After our briefing on waverunner operation and safety, hand-signal communication, and animal interaction, we headed deep into the 10,000 Islands area, at a pace that was comfortable for us.
We soon found that Avi can pilot a waverunner backwards with one hand, take pictures, keep the lens dry while Charlie the dolphin is trying to splash you, and change batteries, without interrupting the interaction with the animal. See the pictures included.
More importantly, while Avi is very knowledgeable and eco-conscious, as perhaps many guides are, in our minds he is unique. Avi has a profound gift for interacting with wildlife in a way that is comfortable and pleasing for them as well. Not only does he know where the animals will likely be, and why they would be there, he is able to mimic their natural behaviors and draw them into an interaction which is natural to them. Avi’s unique gift allows you to experience more of an immersion experience with these wild animals, rather than chasing them around the mangroves on a gas-powered machine and hoping for a glimpse.
So now, we have not only observed dolphins in the wild, momma and baby actually played with us. And we have quietly slipped into the water and floated near where manatees were grazing. We can cross those off our bucket-list. As a bonus we got to practice our new waverunner skills in attempting to follow sharks and stingrays! *NOTE: Did not go swimming there : ) Thank you Avi for an amazing adventure – clearly you are blessed. P.S. We will be back with our children. - Michael & Debora