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Things To Do In
Florida
Florida
My trip to Marineland Aquarium and Fort Matanzas
If you are vacationing in or just passing through North-East Florida, you have to find a few hours to see these
two Florida tourist attractions. Marineland Aquarium and Fort Matanzas are located within a few miles from
each other along A1A, between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
two Florida tourist attractions. Marineland Aquarium and Fort Matanzas are located within a few miles from
each other along A1A, between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.
| Dolphin playing with the ball at Marineland Aquarium |
| Fort Matanzas National Monument |
We made our trip on a beautiful sunny day, which are quite common in the spring, before the summer brings
more clouds, high humidity and hot temperatures. Other than the location, these two places don't have much
in common, which makes the trip even more interesting. We started at Fort Matanzas, a historic place that
may even be appreciated by people who have no interest in history.
more clouds, high humidity and hot temperatures. Other than the location, these two places don't have much
in common, which makes the trip even more interesting. We started at Fort Matanzas, a historic place that
may even be appreciated by people who have no interest in history.
The Fort is located on an island and can be reached by a free ferry, departing every 30 min. Because the
place is protected as a National Monument, it is maintained by taxpayer's money.
The Fort was built in the 1700s to protect the east coast of Florida against the French, but you will have a
chance to learn much more from your captain. And, if it's a weekend, there will be an officer (in period
uniform) awaiting you in the Fort, where you will get an opportunity to get a real sense of the life of a XVII
century solder on a remote outpost.
We learned that the guns of Matanzas fired only once in their days, showing that sometimes the presence of a
threat is enough of a deterrent to prevent an invasion.
Fort Matanzas also includes a nature preserve, easily accessible by a boardwalk, culminating near the beach
with a great view of the river. The whole area is located near an inlet connecting the Intracoastal to the ocean
and is frequented by wild dolphins. And that brings us to the other attraction - Marineland Aquarium.
place is protected as a National Monument, it is maintained by taxpayer's money.
The Fort was built in the 1700s to protect the east coast of Florida against the French, but you will have a
chance to learn much more from your captain. And, if it's a weekend, there will be an officer (in period
uniform) awaiting you in the Fort, where you will get an opportunity to get a real sense of the life of a XVII
century solder on a remote outpost.
We learned that the guns of Matanzas fired only once in their days, showing that sometimes the presence of a
threat is enough of a deterrent to prevent an invasion.
Fort Matanzas also includes a nature preserve, easily accessible by a boardwalk, culminating near the beach
with a great view of the river. The whole area is located near an inlet connecting the Intracoastal to the ocean
and is frequented by wild dolphins. And that brings us to the other attraction - Marineland Aquarium.
Built right next to the beach, a large pool houses
more than a half a dozen dolphins, and their main
purpose is to entertain visitors.
In the era of animal rights the whole concept
seems to be outdated, but somehow you get the
feeling that the dolphins enjoy it almost as much
as the audience.
Anyway, it is very entertaining to see them jump,
play beach ball, make funny noises, and even
pose for pictures. And the fact that you can see
them also under water allows you to observe a
little more of their behavior.
People stare into the huge windows in the side of
the pool, admiring the skillful swimmers in their
natural surroundings.
For those who really want to get their feet wet, for
an extra charge you can go into the water and
touch and feed the dolphins.
more than a half a dozen dolphins, and their main
purpose is to entertain visitors.
In the era of animal rights the whole concept
seems to be outdated, but somehow you get the
feeling that the dolphins enjoy it almost as much
as the audience.
Anyway, it is very entertaining to see them jump,
play beach ball, make funny noises, and even
pose for pictures. And the fact that you can see
them also under water allows you to observe a
little more of their behavior.
People stare into the huge windows in the side of
the pool, admiring the skillful swimmers in their
natural surroundings.
For those who really want to get their feet wet, for
an extra charge you can go into the water and
touch and feed the dolphins.
We enjoyed both places a lot, not only for the education and entertainment they provide, but also for the fact
that both are within a short walk to some great Florida beaches, where a steady beat of incoming waves
brings comfort to your senses.
that both are within a short walk to some great Florida beaches, where a steady beat of incoming waves
brings comfort to your senses.
Top of the Marineland Aquarium and Fort Matanzas trip