Destination 4

Mike Lawell — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:51:00 GMT

Introduction: Wreck Capital of the South
Long Description:

The warm Gulf of Mexico waters encourage rapid growth and the wrecks and other underwater sites provide an excellent home and breeding ground for all types of exotic sea life - from tropical fish to giant Manta Rays.

The best time of year for diving in the waters off Panama City Beach is between April and September.

There are over 50 artificial reef sites, which have been successful due to the commitment of the community-coordinated Panama City Marine Institute. These include Stage I, Stage II, fifteen 160-ft. long and 35-ft. high bridge spans, ten barges, the City of Atlantis, The LOSS project and many more. The natural reefs range in depth from 80 to 110 feet and are just a few miles offshore. These reefs range in height from three to eight feet and are teeming with sealife including small corals and colorful sponges. Closer to the shore, the jetties at St. Andrew' s State Recreation Area are a popular snorkeling site.

Destination 6

Mike Lawell — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:40:00 GMT

Introduction: Manatee Tours with Bird's
City: Crystal River, FL
Short Description: Snorkle with the Manatee at Crystal River
Long Description:

Bird's Underwater will lead you on the search for Manatee in Crystal River where you will have the opportunity to scratch the belly of one of these huge animals. Imagine scratching the underside of a 1200 pound marine mammal as it rolls over to give more exposure to the belly for you to scratch.

Trip Information:

Manatee Tours at Bird's Underwater are a truly unique experience which will leave you with great memories for the rest of your life. The following paragraph contains a description of what you can expect on a Florida Manatee Swim with Bird's Underwater.

When you arrive at the main building you will be shown a video (filmed
in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service) which demonstrates how you should behave when you are interacting with manatees in the water. After viewing the video, you may rent a wetsuit and other gear, or change into the gear you brought with you. Next, you and your Coast Guard Certified Captain will proceed to the dock area and board one of our enclosed pontoon boats, where fresh donuts and coffee are available, free of charge (hot chocolate and juice are also available).

All of the boats have changing rooms and toilets.

While you are touring Kings Bay in search of manatees, your friendly and knowledgeable Captain will answer any questions you have about the local ecosystem. After the Captain has found a good location, he or she will drop anchor and everyone will quietly enter the water and snorkel with the manatees. The Captain will join you in the water, to supervise your experience and shoot digital quality videos, which you may purchase.

Each Florida Manatee Tour lasts approximately three hours (depending upon a variety of conditions).

Watch Sample Video

Photos and Video thank's to Bird's Underwater

Location: United States

Destination 4

Destination 6