Siesta Key
Lido Key
Clearwater Beach
If you’ve ever wanted to bring out your best buddies, spouse, partner, or the entire family to witness the wonders of the reputable eco-tours in Sarasota, then now is the time.
The local wildlife you will encounter, the friends you will make, and the luxury Sarasota vacation rental you can stay in all call for you.
Bird Watching
Sarasota activities are nothing without a bit of bird watching. In fact, there are dozens of bird-watching hotspots in Sarasota County! Bay Street Park, Carlton Reserve, The Celery Fields, Crowley Museum and Nature Center, Glebe Park, and Lake Osprey are just the tip of the iceberg.
You can also enjoy bird watching and breathtaking nature sights at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or Myakka River State Park. Nathan Benderson Park is an excellent option for those with kids, while Oscar Scherer State Park provides a quiet and relaxing destination where you can leave technology behind and connect with nature.
A vetted favorite is Rothenbach Park (open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily). Thankfully, bird watching is a free hobby in most places (with the exception of admission fees, depending on where exactly you go).
Dolphin Watching
Put dolphin watching toward the top of your list of things to do in Sarasota, and you won’t be disappointed. Siesta Dolphin Tours (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily) offers daytime and sunset dolphin cruises for all who thirst to get a peak of the most majestic, friendliest mammals around. Each sunset cruise leaves precisely an hour before sunset (typically at 6 p.m.).
Buy binoculars and a well-shaded hat at any local souvenir shop or retailer, or bring your own! Then, you’ll be ready to point out the playful dolphins as they pop up above the water just feet away from your boat.
Manatee Watching
LeBarge Tropical Cruises (open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily) is the number one place to catch a manatee in action (but from the safest distance). On their city-famous Dolphin & Manatee Watch Cruise, you’ll be able to hit the waters for two hours with anyone you bring along (all ages permitted to board) on a clean, friendly, well-staffed, and well-equipped barge boat.
You’ll get to learn the social hierarchy, ‘whale calls,’ and overall food chain of these fine, majestic creatures as the crew also point out where they like to hunt for territorial dominance. The manatees are a bit shier than the dolphins, but when you spot one, snap a photo!
Sea Turtle Nesting
If you’re new to this hobby, then the first stop you should make would be at the MOTE Marine Lab & Aquarium (open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) and ask about their Conservation & Research Program. They’ll explain the miracle behind why thousands of these delicate animals nest along their southernmost shores annually.
Interacting with sea turtles here is illegal. They’re a protected species. That’s why it’s recommended to have these experts explain all the details and show you where to take footage from a distance.
Your Stay with Vunique Vacations
Perhaps the most relaxing place to see the birds, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more would be from up atop a high-quality wood deck in your Sarasota vacation rental. Indeed, many of our homes offer stellar views of the greater city, BBQ grills and fireplaces, lounge chairs, pools, ocean views, and so much else that you would not need to leave paradise if you didn’t feel like it. Contact us to learn more!
