Dolphin Connection (Dolphin Interaction) Ingleside, TX

We had our trip planned for 10 am and when we awoke, it was misting rain and windy.  Sonja called us to reschedule, but decided she would take us out anyway since we were leaving the area that day.

The water conditions were not great for interaction with the dolphins.

A sunny day with calm water is preferred. It was cloudy, foggy, with good sized waves!

We knew we were in for an adventure when we first pulled up to the Dolphin Connection!

The building is so colorful and cheerful.

In a distance we could see a small boat headed towards the building. The boat pulls up to the dock and small perky woman jumps out.  She was so full of energy and started cracking jokes right off.

We loaded the boast and headed out to see the dolphin.

Sonja was so much fun and she treated us like she had known us forever.

You can tell the dolphins are her babies by the way she talks to them and calls them by name.

Some of the dolphins came right up to the boat. They will even let you touch them if they are in the right mood!

They love playing in the wake behind the boat.

It was so neat being so close to the dolphins in their environment!

Happy Travels! 

3 Natural Springs in North & Central Florida

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Juniper Springs is a subtropical paradise located in the middle of the Ocala National Forest. The water temperature of the crystal clear water is 72 degrees year round.

We decided to stop by Juniper Springs on our way back home from a cruise out of Tallahassee. I wish we would have allowed more time to explore the area! It is one of those places that doesn’t feel quiet real. It is so pretty!

Address :

26701 FL-40

Silver Springs, FL 34488

Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs State Park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, or watching manatees. 

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

There were a couple of manatees swimming around with the people. This is the first time for me to see manatees so close. It was a little too cool of a day for me to get in the water, but the couple swimming said that the temperature of the water was comfortable. I will definitely go back when the weather is warmer!

*Remember that it is against the law to harass manatees. Look, but don’t touch!

Address:

18020 N.W. HWY 19
Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a popular place for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and spotting manatees.

 A long boardwalk allows for a quite stroll through Cyprus trees.

It is common to see deer throughout the park, many times walking right up to you.

I have been to Manatee Springs twice and have yet to see a manatee!  It is a very interesting place though. It seems a little bit like “Jurassic Park” to me… maybe because the first visit was right after a rain storm. It was cloudy and foggy.

The second time was early morning and there were hundreds of buzzards flying around our heads!

Address:

11650 NW 115 Street

Chiefland, FL 32626

Happy Travels!