Florida Wildlife Tour

When you're not basking in the radiant South Beach sunshine, kick off your wildlife exploration at Zoo Miami. This sanctuary is home to a diverse array of over 2,500 animals from 400 different species. Marvel at the regal Sumatran tigers, the endangered clouded leopards, and the adorable Koala bears, then stroll through the luxuriant botanical gardens for a tranquil experience. 

Take to the water to spot dolphins, manatees, and other marine life mammals on a Miami Bay cruise. Plus, you’ll even get a chance to take a refreshing dip in the water and enjoy chilled beverages to quench your thirst. 

Get ready to fill up your petrol tank, cue up your road trip playlist, and gear up for a scenic 77-mile drive to Key Largo. Upon arrival, check-in at your destination, Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo, and begin your exploration of the hotel's private sandy beach and deep-water marina.

Set sail in the Florida Keys by chartering a catamaran for a thrilling half-day snorkelling adventure in the world’s third-largest living reef system. Venture into the pristine waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you'll uncover the diverse marine life thriving in this mesmerising underwater realm.

Leave Key Largo behind and make your way to the heart of the Florida Everglades, where you'll reach Everglades City after a 119-mile road trip. Upon arrival, check-in at the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel, known as the hub for exciting activities in Florida's renowned swampland. With offerings like airboat rides, kayak tours, fishing charters, and more, your stay here promises to be a true immersion in the wonders of the Everglades.

For an unforgettable experience, we recommend embarking on a Jungle Erv's Airboat Tour. Cruise through enchanting mangrove tunnels while spotting untamed alligators, turtles, and graceful wading birds in the backwaters of the Everglades. Following your adventure, don't miss the thrilling alligator show, a visit to the animal sanctuary where you can see tigers, turtles, and alligators, and even have the chance to hold and cuddle a baby alligator.

Embark on a captivating journey along Florida's Gulf Coast of 77 miles, leading you to the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. This splendid resort, perched on the Punta Rassa Peninsula, offers breathtaking vistas of the San Carlos Bay. Here, you can shape your stay according to your preferences, whether you seek serenity or adventure.

For a serene experience, pamper yourself with a day of relaxation at the hotel's spa, and extend this sense of peace by exploring the peaceful and secluded shelling island of Sanibel. If you're in the mood for exploration, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks, opt for bicycle rentals, or even embark on a wildlife-spotting sightseeing cruise.

Take a scenic 136-mile drive up Florida's Gulf Coast to the home of Florida’s award-winning beach, St. Petersburg, and check into the RumFish Beach Resort by Tradewinds, located right on the celebrated bay. This aquatic oasis spans 12 beachfront acres, boasts a remarkable 33,500-gallon aquarium where you can snorkel with fish, and offers a plethora of beachside activities and water sports to keep you thoroughly entertained.

Dive deeper into the natural beauty and wildlife of this Gulf Coast paradise by joining a guided bike tour through the stunning Fort de Soto Park. Comprising five interconnected islands adorned with mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, and hardwoods, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from loggerhead sea turtles to flying fish, and discover 328 species of birds. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the area, providing insights into its history.

Following your bike tour, hop on a ferry ride to the remote island of Egmont Key. Keep a keen eye out for dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters as you explore the pristine white sand paradise of Egmont Key and engage in some snorkelling adventures.

Hit the road and drive to Crystal River, home to the largest gathering of manatees in North America. Check-in at your hotel, the Plantation on Crystal River, and start enjoying its brilliant amenities, from a championship golf course, a luxury spa, a 96,000-gallon swimming pool, and an adventure centre offering manatee swims, boat rentals, and fishing charters.

Journey on the water and cruise the scenic Plantation’s King Bay, spotting manatees, dolphins, otters, and other marine life in the tranquil surroundings of the bay. Conclude your thrilling wildlife adventure by snorkelling in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where you'll have the unique opportunity to swim with manatees. Prior to your in-water experience, an informative guide will enlighten you about manatee behaviour, who will also serve as an underwater photographer, ensuring you can keep a cherished memento of this extraordinary journey.

Bid farewell to Crystal River as you drive to Tampa International Airport to drop off your rental car and board your flight back home. It may be the end of your holiday, but it's never too early to begin planning your next Ocean Florida getaway.