Swim Home Payment Center More Info
Welcome to the Springs and Manatees of Florida Adventure.
I am so pleased that you will be joining us as we explore the Florida Springs!
I saw my first manatee at age eleven. I was surf fishing in a quiet lagoon with my father. I wil never forget my father's startled expression as a massive, unidentifiable creature surfaced next to us in the warm Gulf waters of Florida. I have been swimming with these gentle animals nearly every winter since.
TRIP DATES: FEBRUARY 15th-20th, 2011
Each winter as the Gulf temperatures begin to drop, The West Indian Manatees migrate into the clear warmer springs of Florida. By February, the manatees have been in Crystal River for several months. Most of the population will leave the river for the Gulf waters by late March. February is an excellent time to visits these springs. The weather in February can be very pleasant and there are typically plenty of manatees basking in the spring-fed water. We may experience daytime temperatures ranging from the 50's to70's.
Our trip will also include two days of exploring Ocala National Forest and the spectacular wilderness canoe run, Juniper Springs. During our canoe trip we will drift by basking alligators, river otters and a multitude of wading birds such as little blue herons, white ibis, great egrets and limpkins. By joining us in the wilderness of Ocala, you will be experiencing a slice of Florida that most visitors to the state never see.
TRIP COST:
The cost of the Florida springs trip is $1395 per person. This price includes: 5 nights of lodging, van transfers in Florida, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, canoeing, three guided snorkeling tours via pontoon boat , permits, naturalist -led programs and the extraordinary experience of snorkeling with a 2000 pound mammal! This price does not include air transportation, snorkeling gear, or personal liquor. Farmer Jane style wetsuits are provided and full wetsuit may be rented on site if additional warmth is preferred. All meals are included with the exception of lunch on Day 3, dinner on Day 4 and 5. We will be dining at restaurants for these three meals or you may relax at the hotel and order food to be delivered (dinner 4/5).
There are several options for travel to Tampa International Airport (airport code TPA). Please make arrangements so that you can meet the group between 5:30 and 6:00pm outside baggage claim on February 15th. Our trip ends at 11:00am at Tampa International Airport on February 20th allowing people to catch afternoon flights.
PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR RETURN FLIGHTS BEFORE 1:00PM ON FEBRUARY 20th. We suggest that you consult your travel agent who may also advise you on travel insurance. I have found great deals on Kayak.com.
For our first three nights, we have rented a private waterfront home on a tributary of Crystal River. The location is fabulous and our comfortable Florida style home has several rooms which sleep 4-5 people as well as a few beds tucked away throughout the house. Your Blue Water Ventures staff will be cooking most meals at the house. The rental house is cozy and somewhat like a big slumber party! In Ocala, we have reserved double occupancy rooms at the newly renovated Hampton Inn. You may take a look at our rental house and our accommodations at the Hampton Inn in Ocala.
To secure your place on this trip, please submit a non-refundable reservation fee of $100 to Blue Water Ventures, 108 Mason Street, Santa Cruz CA. 95060.
Payment Schedule:
$100 non-refundable reservation fee due upon registering for trip
$425 Due October 15th, 2010
$235 Due December 15th, 2010
$635 Due: January 3rd, 2011
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Due to the complexity of arranging out of state programs the following cancellation policy is required. Cancellations made over 60 days prior to the starting date of the program will be granted a full refund minus the $125 non-refundable reservation fee. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the starting date are subject to a handling fee equaling $500. No refunds are given when cancellations are made less than 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the starting date.
At anytime, you may find a replacement for your spot if you need to cancel at no extra charge.
Blue Water Ventures (BWV) recommends that participants consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Please consult your travel agent or online services regarding this matter. Policies vary and arrangements may need to be made within two-three weeks of your first payment. Many of our clients have been very happy with CSA Travel Insurance.
BWV is not responsible for any expenses incurred by participants related to a canceled program or one they participated in, costs such as airline tickets, flight change fees, lost luggage, missed flights, transportation, lodging, etc.
BWV reserves the right to cancel a trip before it's departure date for any reason. Blue Water Ventures does not assume responsibility for program changes or trip cancellations due to situations such as those related to weather, natural disasters or political events (i.e. war, terrorism) or any other reason.
Please don’t hesitate to give me a call if I can be of any other assistance.
Very Sincerely,
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
108 Mason St, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060
