Glass Bottom Boat Tours in the Keys?
Dec 20th, 2008, 02:50 PM
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Glass Bottom Boat Tours in the Keys?
My family and I are driving down to Key West from Naples this January. I was wondering if there are any glass bottom boat tours along the way. John Pennekamp has a tour but it lasts 2.5 hours. I think that would be a bit too long for my 5 year old. If anyone has any other suggestions, along with any must see places along the drive, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Dec 20th, 2008, 03:40 PM
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We did a short one in Key West, I believe this is the link to it...
http://www.discoveryunderseatours.com/index.htm
I think we did the sunset cruise. It was only about 45 minutes. The website doesn't say how long it is, but I'd call or email to be sure.
Sounds fun!
Do stop at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon... http://www.dolphins.org/visit_get_wet.php
5 is the perfect age for this!
Where are you staying?
http://www.discoveryunderseatours.com/index.htm
I think we did the sunset cruise. It was only about 45 minutes. The website doesn't say how long it is, but I'd call or email to be sure.
Sounds fun!
Do stop at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon... http://www.dolphins.org/visit_get_wet.php
5 is the perfect age for this!
Where are you staying?
Dec 20th, 2008, 05:20 PM
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We took a glass bottom boat tour out of Key West several years ago and were advised to take the boat in which you walked below and sat on benches that looked directly out at the reef/fish.
Apparently, if you take the catamarans, you have to lean over the glassed areas and getting seasick is a problem
Apparently, if you take the catamarans, you have to lean over the glassed areas and getting seasick is a problem
Dec 20th, 2008, 07:35 PM
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travellingmom - I will check out Discovery Undersea Tours. And, thank you for the tip about the Dolphin Research Center. My daughter would adore seeing dolphins close up. My only concern is whether the center is truly research oriented, or is it more like Uncle Bob's Dolphin Encounters. I'm a little paranoid I guess because Florida has so many private "zoos".
SusanCS - That's great advice about the type of boat we take. It seems like it would terribly uncomfortable to look down for the entire trip.
SusanCS - That's great advice about the type of boat we take. It seems like it would terribly uncomfortable to look down for the entire trip.
Dec 20th, 2008, 08:08 PM
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I've heard about the private 'zoos' around Florida, too. The dolphin research center in Marathon is definately a legitimate research center. My marine biologist/ dolphin trainer/ friend highly recommends it. Also, my in-laws have a place in Marathon. Definatly read the website before you go, as they give you plenty of details for an enjoyable experience.
Dec 23rd, 2008, 05:07 AM
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Re: the Dolphin 'Research' Center. This place can be interesting, even amusing to a child, but don't take the research too seriously. What they call research others might call exploitation. That said, a quick check of the parking lot reveals that they have many fans.
In Marathon there is another, less well known, place that you might find interesting - The Turtle Hospital. They have a website which Google will find for you.
In Marathon there is another, less well known, place that you might find interesting - The Turtle Hospital. They have a website which Google will find for you.
Dec 27th, 2008, 06:42 AM
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Thank you for the suggestion - We visited the Mote Aquarium near Sarasota because we had heard they cared for injured turtles. The Turtle Hospital would make a great stop. I work for the SPCA so I am particularly drawn to legitimate animal sanctuaries.
Dec 27th, 2008, 06:58 AM
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The Mote Aquarium is an AZA accredited facility that does real research.
The Turtle Hospital is a worthwhile stop. They have been involved with a number of project with University of Florida and are a legitimate organization.
The Turtle Hospital is a worthwhile stop. They have been involved with a number of project with University of Florida and are a legitimate organization.
Dec 27th, 2008, 07:47 AM
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We did the glass bottom boat Key Largo Princess last week. It's a couple of hours because it takes 45 minutes to get out to the coral reef. There's not a lot to see before you get there. It's located at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo.
Dec 27th, 2008, 12:56 PM
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You are welcome. I'm wishing you a great trip.
There is another spot that might interest your 5 year old, if you have time. Big Pine Island has key deer which are very small deer (stunted from the salt marshes in which they live.) The best place to see some is to go northwest from Big Pine out to No Name Key. This is a right turn in the center (at the only traffic light) of Big Pine. Follow the signs past the No Name Pub. After you've crossed the bridge proceed very slowly to the end of the road. Your chances of spotting one or two are pretty good. Also, the No Name Pub is a good place for pizza. It has very unique decor.
There is another spot that might interest your 5 year old, if you have time. Big Pine Island has key deer which are very small deer (stunted from the salt marshes in which they live.) The best place to see some is to go northwest from Big Pine out to No Name Key. This is a right turn in the center (at the only traffic light) of Big Pine. Follow the signs past the No Name Pub. After you've crossed the bridge proceed very slowly to the end of the road. Your chances of spotting one or two are pretty good. Also, the No Name Pub is a good place for pizza. It has very unique decor.
Dec 27th, 2008, 07:26 PM
#11
One caveat about the glass bottom boats in Key West and elsewhere, if there has been rainstorms with the 24 hours before the boat trip or if the water is rough, the ocean will be too strirred up to have a good view of the reef.
We were in Key West a few months ago and particularly enjoyed the sunset cruise on the sailing ship Western Union.
We were in Key West a few months ago and particularly enjoyed the sunset cruise on the sailing ship Western Union.
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