Scour for Sealife

The Bradenton Area boasts miles of breathtaking coastline, perfect for spotting spectacular sea life. For a closer look and deeper understanding, embark on a local guided boat tour. With endless possibilities to see marine wildlife, the Bradenton Area offers numerous charters and excursions. Renowned options like AMI Dolphin Tours, Captain Kathe’s Boat Cruises, and Paradise Boat Tours provide unforgettable experiences, taking you through local waters to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds, and more. During your journey, you’ll learn about the Manatee River and Tampa Bay and how these waterways attract unique creatures, including the endangered manatee. Nearly every tour ensures sightings of playful bottlenose dolphins, with some even guaranteeing it!

For a different perspective, book an excursion on a paddleboard or kayak. Happy Paddler and Beach Bums offer fantastic kayak tours, while Fun Florida Tours provides mesmerizing clear kayak tours at night. Whether you choose a stable pontoon boat or a thrilling paddle adventure, the Bradenton Area promises an unforgettable sea life experience.

Be the Early Bird

If birding is your passion, Robinson Preserve and Neal Preserve should be at the top of your list. These parks are home to tidal marshes, mangrove forests, and coastal wetlands, attracting wading birds like herons, egrets, and the striking pink Roseate Spoonbills. During cooler months (November through March), you might also spot the American White Pelican. Listen for the distinctive chirp of the osprey, which builds massive nests high atop special platforms. Both preserves feature well-marked paths, boardwalks, and observation platforms for excellent bird-watching.

At the beach, you can enjoy sightings of various coastal birds such as herons, sandpipers, gulls, and pelicans. The giant brown pelican is a common sight, and you may also see the magnificent flight of the osprey or catch glimpses of other shorebirds feeding along the water’s edge. Whether in the preserves or along the coast, be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible avian diversity of the Bradenton Area.

Marvelous Manatees

The Bradenton Area is home to the Manatee River, aptly named after the gentle seagoing mammal. Also known as the sea cow, the manatee is an endangered species commonly spotted along the beaches and in local waterways. These curious vegetarians stick to the shallows, which means spotting them is fairly easy, especially in the cold-weather months. Locals know that Portosueno Park is a popular place where manatees tend to congregate, especially within the cove. If you’re unable to meet a manatee here, you can always visit the Parker Manatee Aquarium at The Bishop Museum of Science + Nature. This rehabilitation center is home to injured or sick manatees that are being nursed back to health, with a goal of being released back into the wild.

Paddle in a Preserve

If you’re feeling independent, rent a paddleboard or kayak where you can glide over grass flats and meander through mangrove tunnels. Keep your eyes peeled for the osprey, a coastal bird of prey that soars over the water looking for fish. But be sure to look closely, these beautiful birds are often mistaken for bald eagles which also call the Bradenton Area home. If you lower your gaze into shallow water, you’ll often spot sand dollars, sea stars or horseshoe crabs.

See ya Later, Alligator!

The American Alligator can be seen in freshwater areas of the Bradenton Area, especially at Lake Manatee State Park. The 2,400-acre freshwater lake serves as a reservoir for the region. From the water or the shore of the surrounding state park, you can easily spot gators basking on the bank, soaking up the sun. But don’t go just to admire the alligators. This park features miles of hiking trails, where you’ll spot other common Florida species, like colorful songbirds, armadillo and maybe even a bobcat. Be sure to bring your tent or RV: there are nearly 50 campsites perfect for spending time in this special place.