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Florida Boat Day Ecotour – 5 Things You Must Look For

Are you and your family in search of a water adventure day on the Gulf of Mexico? Why not book an eco boat tour with A Boat Day to really experience what the Florida West Coast’s Ocean has to offer? A boat tour is a fun and exciting way to explore the ecosystems around Clearwater, FL, while searching for marine wildlife in their natural habitats. Our experienced boat captains will take you on an interactive tour to view some of our amazing wildlife and educate you with some fun facts along the way. Here are a few things you should be on the hunt for during your boat trip.

a group of people in a boat on a body of water

What To Look For During A Boat Ecotour

1. Dolphins

One of the most guaranteed ways to see dolphins is while boating. During a dolphin tour, riders can witness one or more dolphins racing, playing and even jumping out of the water. The best way to experience these aquatic mammals is by watching them have fun in a boat’s wake. It is one of the most thrilling and exciting moments while dolphin watching and an experience you don’t want to miss!

The best part about this dolphin eco-tour is that dolphins are year-round in Florida, so you can catch them any time of the year. The most popular dolphins in the Southwest Florida Coast are the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. These smart and social mammals are always up for some fun in the water which helps contribute to the increased amount of dolphin sightings during a boat tour.

a dolphin swimming in the water

2. Manatees

The top rated place to see manatees is actually right here in Florida, making it the perfect playground for these loveable sea cows. Fun fact, the manatee’s closest living relative isn’t a walrus, seal or cow, but actually an elephant! Although they live in water, they still need air to survive. This is why they frequently come to the surface in order to breathe.

These large, aquatic marine mammals are very popular visitors in most of our Florida waterways, making it a great spot to book manatee boat tours. Peak season for manatee sightings in the Gulf is typically in the Spring-Fall months when the water temperature is warmer. These loveable creatures are definitely worth booking a private tour for the chance to see them in the wild. They are actually Florida’s state marine mammal which makes them a popular tourist attraction when visiting the area.

a fish swimming under water

3. Birds

The Clearwater, Florida area is one of the few places where birds nest on the beaches and shorelines. Seabirds are often spotted in mangrove trees, pier pilings and in air hunting. During the summer months, the area hosts sandpipers, heron, egret and other various shorebirds. You can also see our year round bird of prey, the osprey while traveling by boat.

In Florida, a bird watching experience is perfect if you are looking to see a variety of species throughout the day. It is often called a birder’s paradise due to the mild climate and attractive habitats throughout the area. Plus, unlike your typical bird watching tours on land, you are more likely to see the other beautiful marine life in our crystal clear waters.

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