Students studying biology, marine science, environmental studies and other related subjects will get excited about this special student tour I have designed with an eco focus on Central Florida. This trip is hands-on with lots of outdoor activities like snorkeling and airboat rides. It’s a great way to experience the marine life and unique subtropical wildlife of Central Florida as well as the swamps and waterways.

Below are some brief highlights of the eco tour of Central Florida, with a day at Busch Gardens theme park to add even more fun to the itinerary.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

Homosassa Springs is a Florida state park with a great deal to offer the student tour group interested in adventure. There’s a hiking and nature trail, ranger guided tours, boat tours, and more. Some of the wildlife students will encounter here includes: manatees, alligators and hippopotamus. Special wildlife programs explaining the behaviors and habitats of these animals are available for visiting student groups. Groups will also want to visit the Cougar Habitat and Black Bear Enclosure.

Snorkel Safety Lessons

When students are engaged in a hands on activity like snorkeling, it helps to be educated about the safest snorkeling techniques. This snorkel safety lesson is provided prior to entering the Crystal River. Student groups will also have information on how to interact with Manatees and other inhabitants of the River, as well.

Crystal River Snorkeling with Manatees

Students engaged in the study of biology or marine science will love this adventure: swimming with the Manatees. These large and gentle mammals are numerous in the Crystal River, reaching numbers of 400 or more in the peak winter season. Swim alongside the Manatees or just watch them feed in the river. Guides may snorkel with the group to show them the type of behavior that attracts Manatees.

Crystal Springs Preserve Hands on Workshop

Environmental education is a large part of the eco tour itinerary. Trip leaders will want to Schedule a Crystal Springs Preserve workshop to maximize the experience. The Preserve maintains a large Living Laboratory of species common to the Crystal Springs area. Students will actually hike through Crystal Springs and observe the natural habitat of animals as well as interact with reptiles, mammals and other species unique to the region in the Living Laboratory.

National Park Service Tram Tour and Airboat Ride

Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America. The park provides a 15-mile tram tour so wildlife can be viewed at close proximity. The tram tour takes a flat road that winds through the Everglades where riders can see: heron, egrets, deer, turtle and more. Another way to experience the Everglades firsthand is to take an airboat ride through the waterways and swamps. Learn about the Seminole tribe that used to inhabit the Everglades, view the alligators from a safe distance, and see the Mangrove trees and other wildlife that live in this swampy wilderness setting.

Busch Gardens Safari Seminar

Not far from the Everglades and Crystal River is a unique theme park, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, Florida. Here students can experience a safari where they can watch animals in a natural setting. They will be thrilled to see: zebras, giraffes, bongo, ostrich, cheetahs, white rhinos, tigers and more. Students can immerse themselves in the study of rare wildlife in a safe environment on Safari in Busch Gardens -- an unforgettable experience. After exploring the safari, student groups can enjoy the SheiKra, Gwazi, or Kumba roller coasters and other rides at the theme park.

Central Florida has a great deal to offer students studying the natural world and the environment. From swamps and waterways to safaris and snorkeling, this eco tour is a great way to engage students in active learning. Taking the Florida Eco Tour will help students to become stewards of the environment by giving them a reason to care enough to preserve it.

For more information about eco tours of Central Florida and South Florida, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.