The chill off the Indian River each winter can send the heartiest of souls inside.

  • Doc's Bait House operates in Merritt Island
  • Boat passengers can see manatees, dolphins firsthand
  • People can charter personal eco-cruises through website

"That's the finest fireplace I know of anywhere,” proclaimed Tom Norwood.

Just shy of 80, and resembling Ernest Hemingway, Norwood doesn't let the cold keep him inside for long.

"We've lived in Merritt Island since 1939,” Norwood boasted on his pontoon boat, departing from Doc's Bait House in Merritt Island.

The U.S. Army veteran, who goes by the name of "Doc," says he’s one of four men with that nickname.

"[I’m] The last of the Docs. All the rest of them are dead," he said with a chuckle.

Tom takes passengers on the water in what he considers his backyard: the Indian River Lagoon.

"We started this thing basically to take people out and enjoy the river,” he said.

The cold winter air is no match for Tom when it comes to scouting manatees in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The sea cows, along with playful dolphins, tease passengers rolling video on their smart phone.

"Just about anything you could imagine, we saw this morning,” Tom believed after looking overboard.

Tom and his son, Randy, are part of a new online charter service from EZ Waves. The website offers same-day booking with captains such as Tom. Make a reservation online, and three hours later, you could be scouting wildlife.

It’s a high-tech world that meets the slow nature of sea cows. 

Traditionally, manatees don't say much. They just swim around looking for a warm spot. And when you're ready to warm up yourself, there's always time for lunch by boat. Grills in Melbourne offers a catch of the day, and on chilly days, the hot chocolate is just as important as the food.

"I had tuna. Everybody else had fish tacos,” Tom said proudly about being different.

Your own personal eco-cruise is easier than you think. Just pack a hat and a pair of gloves.

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