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A little OT ?, about the ocean
- Thread starter pixie1115
- Start date
tigsmom
Well-Known Member
There seem to be more attack on the Atlantic side than on the Gulf side. My BIL had to go in for his 3 kids because he spotted sharks at Daytona Beach close to shore.
Why not head over to the Gulf? Its about the same driving distance and the beaches are just as nice if not better.
We visit Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach all the time, but there are many others along the coast.
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Dolphins are plentiful around FL beaches. 
And depending on the weather jelly fish can be seen alot as well.
I hate swimming in the ocean... and I'm 24. LOL I'm not a fan of swimming where I can't see what I'm swimming with... and you have to go pretty far down the coast of FL (more like the key's) before you get water you can see through.
I wouldn't worry about the sharks... but often times there's seaweed and such that you'll step on in the ocean... that freaks alot of kids out. If he's that worried about it, I'd say just stick to the pool.
And depending on the weather jelly fish can be seen alot as well. I hate swimming in the ocean... and I'm 24. LOL I'm not a fan of swimming where I can't see what I'm swimming with... and you have to go pretty far down the coast of FL (more like the key's) before you get water you can see through.
I wouldn't worry about the sharks... but often times there's seaweed and such that you'll step on in the ocean... that freaks alot of kids out. If he's that worried about it, I'd say just stick to the pool.
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mousermerf
Account Suspended
Yes, the ocean has animals in it. Lots.
If you're imagining white sand beaches and crystal clear waters you're thinking of an island in the middle of the ocean. Florida is a pennisula and has run-off, which in most places makes it an estuary habitat - prime for murky waters, and lifeforms.
Floridians know how to do the "stingray shuffle" from birth. In short, you don't just step into the water, otherwise you're likely to step on a critter, who will in turn do something not-so-nice to you.
If you're imagining white sand beaches and crystal clear waters you're thinking of an island in the middle of the ocean. Florida is a pennisula and has run-off, which in most places makes it an estuary habitat - prime for murky waters, and lifeforms.
Floridians know how to do the "stingray shuffle" from birth. In short, you don't just step into the water, otherwise you're likely to step on a critter, who will in turn do something not-so-nice to you.
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GrowingUpDisney
New Member
The Atlantic coast water is definately not clear - if that is what you mean.
However, if you son doesn't like the ocean I am not sure the trip over would be worth it. Maybe the resort pool is a better choice.
Niki
However, if you son doesn't like the ocean I am not sure the trip over would be worth it. Maybe the resort pool is a better choice.
Niki
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OMG, I had no idea! I thought the beaches were great there...Man, that is really dissapointing. We are from MN and have never been ANYWHERE! We were so excited 
So if the kids just went waist deep or so would that be ok..I mean can you see the bottom there? We have loads of lakes here and most are pretty nasty so we are used to swimming in gunk...lol. Just not used to critters! The worst we encounter are cat fish..and they never come close.
How is Cocoa Beach, that is where we were planning on going. I don't want to go to the Gulf cuz I want to see THE OCEAN..lol! It is a huge deal to me! lol
So if the kids just went waist deep or so would that be ok..I mean can you see the bottom there? We have loads of lakes here and most are pretty nasty so we are used to swimming in gunk...lol. Just not used to critters! The worst we encounter are cat fish..and they never come close. How is Cocoa Beach, that is where we were planning on going. I don't want to go to the Gulf cuz I want to see THE OCEAN..lol! It is a huge deal to me! lol
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OMG, I had no idea! I thought the beaches were great there...Man, that is really dissapointing. We are from MN and have never been ANYWHERE! We were so excited
How is Cocoa Beach, that is where we were planning on going. I don't want to go to the Gulf cuz I want to see THE OCEAN..lol! It is a huge deal to me! lol
You won't be able to see your feet when the water's over your ankles.
It's that murky. Cocoa Beach is a typical beach... if you go, plan on having lunch at one of the beachside cafe's and then just shop and walk the beach... the beach has alot of great qualities... even if you never make it in the water.
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RiversideBunny
New Member
Drive in the other direction, West, and spend a night at Clearwater Beach, near St. Pete.
You will enjoy the ocean there and the white sand beach.
There are a lot of nice hotels and restaurants.
Tks.
:king:
You will enjoy the ocean there and the white sand beach.
There are a lot of nice hotels and restaurants.
