One of the best perks of boating with Gulf Stream Boat Club isn’t just the chance to explore Florida’s waterways; it’s the wildlife you’ll experience along the way.
From dolphins swimming alongside your boat to manatees grazing in calm canals and seabirds soaring overhead, every trip on the water is a chance to connect with nature.
Here’s your guide to the amazing wildlife you might see during your next boating adventure, and tips on how to enjoy these encounters responsibly.
Playful Dolphins
Few things make a boat day more magical than spotting dolphins surfacing near your vessel. Florida’s coastal waters are home to large populations of bottlenose dolphins, which are often curious about boats.
Where to Spot Dolphins:
- Jupiter Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway: Known for frequent dolphin sightings near sandbars.
- Egmont Key (Tampa): Shallow waters are perfect for dolphin pods feeding and playing.
- Shell Key Preserve (Tierra Verde): A quiet area where dolphins often cruise near anchored boats.
Pro Tip: Watch for them in the mornings or early evenings when the waters are calm. Keep your camera ready, they love riding the wake near your boat!
Manatee Spotting
Manatees are a hallmark of Florida boating. These slow-moving mammals are most often found in warm, shallow waters near seagrass beds.
Best Places to See Manatees:
- Winter Months (Nov–Mar): Manatees move into warmer canals and springs like Blue Spring and Crystal River.
- Near Marinas and Docks: Especially in areas like Palm Beach Gardens and Lighthouse Point, where they graze along seawalls.
- Manatee Safety Tip: Always slow down in marked manatee zones and watch for their distinctive “snouts” breaking the surface. Give them space as they’re protected by law.
Bird Watching Paradise
Florida’s waterways are a prime spot for bird watching! While cruising, look for pelicans gliding low over the water, osprey perched on channel markers, and herons stalking fish in the shallows.
Birds You Might Spot:
- Brown Pelican: Iconic diving bird that swoops dramatically for fish.
- Osprey: Often seen nesting high above markers or poles near water.
- Great Blue Heron and Egrets: Graceful waders found near mangroves and shorelines.
- Seasonal Migratory Birds: Fall and spring bring flocks of white pelicans and other migratory species.
Pack binoculars for an up-close look and a zoom lens if you love wildlife photography!
Tips for Responsible Wildlife Viewing
To ensure these animals thrive for generations, follow safe and respectful viewing practices:
- Keep Your Distance: Never feed or chase wildlife.
- Stay in No-Wake Zones: Especially in manatee areas.
- Use Binoculars: For safe viewing without disturbing their natural behavior.
- Bring a Camera: Capture the magic without interfering.
Make Your Next Boat Day a Wildlife Adventure
Whether you’re dolphin-spotting in Jupiter, birdwatching in Tierra Verde, or drifting quietly past manatees in a sheltered canal, wildlife encounters make every trip unforgettable. Florida’s waters are teeming with life, and each outing is like your own private eco-tour.
Book your next adventure for your next wildlife adventure now!
