“I feel at ease and, in an indefinable way, at home, when dolphins are around. I now know when they are nearby before they appear. I dream after they leave.”
Virginia Coyle
While
looking for things to do while on vacation in the Titusville, Florida
area, we came across this boat tour excursion on the Indian River.
The 90 minute Eco Dolfun Tour promised sightings of dolphins and a
possibility of seeing Manatees. It sounded like the perfect
relaxing trip for us. The price was very reasonable and it is often
listed on Groupon for an even better deal.
Joe,
Josh, our son, and I drove down from Titusville to Melbourne to get
on the tour boat which was about a 40 mile drive. The directions
told us the address was on Eau Gallie Causeway, Melbourne, Florida.
We pulled into the only boat ramp and parking area early and found
there was no boat. We hoped we were in the right place while we
waited to see if the boat would arrive. Then off in the distance,
the boat was sighted and we anxiously waited for it to dock so we
could begin our trip. There is a port-a-pot near the boat ramp but it
was not clean so I suggest, finding a nearby bathroom before getting
onboard.
As
soon as the captain pulled the boat in and docked, Captain Bob
greeted us and told us to come onboard. We brought a cooler with
drinks for our adventure. Captain Bob allows you to bring coolers
with drinks including alcohol, if you so wish. A warning though,
there is no bathroom onboard so you may want to watch your fluid
intake.
As
we drove under the Eau Gallo Causeway, Captain Bob told us all about
the area and the native life. We chose a great day for the trip as
the sky was a gorgeous blue and the wind was calm. The ride was
lovely, with smooth sailing, and very enjoyable. We went searching
for the manatees and the dolphins. The manatees did not cooperate
but after a little time, the dolphins surely did.
He
pulled around Dragon Point, affectionately named after the home that
was built there at the end of Merritt island. There had been a
large Dragon statue there but has since eroded. Captain Bob had
fond memories of that home and statue. Merritt Island is so narrow
at that point that the house’s front and back yards was the river.
It must be scary staying there during a storm.
Dragon
Point seemed to be a hang out spot for many Dolphins who seemed as
curious about us as we were about them. It was great fun watching
them swim by and breaking the surface. They seemed to be showing off
for us as we all oohed and awed. They swam next to the boat, under
the boat, and followed our boat. Captain Bob said there are between
700 – 900 dolphins that live just in the Indian River Lagoon alone.
The
boat continued down to the historic Mather's Turn Bridge in time to see it
open for oncoming boats. That was interesting to watch. We
also rode past some very beautiful million dollar homes. Captain Bob
gave us great information on some of these amazing homes and their
boats parked at their docks. He pointed out the many different
kinds of flora and fauna.
We
had a splendid trip, enjoying the leisurely journey with Captain Bob.
He was a wonderful guide with a dry sense of humor that reminded me
of my father. It brought back great memories of my dad trying to get
me to laugh at one of his jokes. I would recommend this trip if you
are looking for a relaxed trip with great dolphin sightings. We
were not lucky enough to see any manatees that day even though 1/3 of
the nations manatee population lives or migrates here seasonally.
We still enjoyed the trip and would recommend it.
Till next time. Bye for now.
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