Head to the Florida Aquarium, a destination with fun activities like ‘Swim with the Fishes’ in a coral reef tank, ‘Dive with the Sharks’ (for certified scuba divers over 15 years old), ‘Penguins: Backstage Pass’ (which gives guests a chance to interact with penguins) and a ‘Wild Dolphin Ecotour’ (a daily cruise that offers the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees and various bird species). They also have, ‘Explore A Shore’, an outdoor water fun zone for the children. Following lunch, you will embark on a dolphin cruise. Tampa Bay is home to more than 500 bottlenose dolphins and is one of the best places in Florida to see them. Next, drive to Crystal River, “The Home of the Manatee”. Crystal River is one of the places in the US where you can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat. In addition to swimming and canoeing, there are miles of nature trails to hike, bike and observe an abundance of birds, deer, alligators, and other wildlife. Duties permitting, Dr. Robert Bonde will give an evening presentation on his work with the Sirenia Project. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.

Head out to King’s Bay or Three Sisters Springs along with Dr. Bonde and you will have the exciting and rare opportunity to swim with the manatees. Manatees can swim up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts, but they usually only swim about three to five miles per hour. West Indian manatees have no natural enemies, and it is believed they can live 60 years or more. Participants will require snorkeling equipment, which can be easily rented in Crystal River if you do not have your own. In the afternoon, drive to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located seven miles from Crystal River. Visitors to the park can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park’s underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, American alligator, American crocodile, and river otter. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature study, and birdwatching. The park also features a children’s education center which provides hands-on experience and information about Florida’s environment. WESTIN TAMPA BAY HOTEL.

Explore the animals and attractions of Busch Gardens before you transfer to the airport to board your flight home. One of the world’s largest and most popular adventure parks, Busch Gardens has many fabulous exhibits. The orangutan and tiger exhibit in Jungala offer some terrific up-close experiences. The highlight of your visit is the Edge of Africa exhibit, which borders the 65-acre Serengeti Plain and allows you to view animals such as lion, meerkat, rhino, and giraffe in natural habitats. Board your open truck into the Serengeti Plain for real close and personal interactions with the animals. Immerse in the Serengeti experience as your tour guide shares intriguing information and personal stories about the amazing wildlife you will encounter on the tour.

Ready to awaken your inner Swamp Thing? Head into the utterly unique, stunningly beautiful Florida Everglades, an ecosystem you will find nowhere else on Earth. Trawl through the labyrinthine riverways like a local, on an airboat that navigates winding paths through giant mangrove trees, teeming with life both above and below. Keep your binoculars handy to spot both exotic and indigenous birds that have made this nature preserve their home, from brilliantly colored kingfishers and blue birds to impressively large storks, hawks, and gulls. In the waters below, alongside manatee and dolphin, all manner of reptiles and amphibians co-exist in the mineral-rich waters that run through the estuary, from the glint of diving water frogs to the painted shells of sunbathing turtles. Keep an eye on the little islands of land out here as well. If you’re lucky, you may spot the elusive Florida panther, a bobcat, a boar, or a white-tailed deer, offering you a momentary peek into a life of true wilderness.