The Plan: Lure her for a two-day getaway to snorkel with the cute manatees in Florida's Crystal and Homosassa rivers - an in-water experience that she can do in her current condition. Secret Weapons: Show pictures of mother manatees with calves to tap into budding maternal instincts. Suggest that she will look thin compared to manatees. (Use with caution.) Mission Timing: Snorkeling with manatees is best done during cold snaps in winter when lots of manatees migrate to the relative warmth of rivers and springs. However, Ron Goodenow of American Pro Diving, one of the area's most-respected tour operators, has been doing successful manatee tours year-round for the past two years. Weekends and holidays can be crowded with tourists. Midweek is best. Mission Location: The area between the towns of Homosassa and Crystal River on Florida's northern west coast is home to 20 percent of the nation's manatee population. It is also home to the 46-acre Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the Manatee Education Center. Mission Requirements: No previous dive or snorkel experience required, which makes for a great family activity.

• Snorkel gear and wetsuit suitable for 72-degree spring water (rentals available).
• Pre-dive video education on rules of engagement for divers interacting with manatees (provided by dive operator).
• Underwater camera. Additional Sorties:
• Dan's Clam Stand in Homosassa for good, reasonably priced seafood.
• Grannie's restaurant in Crystal River, because it's open 24 hours.
• Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.
• Manatee Toy Company for all things flippered, fat and fun. Field Notes: Snorkeling with manatees is a dive mission every person ¿ diver and non-diver alike ¿ should do. Not only is it fun and easy, but you leave with a profound sense of compassion for manatees and their perilous plight. You simply cannot resist the urge to help save these gentle creatures once you have communed with them. A mother and her calf seemed to be particularly attuned to my pregnant wife. While they did not seek her out, they certainly seemed much more comfortable interacting with her than with me. Hanging motionless in the cold, clear Homosassa River, the pair was perfectly content to allow her to join their bonding. The watchful mother visibly relaxed her guard. The calf lost all inhibitions, nuzzling and rubbing both its mother and my wife. When other people approached, the two manatees again closed ranks. Few animal encounters can compare with the feeling you get when a manatee rolls over onto its back and throws its head back so you can scratch its belly like a 1,000-pound basset hound. I was also pleasantly surprised at the abundant marine life here. Mullet, largemouth bass, alligator gar, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, sheepshead and tarpon were common. We also spotted several skates and two small Southern stingrays. The manatee experience also should include topside attractions. This coastal area runs the gamut from classy to classic Florida kitsch. There's plenty to keep a family busy for a long weekend or a mid-week escape. Mission Control: This Dive Mission manatee tour was hosted by American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River. They are a PADI 5-Star dive center and offer a PADI specialty certification in Manatee Awareness. Call 800-291-DIVE or visit www.americanprodiving.com.