But remember – don’t toss last night’s marshmallows. Some of these cams are in prime dolphin watching spots. GUARANTEED to see dolphins or your next trip is FREE! Despite their mammoth appearance, these slow-moving marine mammals are the gentlest members of the animal kingdom. Atsena Otie Key in background. They'll move the boat a few times, spending about 45 minutes there. Florida is a birder’s paradise. Observe playful sea mammals all around Florida's coast. The Verdict. Thanks in advance. They move in pods of about 10. These playful marine mammals love to jump boat wakes and surf bow waves. Please contact us to send a comment or to report a problem. View our privacy policy. If you’re not feeling particularly adventurous, head to the nearest movie theater and see your share of bottlenose dolphin on the silver screen. Although there … Widely dispersed in Florida’s waterways, these charming creatures can be found at any time of year, but are more commonly spotted in the winter months from November to March. If one does approach and you feel the urge to pet it do so with an open hand. Located on the central-east coast of Florida, Daytona Beach is a prime location to see dolphins swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many tourists come here in hopes of seeing one of … Any body of water – pond lake or river – is a potential home to these large reptiles. Dolphin watching tours run all year round. Few places in the U.S. offer a road trip with such easy access to such a range of unusual and fascinating creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, Key deer, tarpon and even butterflies and chicken. Bottlenose Dolphin- The most common dolphin in Florida waters is the bottle-nosed dolphin. We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. … Alligator mississippiensis, does not deserve its fearsome reputation. If a manatee swims away don't chase it. In the case of bottlenose dolphins, that usually means interaction with fishermen and the chance of getting hooked or entangled in fishing line. But if you want to get up close and personal, come face to face with one of these gentle giants, then grab your mask and fins and head to Crystal River. This makes this time of year great for dolphin watching! But remember – don’t feed wild dolphins for the same reason you don’t feed alligators or bears. Don't grab it or hold it. Sheri tailored the trip to the 9 and 5 year old aboard perfectly. These playful marine mammals love to jump boat wakes and surf bow waves. There are two ways to see manatees: the wet way and the dry way. Feeding alligators is against the law. Yes, you can go wild dolphin watching from your computer! Sensitive to cold temperatures, manatees migrate in the winter and early spring where they roam Florida’s warmer waters. Contact Millennium Apartments today … Clearwater Marine Aquarium was featured in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. Destin, located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, offers many opportunities to meet the dolphins. There are four fishing piers that make good whale-watching spots: The St. Augustine pier, the 800-foot-long pier in Flagler Beach, the Sunglow pier in Daytona Beach Shores and the Main Street pier in Daytona Beach . On Florida’s East Coast, the Manatee Observation & Education Center in Fort Pierce is an ideal place to take kids. It has also been observed that pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins can be formed along lines of gender, age and reproductive status. Take one of the daily charter boats out there for a fantastic trip. If possible, wear a wet suit. Some of the most popular ones include Luncheon Sightseeing & Dolphin Watch or a Sunset Dinner/Tropical Party Cruise. Prices range from free to around $50. There are also many options to rent a kayak, a glass-bottom kayak, take tube rides, —everything for a more personal encounter with dolphins. The Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, a few miles south of downtown Tampa, has great viewing area and interpretive center. Tampa; Shell Key Shuttle on St. Pete Beach; Tarpon Bay Explorers on Sanibel Island; and Fury Water Adventures in Key West. Most run when confronted by humans. Those of us who are down on the Treasure Island Beaches early each morning usually get to see a daily show from the small dolphin families that feed there. Dolphins are most active in the morning, and after 2 p.m. Viewing From The Shore For all of the travel freaks out there who are looking to head into the deep blue and make some new friends in the way they were meant to be, check out 10 of the best places around the world to watch, study or even swim with wild dolphins. 