Winter is upon us, and that means that it is almost the busy season for Florida tourism. Like birds flying south for the winter, tourists from the Northern parts of the US flock in droves seeking warmer conditions to enjoy their vacation time. While there are many reasons to visit during this time, one often overlooked attraction is the diverse and inspiring local ecosystem. Many animal species call this area home, and winter happens to be the best time to see them. (This is especially nice for budget travelers, as most of these animals can be seen for free!) So start hunting for a last-minute flight to Fort Myers as we explore 4 wildlife encounters you can have during a winter vacation in southern Florida!
Manatee Park
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Manatees are an endangered species that live along the shores of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and are often called “Sea Cows” for their large size and docile nature. These lovable creatures have captured the hearts of many people, thanks in large part to their friendly nature and huggable appearance. While there are many places where you can see Manatees as they search for warmer waters during the winter months, it is important to do so in a way that doesn’t disturb them or their ecosystem. Manatee Park is a place specifically set up for this, where warm waters attract the animals to a spot where visitors can watch them swimming and grazing. Rent a kayak and take a ride around the water to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures!
Bird Watching
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The marshlands around Fort Myers create a diverse ecosystem that is perfect for harboring different species of bird, making this a bird-watcher’s paradise. From black-bellied whistling ducks and tricolored herons, to swallow-tailed kites and roseate spoonbills, there is a wide array of species from the exotic and otherworldly to the familiar and mundane. The best places to go for birdwatching are going to be in one of the many trails that lead through the dense marshland to the southeast of Fort Myers. You can also spot many other species living here, like turtles, alligators, and otters, so be sure to have your camera ready!
Snorkeling with the Fishes
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It's hard to imagine a better way to interact with local animal life than snorkeling among a vibrant coral reef, and there are many places you can do that around Fort Myers. One of the best places is Sanibel and Captiva Islands, located about 3 miles offshore. While getting here will mean renting a boat or catching a ferry, the diverse sea life will make it well worth the trip. Here you are likely to encounter exotic sealife like turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and schools upon schools of tropical fish. The waters here are pleasantly warm and crucially crystal clear, making for perfect snorkeling conditions. You could always keep it simple and snorkel at Fort Myers beach, but if you want the best experience, Sanibel and Captiva are the places to go.
Dolphin Watching
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Like the manatees, dolphins also come to the waters around Fort Myers during the winter months, meaning it is the best time to see them. The simplest way to do this is to take a dolphin watching cruise, of which there are plenty to choose from. This will practically guarantee that you will get a chance to see them, plus you will get to take advantage of an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. But if you want to see dolphins without shelling out for a cruise ticket, there are a few good spots around town. All along Fort Myers beach there are great places to kick back and watch for dolphins, like Lynn Hall Memorial Park or Bowditch Point Regional Park. Dolphins are most active around sunset, so this can be the perfect way to end a day of animal sightings!
