manatee/ shuttle launch

[Blake]

hi everyone, me and my family will be in orlando area at the start of Feb. anyone recommend and snorkel with the manatee company in crystal river area? also a shuttle launch is supposed to happen when we r down there, can anyone recommend a good place to view the lauch from?

 

[Lobstah Slayah]

Manatee Hammock is a great place to view it from. Jetty Park is also a good place. I've camped at both places to see a shuttle, but both times I was there the launch was scrubbed. I did get to see a night launch of a spy satellite, very cool!

 

[deepstops]

The best viewing option: Call NASA at 866-737-5235 and buy a ticket to go out to NASA Causeway for the launch. Tickets are $56/adults and $45/under 11 years old.

The best free viewing option: Head a little north to Titusville and get to Space View Park at least three hours prior to the launch for a line of sight viewing of the launch pad and the launch itself.

There's also an Atlas V launch scheduled two days after the shuttle launch that will be impressive.

 

[Blake]

The best viewing option: Call NASA at 866-737-5235 and buy a ticket to go out to NASA Causeway for the launch. Tickets are $56/adults and $45/under 11 years old.

The best free viewing option: Head a little north to Titusville and get to Space View Park at least three hours prior to the launch for a line of sight viewing of the launch pad and the launch itself.

There's also an Atlas V launch scheduled two days after the shuttle launch that will be impressive.

we called and were told that the tickets are sold out, so i guess we will try for a spot at spaceview park, unless a fellow scubaboarder has a good view from their place and is willing to share

 

[Torontonian]

hi everyone, me and my family will be in orlando area at the start of Feb. anyone recommend and snorkel with the manatee company in crystal river area?

You could consider renting a pontoon boat yourself. Most manatee tours charge $35+. This place (that also rents pontons) just takes you out on their big pontoon, don't get in the water with you, and charges $15. Not sure how good their $15 tour is though.

A few years ago we went with one company that was pretty good. Have to dig to find it.

 

[Orlando Eric]

Manatee Snorkel. Go with a guide so you Do It Right and not molest them.

Way back in 1996-2002 I would drive across Hwy 50 and eat at a place with a huge east facing window and watch the launch from there.. I do not remember the name or to I know if it is even still open.

On base watch is like leaving the Daytona 500 two hours per 3 miles.

 

[jimw]

Launch Viewing: Where & How to Watch, View and See Space Shuttle Launches Has a wealth of info--there are a lot of free places to watch along the river in Titusville from route 50 north to Spaceview Park, several miles of possibilities--our favorite costs $10. to park though-a very convienient BBQ place about half a mile north of 50 on the river. I first saw this on the site above...............

 

[moneysavr]

Manatee Tours Florida Manatee Swims Swimming With Manatee Florida
my choice for a good operator to view the T's,
have fun

 

[voyager29]

hi everyone, me and my family will be in orlando area at the start of Feb. anyone recommend and snorkel with the manatee company in crystal river area? also a shuttle launch is supposed to happen when we r down there, can anyone recommend a good place to view the lauch from?

I would try Nature Coast Manatee Tours good reports!
Swim With The Manatees, Free Manatee DVD Video, Nature Coast Manatee Tours Swim With Florida Manatees Crystal River, Homosassa

 

[jimw]

I noticed that the shuttle launch is scheduled for Feb 7 at about 4:30AM, ouch. Nite launches are reaaaaallly interesting though. The Vehicle Assembly Building and the launch pad will be brightly lit and recognizable from along the river in Titusville.