Arranged exclusively for VMX attendees, Behind the Scenes Tours give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with unfamiliar, non-domesticated species in their natural habitat and provide a glimpse into the inner workings of veterinary care and husbandry at these world-renowned facilities.
DATES: Monday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 19 2022 TIME: 12:30 PM – 5:45 PM WHO CAN ATTEND: Veterinarians/ Veterinary Nurse/Technicians COST: $170/person
Experience a side of SeaWorld that few others ever can – observe first-hand the veterinary care, husbandry, training and study of the resident animals of this world-famous park! You will also have the chance to enjoy the athletic performances of dolphins and other marine animals. You’re sure to get splashed!
*Buses depart from the OCCC South Concourse at 12:30 PM and return at 5:45 PM. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the OCCC the day of the tour.
Manatee Encounter & Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park
DATES: Sunday, January 16 and Monday, January 17 2022 TIME: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM WHO CAN ATTEND: All attendees COST: $285/person
Swim all morning with the “gentle giants” of Florida in a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter, enjoy a bayside lunch on beautiful Kings Bay at a favorite local restaurant and take a leisurely walk in the afternoon at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. You may encounter endangered and declining species such as the whooping crane and wood stork, red wolf and Florida Panther, as well as the more abundant wildlife; birds of prey, shorebirds and wading birds, black bear and alligators. The tour includes wetsuits, snorkels, masks, transportation, lunch and instruction. Children ages 9-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 9 are not permitted on this tour. Buses depart from OCCC at 5:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the OCCC the day of the tour.