Swim With the Manatees
January 25 – 27 (Friday – Sunday)

Come join Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures as we Swim With the Manatees January 25 – 27, Friday – Sunday (a second trip is scheduled for February 8-10). These “cows of the sea” – and sources of sailors tales of mermaids - are perhaps the most gentle wild animals you will ever see. They must leave the cold Gulf waters in the winter months or perish. They come to the warm Florida springs in the highest concentration of manatees worldwide where they mate and raise their young. You will don a wet suit and actually be able to touch these incredible gentle giants – be careful of amorous males - and watch the curious youngsters swim up and inspect you face to face. See our WEB site for pictures of last year’s trip and an actual video of a manatee.

Day 1 – Leave Rec Center at 7:00 a.m. Drive eight hours to Homosassa Springs, Florida. Check into Nature’s Resort campground, 97 secluded scenic resort acres. You can hike, boat, fish, swim in the heated pool, or kayak on the water and meet some manatees our first day. Or, sign up for one of several possible night tours including the fast “Sit Down, Shut Up and Hold on Tour” for thrill seekers. See list of all tours with “www.boobytrapcharters.com.”

Day 2 – Morning: Leave at 7 a.m. for a two hour Swim with the Manatees with Booby Trap Charters, which leaves right from Natures Resort; return by 9:30 a.m.
Afternoon: Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Enjoy Alligator/Hippo Program, Manatee Program, and Wildlife Program. Evening: back to campground and group choice of activities, including more tours with Booby Trap Charters.

Day 3 – Drive back to Mobile (4 p.m. ?)

Cost: $95 students; $110 staff/faculty; $125 non-USA. Includes tent, sleeping bag and cooking gear, all campground fees, manatee swim fees including snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit, Homosassa Wildlife park fees, all transportation costs. Does not include: evening charter trips, kayak rentals, or food. Eating in camp or eating out will be each individual’s choice.

Driver needed: if you have a truck and can haul three other people plus gear, we will waive your fee and pay for all of your gas.

Sign up: with Randy Hunter at Campus Rec; a $20 non-refundable deposit is required. The fee is payable in full by Tuesday, January 22.

Trip limit: maximum of twelve, minimum of five.
Mandatory trip meeting Tuesday, January 22, 8:00 p.m. at the Rec Center.