CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Offers
Nature Boat and Snorkel Ecoventures

~Guided experiences provide opportunity to explore seagrass beds and other habitats~

Participants can don a mask and snorkel or enjoy a nature boat tour.

WHAT:      Boat and Snorkel Ecoventures in Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

WHERE:   Tours depart from the Gasparilla Marina 
                 15001 Gasparilla Road
                 Placida, FL 33946         

WHEN:     Every week from May through September, 2017
                 Times vary - check website for schedule

HOW:        Register online. Cost is $30 per person for snorkeling, $20 for boat tour

The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves has announced its schedule for seasonal nature boat tours and snorkel ecoventures. Six participants will board a comfortable, 25-foot Windsorcraft boat for an hour-long informative boat tour to view local wildlife. Or, don masks and snorkels for a two-hour tour to explore seagrass beds and other underwater habitats that support a variety of life including numerous species of fish, marine snails, crabs, sea urchins and more.

While onboard the boat, guests can expect to see dolphins, manatees, and wading and diving birds while learning about the history of the local area and the importance of estuaries.

A cooler with ice and water will be provided, and participants can bring their own drinks and snacks. Binoculars, masks and snorkels will be available for guests to use to get a closer view of local wildlife at no extra charge. A $5 parking fee, separate from registration, must be paid at the Gasparilla Marina office upon arrival. Please arrive early to park and pay, as the boat departs at the time scheduled.

For more information visit http://.eco.force.com/FCO.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. FCO's mission is to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

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