Marine mammals include not only dolphin but also manatee. As seen in the photo above our guest was very, very lucky to be snorkeling when a manatee swam by. These gentle giants can grow to an enormous 12 feet. They are capable of bursts of speed up to 35 miles an hour using their powerful rounded paddle-shaped tail. But they usually cruise very slowly. They are also curious and near sighted. So snorkelers have to be very careful when approached by a manatee, since the manatee may want to nuzzle them with their stiff whiskered mouth.
Captain Anne’s boat tour was a last minute decision for our family. What a decision we made. My daughter and I snorkeled together and experienced together sometime wonderful. Anne is incredible. Soft but very encouraging guide. We found two manatees and she said "who is going swimming with the manatees?" So I did. There is nothing more memorable for me than swimming with them, touching them and looking at their faces with a snorkel mask that Anne threw to me. Than you so much, Anne.
Jennifer and Ronald Bronston, Ryan & Kelly 04/08/03