Sarasota, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is renowned not only for its pristine beaches and vibrant arts scene but also for its diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an avid birdwatcher, or simply someone seeking to connect with the great outdoors, Sarasota offers a rich variety of habitats and animal species. From mangrove-lined shores to freshwater wetlands, here’s a guide to experiencing the best of wildlife tours near Sarasota.
Birdwatching In Sarasota
Sarasota is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species of birds migrating or residing in the area year-round. Top species of birds to see include bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and great blue herons. If you love birdwatching, you’ll want to visit prime spots for wildlife tours near Sarasota, including Babcock Ranch Eco Tours, Celery Fields, Oscar Scherer State Park, Ted Sperling Park, and Myakka River State Park.
Nesting in tall pine trees, the majestic bald eagle can be spotted soaring above Sarasota’s open skies. Roseate spoonbills are bright pink waders that are often seen foraging for their next meal in the shallow waters of coastal areas. Great Blue Herons are easily recognizable by their tall stature and long legs and are frequently spotted along wetlands and rivers.
Babcock Ranch Eco Tours located in Punta Gorda, not far from Sarasota, offers tours through several ecosystems and is home to birds such as spoonbills, curlews, burrowing owls, red-cockaded woodpeckers, Osceola turkeys, falcons, and more! Tour through the ranch to birdwatch Florida’s native and endangered species in their natural habitat!
Celery Fields is a great spot to find sandhill cranes, hawks, eagles, swallow-tailed kites, crested caracara, egrets, and herons. Oscar Scherer State Park is home to the protected and endangered scrub-jay as well as nesting bald eagles and sandhill cranes. This park offers both freshwater and coastal habitats for bird watching and is an excellent place to explore nature trails, waterways, and wetlands too. Similar to Celery Fields and Oscar Scherer State Park, Ted Sperling Park is home to bald eagles, egrets, and herons as well as green herons and many hawk varieties.
One of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River State Parks offers a variety of species to birdwatch including roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, ducks, ibises, cormorants, turkeys, vultures, limpkins, anhinga, osprey, and bald eagles too. The Myakka River flows through 58 miles of this state park providing the perfect home for wildlife to reside.
Water Wildlife in Sarasota
Sarasota is home to some of Florida’s most iconic marine life such as manatees, dolphins, river otters, and sea turtles. Sarasota Bay is one of the best places to see manatees, especially in the cooler months when these gentle giants flock to warm-water springs and shallow bays. Look for manatees in the waters near Babcock Ranch, Celery Fields, Ted Sperling Park, and Myakka River State Park.
Bottlenose dolphins can be commonly spotted along Sarasota’s coastline. Their playful behavior makes them a favorite among tourists and locals. Boat tours from Sarasota Bay and Siesta Key often include dolphin-watching opportunities, especially around dawn and dusk when the waters are calmer. The sandy beaches of Sarasota are nesting sites for several sea turtle species, including loggerheads, green turtles, and the occasional leatherback. Look for turtle nesting sites at Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Casey Key during the summer months, but be sure to keep your distance as these nesting sites are protected.
Native Sarasota Mammals and Reptiles
Sarasota’s ecosystems support an array of animals that live on land, from mammals to reptiles. Key mammals and reptiles to look for in wildlife tours near Sarasota include the Florida black bear, bobcats, wild hogs, panthers, deer, alligators, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, indigo snakes, gopher tortoise, and gopher frogs.
While sightings are rare, black bears occasionally wander into Sarasota’s woodlands and forests, especially in places like Myakka River State Park and even Babcock Ranch. Bobcats are elusive predators that can be found in wooded areas, particularly at Oscar Scherer State Park and Myakka River State Park. Sarasota is home to a large population of alligators found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a venomous snake often seen in the wilds of Sarasota’s nature preserves at Babcock Ranch, though this snake is rarely aggressive unless threatened.
Embrace Wildlife in Sarasota
Sarasota is blessed with a wide range of parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges where visitors can immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re exploring the waters near and around Sarasota, hiking through its lush state parks, or simply relaxing on the beaches while observing the local wildlife, Sarasota offers a diverse and immersive nature experience. From birdwatching and wildlife tours to the thrill of spotting dolphins and manatees in the wild, there’s something for every nature lover. With its rich ecosystems and commitment to conservation, Sarasota is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection to Florida’s unique wildlife.
For the ultimate wildlife experience, consider taking a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour. The expert guides at Babcock Ranch will guide you through one of the ultimate wildlife tours near Sarasota the area has to offer. If you’re looking for wildlife tours near Sarasota, be sure to check out Babcock Ranch Eco Tours!
