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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
A Guide to Spotting Marine Wildlife Near Siesta Key
One of the best things to do on a beach vacation is exploring the surrounding area in hopes of encountering amazing marine wildlife, and your Siesta Key getaway should be no different. With tons of animals to spot on the beach and in Sarasota Bay, like manatees, dolphins, and even stingrays if you visit during mating season, carve out some special time during your trip to do some adventuring and animal spotting. If you are looking for your favorite animals in the wild, the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key have some tips to help increase your chances of success.
Where to Spot Your Favorite Animals
Manatees in Crystal River
Known as the manatee capital of the world, Crystal River is a stunning location on the Gulf of Mexico full of fun things to do and activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you are visiting in the winter months, you are likely to spot one of the hundreds of manatees who call this spring home. Crystal River is also the only place in American where you can jump into the water and swim alongside these gentle creatures.
Dolphins on a Sunset Cruise
Since dolphins can be hard to spy as you lounge and relax on the beach, keep your eyes peeled around sunset, especially if you are enjoying a day on Turtle Beach. However, one of the best ways to see dolphins swimming, jumping, and playing in their natural habitat is by climbing aboard a sunset cruise, like Kokomo Charters or Siesta Key Aqua Adventures. The captains are sure to know the dolphins’ favorite spots to hang out and can direct your attention for optimal viewing.
Stingrays During Mating Season
Many species of stingrays inhabit Florida’s Gulf Coast and can sometimes be found along the shorelines of your favorite Siesta Key beach during mating season, which runs through the winter months. Cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, and devil rays are some of the most common species that beachgoers might find gliding in the water. To ensure you don’t accidentally step on these sea creatures, you can resort to the “stingray shuffle” by stirring up the sand and kicking your feet to make your presence known.
Alligators in Myakka River
When visiting Florida and the Siesta Key area, you should always assume alligators are inhabiting fresh bodies of water, like ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, etc., although they can be hard to spot at first. If you are looking forward to seeing one of these amazing creatures in person, take a trip to Myakka River State Park and perhaps float in a kayak down Myakka River. This is the most common or favorable river for gators who love to chill out in peace, so be cautious not to disturb them but to admire them from afar.
Back-Up Plan
While wildlife can be unpredictable and there is never a guarantee to spy your favorite marine creatures or land animals in their natural habitats, you can always catch a glimpse at the aquarium. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a sure way to not only see but learn about your favorite sea creatures and marine wildlife. In addition to dolphins, manatees, alligators, and stingrays, you can also meet otters, sharks, sea turtles, and all sorts of colorful fish from the coastal oceans and Florida’s bay habitats.
With so many ways to see a variety of beautiful wildlife in and around Siesta Key, regardless of if you catch sight of an alligator, turtle, birds, manatees, or dolphins, you are sure to have a wonderful and memorable time on your journey. Making memories with your friends, family, and loved ones as you kayak, take a boat ride, dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico, or hike can only be enhanced by the company of new and exciting animals. For more information, don’t hesitate to talk to your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key.