautiful voyages you'll ever take!

  • Tours vary in length from 1 hour to 2.5 hours
  • Prices vary from $28 to $60
  • Tours begin at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

http://www.riversafaris.com/airboattours.html

Patti Recommends:

  • Take along some snacks and drinks in a small cooler (for an additional cost we can provide this for you)
  • Bring sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Wear clothing you wouldn't mind getting water sprayed on

 Click Here To Book This Tour

 

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS STATE WILDLIFE PARK (Booking #1103) - Stroll along unspoiled nature trails....see deer, bobcats, bear, otters and cougars at close range.....alligators, and an abundantand varied amount of wading birds, birds of pray and songbirds.   Take a nature break and  explore the "real Florida".

  • Park is open 9:00 - 5:30
  • Allow 3.5 to 4 hours to tour
  • $9 per person

http://www.hswsp.com/main.html

Patti Recommends:

  • Begin your visit to the Park with the leisurely boat ride on Pepper Creek
  • Don't miss the wildlife encounters, manatee programs and alligator program.....all presented throughout the day

Click Here To Book This Tour

 

CANOE THE CHASSAHOWITZKA RIVER (Booking #1104) - For a serene and tranquil slice of true Florida beauty, canoe the Chassahowitzka River.  With one stroke of your paddle you will leave civilization, with its worries and cares, behind.

  • Sunrise to sunset
  • $20 to $40 depending on how long you rent a canoe

http://www.baysoundings.com/fall05/river.html

Patti Recommends:

  • You bring your binoculars and cameras for a glimpse of deer, black bears, raccoons, otters, herons, bob-tailed grackles or maybe a bald eagle
  • You make a stop on Dog Island.  This is a recreation area with a boat dock, picnic and restroom facilities maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service.  For an additional fee, we would be happy to provide a picnic for you to enjoy on your stop.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat!

Click Here To Book This Tour

 

SUNSET CRUISE (Booking #

You can also visit....about an hour and a half away: 

GINNIE SPRINGS PARK -  Scuba Dive, Tube, Swim, Snorkel, Hike or Canoe (Booking #1105) - One of the most beautiful parks in Florida!  Seven crystal clear freshwater springs are nestled in over 200 acres along the Santa Fe River....startling natural beauty.

  • Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.;  Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Winter Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.;  Sunday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Park Admission $12.00
  • Scuba Fees: Prices vary from $22 for certified divers to $99 for non-certified divers (plus rental fees for gear)
  • Rental fees for tubes, canoes, snorkeling gear from $5 to $25

                      http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/

Patti Recommends:

  • The crystal clear waters of Ginnie Springs and the highly experienced instructors provide the perfect opportunity for your first scuba dive 
  • If your already an experienced diver then  you might want to try cave or cavern diving at Ginnie Springs
  • For an additional fee we'll be happy to provide you with a picnic lunch to enjoy under the beautiful, shady trees (some over 500 years old)

Click Here To Book This Tour

 

SUNSET CRUISE (Booking #1106) - A relaxing and romantic way to watch the twilight.  Beautiful palm laden islands silhouette the setting sun....a vision of tropical beauty

  • Available November - March
  • $30 Adults
  • Reservations required
  • This is a 2 hour cruise

http://www.riversafaris.com/pontoonbouttours.html

Patti Recommends:

  • Bring your camera
  • And bring your sweetie

 

 

Click Here To Book This Tour