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Meet the Florida Marine Life of Fort Myers

a large body of water with a city in the background

Florida has 1,350 miles of coastline and over 30,000 lakes throughout the state.

The Florida marine life is diverse with hundreds of native and non-native species.

One could spend an afternoon in Fort Myers sailing alongside dolphins and manatees. Or catching a snapper or Spanish mackerel for their next meal.

The winding rivers etched with forests, preserves, keys, and the vast ocean is an eco-tourists dream destination.

All the more reason to visit Fort Myers Beach.

What can you expect below the surface, soaring through the sky, and burrowing in the sandy beach dunes? Let’s find out.

Oh, the Florida Marine Life You will Find

Many planning their summer getaway in Fort Myers will find delight knowing they’re in walking distance of warm, sunny beaches.

Let’s not forget the reefs and rivers, too.

You’ll find your mix of gulls, crabs, and fish when scoping out the pier. Those seeking a journey into mother nature may come across alligators and freshwater turtles. Plus, our lumbering water cows: manatees.

What else is out there? How about:

  • Echinoderms: Sand dollars, sea cucumber, sea urchin
  • Crabs: Ghost crab, hermit crab, leopard crab
  • Reptiles: Alligators, gopher tortoise, American alligator
  • Fish: Pufferfish, smalltooth sawfish, rays
  • Birds: Pelicans, egret, spoonbill
  • Others: Octopus, jellyfish, sea worms, coral

Look to the sky, too, because you may get a rare glimpse of our pink friend: the flamingo. They’re not normally around the Fort Myers area but they will make the occasional appearance. A perfect way to get the full Florida experience in!

Take a trip over to Sanibel and camp out on the island. There you’ll find Periwinkle Park & Campground for beach-day fun.

Be sure to pack a camera — these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see incredible Florida marine life found nowhere else!

Dolphins Anyone?

We know you want to swim with the dolphins.

You’ll see these playful creatures all around but if you want to get up close and personal then you’ll want a dolphin tour. These 1 1/2 – 2-hour tours (costing $110) let you take a wave runner out into the Estero Bay. There you’ll get the chance to interact with one of our beloved Florida marine life.

These tours start at 9 am nearly every day and fill up fast!

Be Careful, Though

The Florida marine life may be beautiful and welcoming but do understand that many are endangered and protected.

This includes:

  • Manatees
  • Alligators
  • Sea turtles
  • Waterfowl

We ask you to look, don’t touch not only for their well-being but to prevent dangers to yourself and hefty fines.

We have protections to prevent overfishing, too.

You’ll need a visitor’s license if you plan on taking the fish else you’re covered if you’re fishing from a chartered boat. Though, following catch-and-release will usually have you covered.

Other than that, you’re good to go!

Let’s Have Fun Together

Let us know when you’re in town!

We’d love to show you the real side of Florida — one rich in marine life that’s found nowhere else in the world!

We’ll transform that typical Florida vacation into something extraordinary.

  • Swim with dolphins
  • Parasail
  • Go for a ride on a banana boat

… the excitement is here!

What are you waiting for? Let’s have fun, together.

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