You can see a lot of wildlife from our villas (see photos of manatees playing by the dock at Dolphin Creek Villa below).

Manatees and fish can be seen at Dolphin Creek, and manatees and dolphins at Dolphin Harbour, all without leaving your home!

Myakka River State Park

9 miles E of I-75 at 13207 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL USA 34241

Florida's oldest and largest state park. Entrance is $5 for a car of up to 8 people. Airboat ride available all year round and trolley in winter. Great for wildlife watching and recommended.

Tours

Babcock Wilderness Adventure (swamp tour)- 8000 State Road, 31, Punta Gorda, 1-800-500-5583

Francis Crow (dolphin sails) - Seafood Shack Marina, 713-8000 or 761-4779

Grande Tours - 1275 Placida Road (opposite The Fishery Restaurant), 697 8825 http://www.grandetours.com/

La Barge Tropical Cruises (dolphins) - Hwy 41 at Marina Jack Plaza, Sarasota, 366-6116

Mabina La (ruins, wildlife, snorkeling or dolphin sails) - Seafood Shack Marina, 713-8000 or 761-4779

Sarasota Bay Explorers (dolphins & manatees) - Mote Aquarium, Sarasota, 388-4200

This trip lasts about 90 minutes and can be combined with entry to the Mote Aquarium and marine mammal rescue centre. It includes a short walk on an island and a trawl to see what fish and wildlife are in the area. Cost approx $108 for 2 adults and 2 children with all day tickets to the aquarium.

Critters

There are lots of 'critters' to spot in Florida so, if you like wildlife, don't forget to take your binoculars!

Don't forget that the wildlife is just that - wild

The wild creatures are NOT PETS or TAME

PLEASE follow these rules (and make sure your kids understand them too):

DON'T chase it!

DON'T try to catch it!

DON'T go near it!

AND, most important of all, DON'T FEED IT!

Not only is feeding wildlife forbidden by Florida law but also it can be DANGEROUS

Human food isn't suitable for wildlife and may harm or even kill it!

If creatures get used to receiving food from humans, they may see humans as a source of food!

This means that they may be tempted to come too close to humans or homes looking for food... that may mean DANGER for your and your family! 

Please be especially careful where it comes to alligators, spiders and snakes!!!!

You may also see racoons, armadillos, bobcats, gopher, turtles, foxes and rabbits. The birds seen locally include herons, egrets, ibis, eagles and ospreys. In the sea you will see a large variety of fish and other marine life and may be lucky enough to see turtles, manatees and dolphins too!!