3. There is plenty of hydrilla and other vegetation to satisfy their hunger. Don't separate a calf from its mother or an individual from the herd. So, basically, summertime is a great time for dolphin-watching. The best time to spot dolphins is right around sunset, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The most common residents are bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins. You can unsubscribe at any time by visiting your Profile page. The best places to spot dolphins are The Okaloosa Island Pier, Crystal Beach, Eglin Beach Park, Miramar Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. Atsena Otie is a great destination in itself and you can reach this deserted island within about twenty minutes of relaxed paddling. Book a seat on the Shark Valley tram tour and you’ll come across dozens of gators in the canals along both sides of the road. We're creating your account. If your timing is right, you might even catch the annual monarch butterfly migration at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Besides watching dolphins in the wild, visitors can go swimming with dolphins or take a snorkeling trip into dolphin habitat. Manatees flock to these warm-water refuges during the winter months to escape the cold. You'll be more comfortable, hence more patient. You can swim with the manatees on your own, but a guide is helpful if you’re new to the area or uncomfortable in the water. The Little Toot is the only dolphin boat that can go into the shallows as well as the Gulf to ensure more dolphin sightings and closer dolphin contact. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. And don't feed the manatees. Swing by around lunch time and you’ll see some of the fattest, laziest gators in the Sunshine State. Backpack through Ocala National Forest or Apalachicola National Forest and be sure to hang your food from a tree when you camp. The state’s best tour operators, those that have earned a “dolphin smart” label, know how to safely keep their distance. The dolphins don’t need to migrate because the Emerald Coast’s waters stay warm throughout the year. You are more likely to have a pleasant encounter with a manatee if you don't rush it. Give the manatee some space. See Florida Keys wildlife while touring the Keys. Most congregate in Kings Bay, where the water stays 72 degrees year-round. We’ve paddled in mid January and mid April and had great luck seeing dolphins both times. With about 40,000 dolphins living in the Gulf of Mexico, there is a lot to see. There’s a certain beauty and grace to the way dolphins swim, and in Virginia Beach the best time to see them in the waters off the coast would be between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. There really is something for everyone at any time of the year here at Lovers Key State Park. Typically, males outnumber females in this region; however, females visit the region seasonally for mating (between May and August), which adds both to the dolphin population as well as the chances of spotting them. Manatees, like people, have personalities. From late May through August, female dolphins from other areas flock to Destin for the mating season. Eagles fish alongside human anglers on the Anclote Gulf Park piers and fly beside boats to and from the Gulf of Mexico. What a perfect occasion for dolphin watching! Did you know there are beach cams in Florida where wild dolphins like to hang out? The best places to spot dolphins are The Okaloosa Island Pier, Crystal Beach, Eglin Beach Park, Miramar Beach, and Henderson Beach State Park. In clear water, you see much more, plus in Florida springs, the manatees are hanging out, giving you more time to observe. You’ll find them showing off year round from Key West to Pensacola. Where to Spot Dolphins in Destin. Please check the Moon Calendar before booking. But the American alligator, a.k.a. The summer months are best with New Quay being the hottest spot (June-October). Much to the angst of the anglers, dolphins are attracted to the pier by the fish they are catching. Sheri also let others know where we’d found the dolphins after we’d had plenty of time with them so they could also enjoy their beauty. Here you can pull out on a sandy beach and go for a swim with nobody else around. This is an incredibly fun time-waster that becomes addictive for the true dolphin lover. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. It is also very relaxing and… The Best Time To Take a Dolphin Cruise in Panama City Beach One of the most frequent questions I get asked is when the best time to watch dolphins is. Top Places to Swim with Dolphins in Florida: See reviews and photos of swimming with dolphins in Florida, United States on Tripadvisor. You basically go out to where the other boats have seen the dolphins and then they kill the engine while the boat coasts up to where the dolphins are. In the rivers of Marco Island and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there are an abundance of mullet which is a vital prey source for the local bottlenose dolphins. There’s a narrow two-lane bridge about a mile from the ranger station that crosses the Myakka River. Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, northeast of Orlando, is another popular spot. Curious by nature, most dolphin will usually swim over to a boat just to have a look. Play nine holes on any Florida golf course and you’re bound to see at least two or three of the state’s more than one million alligators. And of course, have fun. You can head out on your own, hop aboard a chartered vessel or join an organized nature tour. Learn more about the Pensacola Beach Pier. When is the Best Time to see dolphins? If you’re looking for a dolphin tour, check out the Banana Bay Tour Company in Cape Coral; Florida Aquarium Wild Dolphin Ecotour in. Tips for Seeing Dolphins in Destin An animal that associates people with food will lose its natural fear of humans. Remember – it’s bear country. If you want to watch dolphins in the wild, the best way is to just let them do their thing. If the water conditions are good, you could see dolphins swimming under and around the pier, along with all sorts of our amazing marine life, including sea turtles. Dolphins enjoy warm-water climates, which accounts for the large year-round population along Northwest Florida’s coast. The rules are simple; look but don’t touch. While Winter, the most famous cetacean since Flipper hails from the Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s East Coast, your best bet to see dolphins at play is on the state’s Southwest Coast. The warm and sheltered Clearwater is perfect for all sea mammals, which makes it one of the most famous dolphin watching spot in Florida. Dolphins are most active in the morning, and after 2 p.m. Two-hour cruises with glass bottom boats depart from Destin Harbor into the Gulf of Mexico every day. (Best: Late Apr-late Sep) This is an idyllic destination for wildlife fans. In May. Moonlight effects this tour and how brightly you will see glowing plankton. Inherently friendly creatures, bottlenose dolphin often come right up the boat. They spend most of their time eating, sleeping and moving from one patch of weeds to the next. Can you say Swamp Ape? Most operators serve food and provide complimentary beer, wine, and rum punch. And after decades of human contact the harmless vegetarians have grown quite accustomed to people. Still, there’s a certain degree of comfort and safety to be had when viewing alligators from a car or boat. Visitors have spotted the elusive Florida panther down in Big Cypress which happens to be the favorite haunt of another large animal. Sarasota’s Myakka River State Park is another notorious gator hangout. Marco Island and Naples are some of the best spots to see wild dolphins in Southern Florida. • From late spring through the end of summer, female dolphins from other areas visit Destin for the mating season. They usually head to Shell Island and back. From late May through August, female dolphins from other areas flock to Destin for the mating season. Each year when the Gulf of Mexico turns chilly hundreds of manatees seek shelter in this warm-water sanctuary. Here is your answer (in general, there are always days that defy the norm) THE EARLIER, THE BETTER! They have a noon cruise and 2 afternoon sailings. The easiest way to get a guaranteed glimpse of a manatee in the wild is to stop by a designated viewing area, which are usually located near springs or power plants. Nearly 40 species of dolphins swim in the world’s waters, and these highly intelligent and social creatures seem to be as curious about humans as we are about them. The protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with its myriad of sheltered bays and lagoons provides ideal dolphin habitat. Winter, the star of “Dolphin Tale, ” lost its fluke to a rope that was attached to a crab trap. Because of its “tug boat” shape and power, it can create a huge wake, a wake that dolphins … The 6-passenger cruise takes place in Clearwater Bay and the Gulf waters. We saw lots of dolphins, some training their baby calves and learned a lot. If you’re in a rush, swing by the Big Cypress National Preserve’s Oasis Visitors Center, off the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee. Daytrips out on the water to look for bottlenose and common dolphins as well as minke whales and porpoises are combined with tours to see otters, puffins, red deer and eagles. There’s usually a few dozen big gators lounging around the pond out front. May, June and July are the best months to watch dolphins off the coastlines of the Azores, Ireland, Egypt, Madeira, Fiji, Newfoundland and Jersey with several of these locations still providing ideal conditions into August and September. The emerald waters of the North West Florida area boasts one of the highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in the world, one of the many reasons Panama City Beach travel is so popular. To see big gators, head south to Everglades National Park. I may not be an expert on dolphins, but I have been on several dolphin tours in Panama City Beach . Florida Whale Watching: Check out Viator's reviews and photos of Florida tours ... inspiration, tips, and other updates from Viator. There are more than a dozen dive shops in the Crystal River area that offer organized manatee viewing trips. Where to See Dolphins in Georgia Dolphins have always captured our hearts and imaginations, and seeing one gliding through the water is a thrill not to be missed. Dolphin Research