There are places a boater hears about again and again when chatting with other boaters. Marineland Marina has been one of those places. In the past we have made plans to stop in but each time something conspired to stop us. We were determined that this trip we would visit no matter what. Just look at the reviews and tell me this isn't a special place.
They have the things you need, nice floating docks for transients - very much appreciated by the canine crew - clean showers and heads, a laundry, friendly staff. But what really sets this experience apart is the location. Marineland is located among 40,000 acres of unspoiled nature that includes ocean beaches, maritime forests, and other coastal habitats. But there's even more.
The marina is also where you will find Ripple Effect Ecotours. If you don't sign up for the sunset kayak tour you are crazy.
But there are other choices including the "Vegetable Oil Powered Eco-Explorer Boat Tours" if you just want to sit back and relax. All of the tours are run by trained naturalists so you'll not only have a good time you'll probably learn something too. We did. And you get a discount if you're docked at the marina.
It might look like we were having all the fun - for once - but Dylan and Dee Dee had their own adventures each day. Sometimes a walk in the maritime forest.
Sometimes a romp on the beach. You may noticed that Dee Dee's romp is tethered. We've discovered that she has channeled so much of Dyna that she refuses to come out of the water. So we've provided a way to reel her in. I keep checking her for gills but so far nothing.
Dee Dee not only had her first real ocean swim, she saw her first manatee. The manatee came right up to the bow and raised up as if to inspect our crew members. Of course, by the time I ran and got my phone he (she? how do you tell?) was swimming away.
It was hard to leave but we did and headed to Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor where Dylan and Dee Dee were lavished with attention by the dog loving staff. It's a hard life but someone has to do it. Next stop Cumberland Island where Dylan can teach Dee Dee all about the wild horses.
We're delayed a day for weather but that's OK. The crew needs to rest up for their next big adventure.
4 comments:
Looks like you made the best of a great place!
Very nice indeed
Tsk Tsk, Dolphins should be in the open water in your wake, free to come and go. Not in some side show pool. You can't put ecology and 'dolphin show' together. If they can jump and swim surely they are healthy enough to fend for themselves. We understand dolphins are smart and have been trained and used in the military. Sideshows just makes us uncomfortable.
No, no, no! Marineland is not about a "sideshow" at all. Nothing could be further from the truth! It's a research and conservation facility. When you visit you won't see a show but will learn about these amazing animals. They do lots of work with kids. There is no boat in existence that has a greater love of dolphins that ours. And I believe that education, understanding, and appreciation are the best way to keep these animals and their habitats safe.
This message has been Dylan approved.
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