So the cruise was awesome but I think the next part of our trip was even more memorable – if that could be possible. We docked in Miami on my birthday and took a cab to the car rental place, but had to wait a couple of hours for our car, so we wandered the Miami boardwalk and enjoyed the sunshine. Once we picked up the car we drove up the Florida Turnpike to Homosassa.
Why Homosassa? A weird little story: years ago I started using the Calm app to fall asleep (my husband snores), and one favorite sleep story was “Floating with the Florida Manatees.” It mentioned Three Sisters viewing platforms and a swim tour — which became a bucket-list birthday thing for me. So we booked two nights at “Monkey Island Resort” in a really lovely room. We discovered it had all been redone after a flood in 2024 and while they were still working on some parts of the property, we would absolutely stay there again anytime. They actually have a little island with monkeys right next to the hotel and they have a pretty cool set up. Heat in the winter AC in the summer snacks delivered daily. There was a cool back story on them but I will spare you the deets. LOL.
We also booked a tour with “Snorkeling with Manatees” including the photo package and were able to walk to the dock from our room. It was a chilly 39°F that morning as I slipped into my bathing suit, but I wasn’t turning back. Captain Cephas and photographer Serina gave us full-body wetsuits and assured us the water would be warmer than the air. They were right! A short airboat ride took us to an inlet warmed by natural vents to the mid-70s. Manatees need warm water, so they migrate to these springs in winter. The boat holds six passengers plus crew, and they do the tour several times a day. However, a lot of people had canceled due to the cooler temps, but that turned out to be perfect — because manatees were everywhere.
We later discovered that it’s mostly illegal to touch manatees in Florida, and the crew of our tour closely monitors interactions to keep the animals safe. Captain Cephas explained the rules: be calm (basically meditate with manatees), don’t approach sleeping or feeding animals, and don’t pet certain areas including their faces or fins, which was completely understandable.
Once in the water, curious manatees approached US quickly. We could reach out and they’d rub against our hands. They love bright colors — Serina joked they’d adore my pink hair and floaty vest, but Brett’s bright yellow snorkel vest stole the show. One manatee basically adopted him, wrapping her flippers around his legs and resting her head in his lap like a puppy. It was an unforgettable experience.
We ended the day with a relaxing evening at the hotel, some sunset photos, a glass of wine, and a bit of packing. The next morning we drove to the Tampa area for a delicious Thai lunch with friends from the kink community, Master Dex and Moodstone — the perfect end to a great trip.
We got home with no delays or drama just before another snowstorm hit the Southeast, and I am very grateful. Adventure report done — I have opening in my schedule and am ready for some kinky fun!! Feel free to drop me an email and let’s get together!