Center: Best place to see dolphins in Florida - See 2,734 traveller reviews, 1,466 candid photos, and great deals for Grassy Key, FL, at Tripadvisor. While Winter, the most famous cetacean since Flipper hails from the Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s East Coast, your best bet to see dolphins at play is on the state’s Southwest Coast. These intelligent creatures will be cruising up and down the picturesque beach, while those who want to see them up close can join a tour or hop in a kayak. Clearwater Beach Marina offers classic dolphin cruises on one of the three-masted schooners. One of the most visited attractions offers dolphin shows and swimming with the dolphins. But black bears are not the only large mammal prowling the pinewoods and cypress swamps. The wet way is a little complicated, so let’s start with the dry way. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Many people find that early morning is a great time to spot dolphins. Dolphin are Panama City Beach is home to common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Our tours start at 8am and then run every 2 hours, demand and weather depending. I normally see them between the hours of 7:30am - 9:00am along our Gulf Beaches here, west of St Petersburg FL. Sure, Florida’s known for its world-class beaches and mind-boggling theme parks, but you can see another side of the state -- the Wild Florida -- without travelling very far from your hotel room. You're bound to see plenty of wildlife, especially alligators, on an airboat tour. In the Azores, pods tend to be largest … The area between Cardigan Island in the south and Aberporth in the north is a great viewing spot to see bottlenose dolphins between June and September. You will have plenty of time to explore all these locations when you find the right apartments for rent in Ft. Myers, FL. Is there a best time to see dolphins? In my river, they are going somewhere and they swim past at a brisk speed. Popular for more than just its colorful shells, beachgoers can get up early on Sanibel Island to experience a sunrise on the beach and see groups of dolphins feeding just offshore. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. Be aware of this in the water. The music she played really seemed to connect with the dolphins. Kaikoura, in New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins in the wild, says Flight Centre UK. playful marine mammals that love to jump boat wakes and surf bow waves. Dozens of cruises depart every day out of Clearwater Harbor. What a perfect occasion for dolphin watching! February seems to be the best month for whale sightings, though whales are present and observed from December to March. All material © 2001-2021 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. Bottlenose dolphins have robust, powerful bodies that are blue-gray on top with lighter sides and bellies. Cruise options include a WaveRunner or smaller boats. ... he was the best! The less moonlight, the brighter the bio luminous sea creatures will appear. Florida bottlenose dolphins are beautiful, intelligent and athletic. Dolphin watching has always been a popular activity for tourists visiting the Gulf Coast, specifically Panama City Beach, Florida. Kaikoura, New Zealand. It is possible to see dolphins from a number of spots in Destin. By the way, Clearwater is the hometown of Winter the Dolphin, star of the blockbuster Dolphin Tale. It truly was a wonderful sight, and rounded off this amazing day. VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. You need not be a Crocodile Hunter or Survivorman to catch a glimpse of these critters in their natural habitat. Our predominant weather pattern on this coast is that wind and sea conditions get rougher after 2pm. Last updated on April 27th, 2020 at 12:11 pm. Some like humans, others don't. End your date with a meal at the waterfront restaurant as sunset is one of the best times of the day to see dolphins playing. I firmly believe a day is well spent when you see Dolphins or Manatees, let alone both! In the Destin area, dolphins tend to be active in the morning and mid-afternoon when the waters tend to be calmer and there is less boat traffic. This unincorporated community in Collier County is also known for its tiny post office and a large population of skunk apes, but good luck getting a glimpse of the later. Look for bald eagles in the Everglades or the rare crested caracara as it soars over the Kissimmee Prairie. Where and How to Watch Wildlife in Florida. Though, you can see them year-round. This may take a few seconds... Account creation successful! Some times they'll hang around the boat, other times they'll just swim right by. Florida is often associated with manatees; however, it is also home to thousands of wild dolphins that you can't miss at any sea excursion. ... You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Florida. Answer 1 of 3: We took the Tropics Boat Tour last January but didn't see any dolphins so they gave us a card for a free do-over.
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