Locations To Visit On A Florida Wildlife Tour

By Maria Schmidt


As a US state, Florida has garnered widespread recognition thanks to the big cities it hosts. However, its abundant plant and animal life is something that also ought to gain talking points. Every year, the state welcomes enthusiastic local and international tourists and adventure enthusiasts. If you are planning a Florida wildlife tour, the following sites should be high on your list.

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a top choice amongst nature enthusiasts. Located near Cape Canaveral, its pristine setting is often credited to the conservation efforts it has enjoyed over the decades. The Kennedy Space Center, a sensitive government installation, is also located near it. This makes it a highly secure setting for those looking to savor nature peacefully.

While on tour, be on the lookout for grazing manatees by the launch pads. Sea turtles occasionally nest nearby as well. The park covers 220 square miles and hosts significant populations of bald eagles, alligators and roseate spoonbills. With luck, you may spot the endangered Florida Scrub Jay.

The Everglades National Park has always been synonymous with the state. Easy access to the park can be gained by driving south away from Miami. The swath of land that the park falls under is a staggering 2500 square miles. A significant portion of it is alligator and snake infested swampland. As much as there is to enjoy from viewing, the fact is that it takes mettle to stay within its bounds.

The Everglades is also home to the Anhinga trail. This is a boardwalk that goes on for a mile over part of the saw grass marsh in the park. The most intense part of the trail is when one comes within close proximity of alligators, wading birds and cormorants.

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is situated on the east coast of the state. Nesting loggerhead and green turtles call the beaches within it home. The nesting season starts in May and goes on till October. At the onset of the season, about eighteen thousand turtles relocate from the sea to the sands on the shores to do their nesting. The best part is that there are rangers ready to explain what the nesting process entails to the inquisitive.

The best part of your travel experience should come with a visit to Gatorland. The park provides a controlled setting for viewing alligators. Always teeming with visitors, it was established in 1939. The 110 acre setting is renowned for the hundreds of alligators it hosts. Visitors are always treated to alligator feeding demonstrators conducted by well trained attendants. Demonstrations are conducted all through the day.

To get the best out of your visit, it would be wise to save as much money as possible early. If moving around in a motor home, ensure you pack all the essentials you need to last the whole journey. A pair of knee high boots would be great for the marshes.

It is a good idea to get into the habit of going on adventure once in a while. If vacation time is due, you should think of touring Florida. There are many thrills you are bound to experience.




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