Best Five Ways To Experience Florida’s Wildlife

Florida is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and there are many ways to experience it. Here are some of the best ways to experience Florida’s wildlife:

1. Visit one of Florida’s many state and national parks, such as the Everglades National Park or Hillsborough River State Park. These parks offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and various bird species.
2. Take a guided wildlife tour with a knowledgeable guide who can help you spot and identify different types of wildlife. There are many guided tours available throughout the state, including airboat tours, kayaking tours, and nature hikes.
3. Visit a wildlife sanctuary or zoo, such as the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa or the Miami Zoo. These facilities offer a chance to see a wide range of animals up close and learn more about their behaviors and habitats.
4. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in Florida’s coastal waters to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and colorful fish.
5. Attend a wildlife festival or event, such as the annual Florida Birding and Nature Festival or the Florida Manatee Festival. These events offer a chance to learn more about Florida’s wildlife and conservation efforts, as well as participate in guided tours and activities.

Remember to always follow responsible wildlife viewing practices, such as keeping a safe distance from animals and avoiding feeding or touching them.

Florida State Parks

• Hillsborough River State Park ( Tampa Bay Area)
• Weeki Wachee   (Central Florida)
• Rainbow Springs   (Central Florida
• Silver Springs State Park  (Central Florida)
• Henderson Beach State Park  (Panhandle)
• St Andrews St Park   (Panhandle)
• Madison Blue Springs   (North Florida)
• Suwanee River State Park  (North Florida)

Ready to discover more of Florida’s stunning State Parks? Look no further than Vacation Florida! Our team of experts can provide insider knowledge on the best activities and accommodations for your next adventure. Connect with us on Instagram Vacation Florida or Contact Us Here 

Best Wildlife Tours

• EcoVenture Tours  Explore the natural beauty of Central Florida with Ecoventure Tours! This family-owned business offers clear kayak and paddle board tours at Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs. Their experienced guides will educate you on conservation and safety while you paddle and glide through stunning scenery. Book your unforgettable adventure now!
• Manatee Snorkeling Tour in Crystal River – this tour takes you to swim and snorkel with manatees, and you can also see other wildlife in the area such as dolphins, otters, and a variety of birds.
• Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – this tour takes you through the refuge at night, where you can see bioluminescent plankton light up the water, as well as nocturnal wildlife such as alligators and birds.
• St. Augustine Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure – this tour takes you on a boat ride to see dolphins and other wildlife in the area, as well as scenic views of the St. Augustine coastline.
• Kayaking with Manatees at Lovers Key State Park – this tour takes you on a guided kayaking trip through the park, where you can see manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife in the area.

Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Sanctuaries 

• Zoo Tampa  (Discounted Tickets)
• Sarasota Jungle Gardens
• Homosassa Wildlife State Park
• Key West Butterfly 
• Busch Gardens – Tampa  (Discounted Tickets)
• Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society – West Palm Beach
• Big Cat Rescue – Tampa
• Everglades Wonder Gardens – Bonita Springs
• Zoo Miami – Miami
• Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters – Marathon
• Florida Aquarium Tampa (Discounted Tickets)

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

• Ginnie Springs: Located in High Springs, Florida, Ginnie Springs is a popular freshwater diving destination that offers crystal-clear water and unique underwater rock formations. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both popular activities at Ginnie Springs, and visitors can also enjoy tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the nearby Santa Fe River. There are multiple dive sites at Ginnie Springs, including Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear, and the Ballroom.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Located in Key Largo, Florida, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. The park is home to the only living coral reef in the continental United States, as well as a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee. Visitors can take a guided snorkeling or scuba diving tour to explore the park’s underwater world, or rent their own equipment and explore on their own.
• Scuba Florida Springs With Sweetwater Scuba  Sweetwater Scuba is a scuba diving and snorkeling center located in Crystal River, Florida. They offer various courses and certification programs for divers of all levels, as well as guided snorkeling and diving tours. They specialize in manatee tours, which is a popular activity in the area, but also offer other types of tours such as reef dives and wreck dives. Sweetwater Scuba is committed to eco-tourism and promoting conservation efforts in the area. They also have a retail store where you can purchase scuba and snorkeling gear.
• West Palm Beach – This area has a number of wrecks and reefs to explore, including the famous Blue Heron Bridge. Some recommended tour operators are Pura Vida Divers and Narcosis Scuba Center.
• Key West – The coral reefs surrounding Key West offer some of the most beautiful and diverse underwater landscapes in Florida. Some recommended tour operators in the area are Fury Water Adventures and Dive Key West.
• Destin – This area is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins. Some popular tour operators for snorkeling and scuba diving in the area include Destin Snorkel and Destin Scuba Center.

Wildlife Festivals 

• Florida Manatee Festival – Held annually in January in Crystal River, this festival offers visitors the chance to see manatees up close, as well as enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and educational exhibits.
• Wakulla Wildlife Festival – Held annually in April in Wakulla County, this festival offers visitors the chance to explore the county’s natural habitats through guided tours, wildlife exhibits, and eco-friendly vendors.
• St. Augustine Wildlife & Conservation Festival – Held annually in April, this festival features live animal exhibits, educational workshops, and wildlife conservation presentations in historic St. Augustine.
• Everglades Day Festival – Held annually in February in the Florida Everglades, this festival celebrates the unique ecosystem of the Everglades through wildlife exhibits, airboat rides, and guided hikes.
• Florida Birding and Nature Festival – Held annually in October in Tampa Bay, this festival celebrates the diverse bird species and natural habitats found in Florida through guided tours, workshops, and presentations.