Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida (www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com) announced today the upcoming addition of a groundbreaking new ecotourism experience. The Cypress SkyCycle will take guests on a fun and relaxing cycle ride through the treetops of the 4700 acre Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area in St. Cloud, Florida. Yes you read that right, cycling through the treetops.
Slated to open in July 2011, the innovative new attraction will be the first of its kind in the United States. Guests will set off on a one hour journey as they pedal along on specially designed SkyCycles; think of them as reclining bicycles suspended from a network of high tension steel cables. The course will take guests on a winding journey over the pine flatwoods and through Turkey Slough, a beautiful area of forested wetland. Guests will also get to pass over a pond housing George, a popular thirteen foot alligator that has called Forever Florida home for the last sixty plus years.
Located east of Kissimmee and just one hour southeast of Orlando, Florida EcoSafaris has carved out a unique nitch for itself as Central Florida’s premier eco-tourism attraction. They made history back in January 2009 when they opened the first full scale zipline canopy tour in the state of Florida. Known as the Zipline Safari, the attraction has since hosted tens of thousands of guests from around the world on a thrilling journey through the conservation lands reaching speeds up to 25 mph and heights of 55 feet. The new Cypress SkyCycle is designed to complement the Zipline Safari, providing amazing new views of the conservation lands, relaxation and plenty of fun.
“Our goal is to provide our guests with outrageously fun adventures first and foremost but at the same time get them an up close and personal view of this vitally important area that we’re helping to conserve”, said Ken Wilshire, General Manager of Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida. The conservation efforts at Forever Florida are largely funded by the revenue generated by visitors to Florida EcoSafaris. Forever Florida has been identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a biological hotspot hosting one the highest concentrations of endangered and threatened species in the state. Said Wilshire, “It’s our hope that our guests have an amazing time and develop a personal connection with this special place, ultimately joining us in working to protect Florida’s natural wonders.”
The ride technology for the new Cypress SkyCycle was developed by ECO-Adventure Technologies and has been successfully operated for 4 years at the Hidden Worlds Adventure Park in Tulum, Mexico. When it opens in July 2011, the Cypress Skycyle will be the second SkyCycle in the world and the very first in the United States.
Tickets for the new Cypress SkyCycle will be $45 per person. Participants will need to be at least 10 years old and weigh no more than 275lbs. Adventurers will be able to save with a combination Zipline Safari and Cypress SkyCycle ticket for just $120, a $10 savings. Other adventures offered by Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida include the fully guided Horseback Safari and Coach Safari. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-957-9794 ext 1. For more information, visit www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com.
