In this part of Gasparilla Sound, a special eco cruise sets sail, if you can score a ticket.
Folks keep cameras in hand as sea birds and playful dolphin are along the course plotted for discovery off the coast of Placida.
"You're going to make sure all the hair is away from your face,” instructs Stephanie Erickson with the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve as guests get a lesson on fastening dive masks.
On board, six people who are about to jump overboard, like 10-year-old Rachel Daniels.
"I want to be a marine biologist and maybe a diver,” Rachel says with her hair blowing in the breeze as the pontoon boat approaches the dive site.
The shallow waters give participants a look at the Gulf coast’s rich eco system.
"I get to explore an eco-system that some other people might not see,” Rachel’s father Sean says before heading overboard.
With the dive buoy set, Rachel and Sean comb the grassy bottom for aquatic life and come up with handfuls.
"That was a sea cucumber. I named him Filbert," Rachel says of the red potato-sized creature. "He's Squishy."
Other creatures awaiting to be admired in their natural setting include crabs.
"They have really small claws. It's not like they can get you that bad,” Rachel says of the creature with pinchers.
Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves provides all the gear and an education on the lightning whelk and horse conchs.
"It's great to see that excitement and enthusiasm for what's out here,” says Stephanie Erickson with the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves office.
The educator on board assists in explaining the unique inhabitants of the estuary.
The trip leaves Rachel inspired to take action in the future on behalf of sharks, her favorite animal.
"Those people who like shark fin, I am going to try and ban that and have little reserves where sharks can be happy,” Rachel said.
Sign-ups for the tour are hosted here, on Event Bright.
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