Tks.
:king:
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tigsmom
Well-Known Member
OMG, I had no idea! I thought the beaches were great there...Man, that is really dissapointing. We are from MN and have never been ANYWHERE! We were so excited
How is Cocoa Beach, that is where we were planning on going. I don't want to go to the Gulf cuz I want to see THE OCEAN..lol! It is a huge deal to me! lol
Some beaches are better than others, depending on what is around the water. Coquina Beach is clear, knee high to waist high water up to about 30 feet out...my kids love to shell hunt there. If you head over to Lido Beach on Siesta Key its even nicer and very clear. The only critters we have ever encountered were dolphins, but manatees abound in the area also.
Didn't like Daytona Beach as it was dirty and very crowded. Haven't been to Cocoa Beach, but I grew up on the Atlantic Ocean and I'll pass on the opportunity to swim in it. The Gulf is cleaner and warmer. :lol:
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celticdog
Well-Known Member
OMG, I had no idea! I thought the beaches were great there...Man, that is really dissapointing. We are from MN and have never been ANYWHERE! We were so excited
How is Cocoa Beach, that is where we were planning on going. I don't want to go to the Gulf cuz I want to see THE OCEAN..lol! It is a huge deal to me! lol
You cannot see the botton anywhere along the east coast, unless you're way down in the Keys. The Atlantic Ocean just stirs up too much sand and the water ends up being fairly murky. It's nothing to be afraid of. Keep the kids bewteen the shore and the breaking waves and you'll be fine. Cocoa beach is a nice area. The beaches are fairly wide and it's a friendly tourist spot. Sorry to disappoint, but usually the only animals spotted at the beach are seagulls.
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loveyloo2
New Member
2nd the Clearwater rec...
Last time we went to FL, we went to Clearwater for 1/2 day or so. The water was warm and they have a large pier you can walk on and from up there you can see the rays swimming a few yards off the coast. It was great, but no matter what you do, DON'T eat at Crabby Bill's!!! It was one of worst seafood meals of my life!! :hurl:
Best wishes for a great trip!!
Last time we went to FL, we went to Clearwater for 1/2 day or so. The water was warm and they have a large pier you can walk on and from up there you can see the rays swimming a few yards off the coast. It was great, but no matter what you do, DON'T eat at Crabby Bill's!!! It was one of worst seafood meals of my life!! :hurl:
Best wishes for a great trip!!
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Mori Anne
Active Member
- In the Parks
- No
Don't forget about the Emerald Coast in Florida. It is known for its white sand beaches and clear water. I live near Destin (along the Emerald Coast), and we have white sand beaches with clear beautiful water. You can see very well. It is absolutly beautiful. I live on the beach behind the ula and though the ocean water isn't as clear and beautiful as it is in Destin/ along the coast, you can still see pretty stinking well in the water (as long as it isn't high tide).
FYI: My husband dives for the Navy in Florida. Florida is known for bullshark attacks. One of our neighbors will not go into the ocean. They said they used to go into the ocean until he parasailed over the ocean near the beach areas. They said there are many many sharks close to the beach areas. But, really, consider all the thousands of people that go into the ocean, few come out a shark attack victim. Seriously, you are more likely to be in a car accident on the way to the beach. In addition, my husband has been in the murkey "shark infested waters" at night with no visibility. He can't even see the "sharks" until they are within a foot of him, and he has never (knock on wood) been attacked. Use your best judgment whether you want to go into the water or not. Like mousermerf said, do be careful of what you do end up stepping on. And watch out for those stinking Jellyfish. Those stings can really HURT! (My reason I no longer venture into the ocean).
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palmage
Member
You won't be able to see your feet when the water's over your ankles.
Cocoa Beach is a typical beach... if you go, plan on having lunch at one of the beachside cafe's and then just shop and walk the beach... the beach has alot of great qualities... even if you never make it in the water.
I don't know what beachs you all are going to, but the beachs around here are very clear.
If there is a moderate or high surf then the sand gets churned up and visibility goes down.
I'm obviously a boater some of the places we boat to have 7-10 foot visibilities.
And the beachs on the Gulf Coast are so much better than the Atlantic.
