Manatee Viewing in Winter
From late December through March, manatees gather in the warm waters of the Caloosahatchee and Orange Rivers. Winter cold snaps make sightings almost guaranteed, and the experience is unforgettable; gentle giants gliding just feet away. Since manatee calves stay with their moms for up to two years, there’s a great chance of seeing calves in the winter as manatees herd up looking for warmer water.
Local Providers
Manatee & Eco River Tours (Fort Myers) https://www.manateeandecorivertours.com
Manatee Kayaking Company at Manatee Park (Fort Myers) https://www.manateekayakingcompany.com
Kayak Excursions - Guided Manatee Tours (Fort Myers) https://kayak-excursions.com
Dolphin Tours Along the Gulf
The waters off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel are home to playful bottlenose dolphins that love to surf boat wakes and swim alongside tours. An early morning walk on Fort Myers Beach is a great way to see dolphins patrolling the beach looking for breakfast. There are many excursions that are family favorites and often include wildlife education from naturalist guides.
Local Providers
Sight Sea-R Cruises - Dolphin & Wildlife Tours (Fort Myers Beach) https://www.sightsea-rcruises.com
Good Time Charters - Dolphin, Wildlife & Shelling Tours (Fort Myers Beach) https://goodtimecharters.com
Adventures in Paradise - Dolphin & Wildlife Cruises (Sanibel / Fort Myers) https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com
Shelling on Nearby Islands
Sanibel and Captiva are world famous for shelling thanks to their unique east to west orientation. Nearby islands like Cayo Costa, North Captiva, and Cabbage Key offer pristine beaches where rare shells, including the coveted Junonia, wash ashore.
Local Providers
Adventures in Paradise - Shelling & Beach Excursions https://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com
Captiva Cruises - Shelling at Cayo Costa https://www.captivacruises.com
Gulf Coast Aqua Adventures - Private Shelling Tours https://www.gulfcostaquaadventures.com
Kayaking the Mangroves
Mangrove tunnels are one of Southwest Florida’s hidden gems; quiet, shaded waterways filled with birds, fish, manatees, and the occasional dolphin. Kayaking here feels like entering another world, and it’s perfect for beginners and families. If you are lucky, you’ll see my favorite bird, the Roseate Spoonbill.
Local Providers
Cape Coral Kayak - Guided Mangrove Tours https://capecoralkayak.com
Gulf Coast Kayak - Mangrove Maze Tours (Matlacha / Cape Coral) https://www.gulfcoastkayak.com
Cape Coral Kayaking - Eco Tours with Master Naturalist Guides https://www.capecoralkayaking.com
Spotting Alligators in Webb’s Preserve (Babcock/Webb WMA)
Just east of Cape Coral and Fort Myers sits one of Southwest Florida’s most underrated wildlife experiences: Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, often called Webb’s Preserve. This 80,000-acre expanse of wetlands, prairies, and pine flatwoods is one of the best places in the region to safely observe wild Florida alligators in their natural habitat.
Visitors can drive the scenic loop, walk boardwalks, or explore designated trails where gators are commonly seen sunning along the banks or gliding through the marshes. It’s a true “Old Florida” experience; quiet, raw, and unforgettable.
Local Providers & Access Points
Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area (Official Info) https://myfwc.com/recreation/wma/babcock-webb
Babcock Ranch Eco Tours - Wildlife & Alligator Tour https://www.babcockranchecotours.com
Meet the Island Tortoises of Cabbage Key: A Quirky Wildlife Surprise
Cabbage Key is known for its historic inn and its famous “dollar bill bar.” But many visitors are surprised to discover one of the island’s most charming residents: a small population of gopher tortoises that roam the sandy paths and grassy clearings near the inn.
Cabbage Key is only accessible by boat, which makes the journey part of the adventure. Visitors can choose between water taxis, private charters, or guided tours that include wildlife viewing along the way.
Recommended Ways to Reach the Island
Cabbage Key Water Taxi (Pine Island / Pineland Marina) https://www.cabbagekey.com/transportation
Captiva Cruises - Cabbage Key Lunch Cruise https://www.captivacruises.com
Gulf Coast Aqua Adventures - Private Charter to Cabbage Key https://www.gulfcostaquaadventures.com
Paddleboarding at Lovers Key: Calm Water, Wildlife, and Easy Access
Paddleboarding at Lovers Key offers one of the most relaxed and rewarding on-water experiences in Southwest Florida. The sheltered estuary provides 2.5-5 miles of calm paddling routes that work beautifully for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, while the winding mangrove channels are alive with wildlife, from manatees and dolphins to ospreys overhead. Visitors can grab gear quickly thanks to easy onsite rentals inside the state park, and the location gives you effortless access to both Estero Bay’s open water and the quieter inland estuary trails, making it a perfect blend of scenery, adventure, and convenience.
Local Providers
Lovers Key Adventures & Events - Visit Florida Listing https://www.visitflorida.com