So, after a small sleep.. we showered and got ready and decided to take a quick breakfast in the restaurant of the hotel (which had a buffet).
Mother still was not feeling very well of her stomatch, so she got some tea and bread.
I got some pancakes.
Then we got back up to the room to brush our teeth and plan the day.
I was scrambling because I could NOT purchase discounted tickets for Everglades anymore. And the guy who offered direct service, wanted to be paid in advance plus we had to find our own drive to get to his Boat center. Which was VERY FAR from where we were.
So we decided to ask for help on the hotel's concierge. And he graciously gave us at 20% discount on one of the tours. Miami Everglades Safari tours.
We waited for the bus right outside the hotel (did I tell you guys how well this hotel was placed?)
Anyway the small tour included a South Beach and City quick tour before heading to the everglades.
So managed to get some simple photos. Kinda hard because we were going fast and the buildings are so tall.
Downtown area from the Highway.
Lots of cruise ships that day. Including Norwegian Getaway, Carnival Fantasy, Norwegian Sky, a Royal Caribbean one I dont remember (one of the smallest I've seen, I think It was Serenade of the Seas. Royal's site only shows the Oasis of the Seas, Harmony of the seas, Allure of the sea, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the seas and Serenade of the seas.. the oasis and freedom are too big) and the Enchantment of the Seas. I dont remember very well but I think there was a Xcelebrity Cruise ship as well, sandwiched between the RYCCL.
After the city tour, We went again towards the "bus station" which interestingly was also near the boat areas of the Miami Port pier zone (similar to Big Bus Tours). We changed to a smaller enclosed air conditioned bus.. and onwards the Everglades we went!
After around 1 hour or so of drivng (and watching many other Everglades tour centers).
We finally arrived to a medium sized store, snack bar and show center.
The Swamp boats were very recognizable. They had different boats.. from 4 people for personal tours, to a lot of people people boats (in rows of 5-6ppl per row x5 rows).
The boat ride was fun, but darn too short. I think It only lasted 30 minutes, 40 if you considered the "slowdowns" to find alligators.
The noise of these engines was insane. And scared birds easily. unfortunately the ship moved too fast and I was too low to get decent long range photos with my telephoto lens.
END OF PART Day 2 PART 1