our all-time favorite florida vacation experience

You guys. I’m not even really sure how to start this post because there is just SO MUCH I could say! My family just got back from a vacation in Florida where we had the best vacation experience. Every day was fun–from the beach to Universal Studios to what ended up being THE favorite experience for all of us–the Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve. I can’t stress enough how amazing this sea lion preserve is. If you are heading to Florida for spring break (or any time), we definitely consider this a MUST DO activity!

The sea lions at the Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve have been rescued and rehabilitated from rescue groups who then determined that they were unable to be released back into the wild so they get to live out the rest of their days getting very spoiled at the preserve.  Read about each of the sea lions here.  Some of them have been through quite a lot but they are so loved and cared for by their amazing trainers and we were so happy to support such a great organization.

When we initially booked our paint and land sea lion interaction, we thought we would be meeting Stella.  But when we got there, Stella wasn’t in the mood to paint and interact so we got to meet Lilly and Kitty.  I loved that the sea lions get to decide what they want to do–they aren’t made to entertain people, they are just allowed to join in if they’d like. We were able to tour the facility, watch the sea lions playing in their pools and see the kitchen and giant freezer where they keep their fish!  Then came the fun part–meeting the sea lions.  Each of our kids got some one-on-one time with a sea lion. The sea lions painted each child a picture and posed for some adorable pictures.  Don’t worry–the parents got in on the fun too! We got to pet the sea lions and get some love as well.

When we headed home from vacation we asked each of the kids what their favorite part was and they all said meeting the sea lions.  It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was so special.  It is definitely worth the trip from anywhere in Florida. Money from sea lion interactions helps to provide for the sea lions and allow the Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve to keep doing their amazing work.