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3fordisney
New Member
I would suggest going the opposite way towards the Gulf side. The water is more likely to be clearer. We are fortunate enough to be only a few hours from the Gulf Coast and frequent Orange Beach, Al and the panhandle of Fla a lot. I like the water there better than the Atlantic side beaches. I've been to the Carolina Beaches and prefer the Emerald Coast over it. The Atlantic side water is dark. You can't see where you are stepping. I like to see whats around my toes when I step into the water.
I heard Cocoa Beach is nice. I went to Cocoa, but didn't make it to the beach. We went to Kennedy Space Center instead. I have family in the area and they said to visit Daytona Beach at least once. Its on the Atlantic side and you can actually drive on the beach. They have gone and taken a picinic lunch, parked the car and watched the waves. Their only advice was not to feed the seaguls.
No matter what direction you decide to take, make sure to visit a beach somewhere. Its great and it will be something you and your family will never forget.
I heard Cocoa Beach is nice. I went to Cocoa, but didn't make it to the beach. We went to Kennedy Space Center instead. I have family in the area and they said to visit Daytona Beach at least once. Its on the Atlantic side and you can actually drive on the beach. They have gone and taken a picinic lunch, parked the car and watched the waves. Their only advice was not to feed the seaguls.
No matter what direction you decide to take, make sure to visit a beach somewhere. Its great and it will be something you and your family will never forget.
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ok, ok you have all slowly convinced me to consider going to the gulf instead...
I am dissapointed I won't see the real ocean though, but I guess I would rather see my feet in the water.
What kind of animals are there around the gulf? Anything cool? Anything to worry about?
I am dissapointed I won't see the real ocean though, but I guess I would rather see my feet in the water.
What kind of animals are there around the gulf? Anything cool? Anything to worry about?
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sbkline
Well-Known Member
We've visited the ocean on each trip to Florida and we have not encountered any sea life. That certainly doesn't mean that they aren't there or that others don't encounter it...just that it has never been a problem for us. We don't care about visiting a famous beach or anything, so we basically just went for the shortest possible drive. To me, a beach is a beach. I'm from Illinois, so any beach is impressive to me. LOL So we looked at the map and figured the shortest possible drive from Kissimmee would be Melbourne beach. Then, we also went to New Smyrna beach and did a boat ride with Captain Pete. And we've visited my Aunt in Neptune Beach, Jacksonville and went to the beach there. And again...never any encounters with sea creatures.
Personally, I wouldn't fret too much about it. Sure, it's the ocean and there is always the possibility of sharks or stingrays, just as there is always the possibility of getting in a car wreck, getting struck by lightning on a rainy day, etc. But from my experience, at least, I don't don't see it as a large enough possibility to worry about.
Personally, I wouldn't fret too much about it. Sure, it's the ocean and there is always the possibility of sharks or stingrays, just as there is always the possibility of getting in a car wreck, getting struck by lightning on a rainy day, etc. But from my experience, at least, I don't don't see it as a large enough possibility to worry about.
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sbkline
Well-Known Member
ok, ok you have all slowly convinced me to consider going to the gulf instead...
I am dissapointed I won't see the real ocean though, but I guess I would rather see my feet in the water.
What kind of animals are there around the gulf? Anything cool? Anything to worry about?
As far as I'm concerned, the gulf IS the ocean. Really, it's all just one big ocean. It's not like you go past a certain point and see a big neon sign that says "now leaving the Atlantic ocean and entering the Gulf of Mexico." LOL It's still a large body of saltwater off the shores of the United States. As far as I'm concerned, it's just that part of the ocean that is surrounded by Mexico, Florida and the southern gulf states. But still the ocean nonetheless.
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mousermerf
Account Suspended
Color me confused.. but..
What's with the idea that the Gulf of Mexico isn't a real ocean?
It's part of the Atlantic ocean.
It's like how where I live - Tampa Bay - is part of the Gulf of Mexico. It's all ocean, it all is water, and there's really not much difference between it except that people prefer the gulf coast beaches apparently (who knew?)
You certainly can't see across the Gulf, so it's not like it's lacking size and scale.
What's with the idea that the Gulf of Mexico isn't a real ocean?
It's part of the Atlantic ocean.
It's like how where I live - Tampa Bay - is part of the Gulf of Mexico. It's all ocean, it all is water, and there's really not much difference between it except that people prefer the gulf coast beaches apparently (who knew?)
You certainly can't see across the Gulf, so it's not like it's lacking size and scale.
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