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Shoreline... Exploring the Southwest Coast of Florida!
DESTINATION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Southwest Florida is truly a Ecological destination
and has the most to offer in Ecology and Related Activities.
There’s more to life than lying on the beach with an umbrella drink. It's really about
getting out and enjoying some of the amazing landscapes, swamps, riverbeds, and yes, beaches...that make Florida
such a fascinating place to explore.
The Mangroves provide a tremendous habitat and nursery for all types of organisms, including birds, fish, crabs,
and lobsters. With an extensive root system they protect the shoreline from erosion and serve as a natural
shock absorber for the energy of heavy waves.
Explore one of numerous oyster reefs and at low tide discover sand dollars, scallops and Black sea horses; you will
be delighted by the abundance of wildlife both above and below the waterline. Just be careful, you and your boat
will want to come back in one piece.
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The Mangroves, Bays and Keys
along the southwest coast are a veritable wildlife
paradise. From Fort DeSoto Park through Sarasota Bay down to Charlotte Harbor the sea grass flats are teaming with
shrimp, stone crabs, pigmy seahorses, scallops and pipefish.
Snorkeling
is a wonderful way to commune with nature and one of the best places on the entire Gulf coast is Point Of Rocks on
the South side of Siesta Key. The reef is home to snook, small grouper, puffer fish and many other reef dwellers.
As anywhere, the right winds or a calm day will provide all kinds of fish viewing around the rocks.
Offshore
about 100 yards from Bradenton Beach is a 90 foot
sunken freighter called Regina. It was a molasses hauler that shoaled in a storm a number of years ago. Today,
especially in the morning with light winds, it is a very decent snorkeling place with good coral and fish.
Sharks' Teeth...
Budding archaeologists and marine biologists will
have a field day at Charlotte County’s Stump Pass Beach State Park (at the southern tip of Manasota Key), or
Caspersen Beach on Venice Island where fossilized sharks' teeth pepper the shoreline after high tide.
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Bradenton...
travel west on Cortez Road. Turn right on Palma Sola
Blvd. to Palma Sola Park where manatees are frequently spotted year round.
Sarasota... particularly during the spring, manatees are migrating to summer grounds and can be spotted
in Pansy Bayou, Hudson Bayou and North Roberts Bay grazing on sea grass along the shoreline.
Charlotte Harbor...
The communities of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island,
Punta Gorda, Englewood-Cape Haze, El Jobean, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Placida, and Port Charlotte comprise 830
miles of shoreline with 200 miles of Blueway Trails for canoeing and kayaking. Frequent manatee sightings have been
documented at the El Jobean Bridge. The best way to locate a manatee... is on the move... The tail flipper will
make a distinctive circular mark on the surface of the water.
Tampa...
View manatees at the Big Bend Power Station from
November 1 through April 15 when the winter season forces them out of the bay to warmer waters. Be sure to visit the
Viewing Center where you’ll find educational material detailing the habits and habitat of the manatee.
Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center
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Bay Explorers |
Sarasota Bay Explorers - Sarasota
Sea Life Excursions / Kayak Adventures / Nature Safari Cruise
Cruise Sarasota & Robert's Bays
aboard a 40' Pontoon boat with a Marine Biologist looking for Dolphins, Manatee & More. Nature Safari Cruises,
Guided Kayak Tours, & Miss Explorer Private Charters. Hands-on, Fun & Informative for ALL Ages!
Located at Mote Marine Aquarium ~ Call for details: 941-388-4200 |
kayak Tours |
Bay & Gulf Adventures - Sarasota
Guided kayak nature tours & rentals. Explore the Best Kayaking locations in Sarasota, Bradenton &
Siesta Key, featuring Eco-Tours of Lido Key mangrove tunnels & Myakka River gators.
All skill levels are welcome for Educational, Memorable Nature Tours. Dolphins, Manatees & Bird Sightings are waiting.
Small Tour Sizes are normal and Private Tours are available.
Call for details: 941-893-7221 |
Tropical Island Getaway - Gulfport
941-345-4500
Captain Kim’s Charters - Bradenton
941-920-3307
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One of the best ways to mingle with wildlife is on a stealthy kayak where you can be
one with nature. Beginners can learn kayaking within a few minutes and it doesn't take an athlete to paddle. Then,
you can go off on your own or join a guided tour for sighting dolphins, manatees and a variety of birds such as osprey,
roseate spoonbills and bald eagles.
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Bay & Gulf Adventures - Sarasota
941-893-7221
Silent Sports Outfitters - Sarasota
941-966-5477
Biotica EcoTours - Sarasota
941-350-4905
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures - Sarasota
941-504-6296
Discount Tackle Outlet - Sarasota
941-746-6020
Easy Kayaking Lessons & Tours - Sarasota
941-960-5505
Island Style Kiteboarding - Sarasota
941-954-1009
Midnight Pass Bike and Kayak - Siesta Key
941-346-0891
Siesta Key Bike and Kayak – Siesta Key
941-346-0891
Siesta Sports Rentals – Siesta Key
941-346-1797
Walk on the Wild Side - Sarasota
941-351-6500
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Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood,
and their fabulous Islands of
Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key,
Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice & Manasota Key
are the perfect
home base from which to explore other Florida points of interest! |
Click the Links below for our Recommended Accommodations
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A visit to SW Florida can lead to many return
visits & Eventual Relocation |
Real Estate Information
Recommended Restaurants
A Dozen Good Reasons to make the move to SW Florida...
TOP 12 LIST
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