Scott Fais, Florida On A Tankful
Under clear skies and smooth waters, we headed out for an experience that takes place this time of year.
The Homosassa River hosts sea cows each winter. Manatees don't say much, they are just in search of a warm spot.
"Citrus County is legally the only place in the state where you can swim with manatees," said Capt. Bob Mickey.
Capt. Mickey is the tour operator for River Safaris & Gulf Charters. He was at the helm of Scott's boat and was the guide as they prepared to observe one of nature's gentle giants.
After a 20-minute boat ride, they anchored at the head waters of the Homosassa River where it was time to get dressed and get wet.
"It's a little chilly! It's real chilly!" Scott said. "Whooh, that will take your breath away, real quick!"
The water is a cool 72 degrees all year round. It was time for the encounter to begin.
Sometimes the biggest attraction isn't one you can see, but hides under the surface.
"There are a lot of rules and regulations of what you can and can't do in the water with them," Capt. Mickey said.
They were careful to follow the guidelines set forth by the the Endangered Species Act, and you will too, since there are eyes on the water.
"That's volunteer manatee watch. They're there to make sure people follow the rules and remind them if they don't," Capt. Mickey said.
"I make sure to keep my distance and only reach out with one hand when a sea cow approached me. Rubbing their coarse skin feels like touching a mossy sidewalk," Scott said. "It resembles an elephant skin."
"They won't chew on your fingers and toes, but they are inquisitive. If they want to, they will come right to you," Capt. Mickey said.
After an hour of discovery, it was time to climb back aboard the boat.
"I'm not going to lie to you. When you get out of the water, it is going to be cold. I got a manatee tail going on now," Scott said.
You can find Homosassa Springs located in Citrus County, about a 1 hour, 45 minute drive from Orlando.
For more travel adventures with Scott Fais, go to Central Florida On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 300. Select Entertainment/Travel and then scroll over to Florida on a Tankful.
Comment on this story.
Swim with Florida Manatees
Where:
Homosassa
Citrus, County
Hours:
First Tour: 9 a.m.
Second Tour: 11 a.m.
Address:
10823 W. Yulee Drive
Homosassa, FL 34448
Phone:
(352) 628-5222 OR (800) 758-FISH (3474)
Cost:
$29 Per Person
$12 Wetsuit Rental
$7 Mask, Snorkel & Fins
Web site:
http://www.riversafaris.com/pontoonbouttours.html
E-mail:
riversafaris@tampabay.rr.com
Central Florida Directions:
Expect a 1 hour, 45 minute drive when using Orlando as a reference point.
From your part of Central Florida, jump on the Florida's Turnpike. Head north. Signs will point towards “Ocala.” Be ready with your toll money.
Take the exit for Interstate 75 north.
Soon, you’ll hit exit 329. Leave the turnpike behind for S.R. 44. Signs will read toward “Wildwood.” When exiting, keep left at the fork, follow signs for “Inverness.”
Turn left at S.R. 44. You’ll be on S.R. 44 for 15 miles. This will be a mostly rural drive for the next 20 minutes.
Next, turn right at South Florida Ave. The next few streets will change names, but you’ll essentially be traveling on the same street without turning.
Continue on West Main St. for 1.4 miles.
Continue on East Gulf to Lake Highway for 9 miles.
Now, turn left at West Homosassa Trail. Travel for 5.9 miles.
Turn left at U.S. 19/U.S. 98.
Next, make a quick right turn at West Halls River Road. It comes quick!
Slight left at West Fishbowl Drive. Travel for 4 minutes.
Slight left at West Yulee Drive.
End at 10823 West Yulee Drive.
The River Safaris & Gulf Charters building is light green and features a large front porch.