5 ways to explore and protect wild Florida
Connect with the natural spoils of the Sunshine State through eco tours, conservation centre visits and diving trips
From cypress swamps to sugar-white beaches to springs filled with manatees, Florida’s wild spaces are worth celebrating and protecting.
Diverse natural ecosystems unfold across the Sunshine State and many of them are protected with the help of innovative conservation initiatives or state-of-the-art research centres. That means those travellers who heed the call of the wild here are richly rewarded. Here are five ways you can explore the natural world in Florida – and discover how to preserve it too.
1. Learn about marine conservation in the Florida Keys
The only living barrier reef in the continental USA lies off the shores of the Florida Keys, and the water surrounding this subtropical island chain teems with marine life, from endangered sea turtles to dolphins and manatees. Fortunately, plenty of organisations and facilities are dedicated to protecting this watery wonderland.
Newest of all is the REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, a vast facility in Key Largo that’s operated by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). The centre is dedicated to educating the public on the wonders of the sea – expect exhibits exploring REEF’s vital conservation work (including control of the invasive lionfish) and interactive programmes that help the public identify fish species.
A short hop south to Islamorada and you’ll also find The Protect Center, an animal hospital that’s building a mammoth new intensive care facility for sick and injured marine mammals. Upon its completion (poised for autumn 2025), it’ll be the only federally licensed whale and dolphin hospital in the region. Visitors can learn more at the onsite Exploratorium, a new museum dedicated to marine mammal conservation.
2. See dolphins off the coast of Bradenton
Did you know that the Bradenton region is home to a rare, resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphin pod? These captivating marine mammals live in the waters off Anna Maria Island and the Cortez Fishing Village year-round – a boon for eco tour guides (and their excited punters) and conservationists alike. Their permanence means researchers can often recognise individual dolphins and conduct rich studies into their behaviours.
Learn more with an eco-tour, operated by the likes of Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours (amidolphintours.com). And don’t miss the chance to visit the well-respected Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, which includes the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, dedicated to caring for rescued manatees.
3. Snorkel at the Miami Reefline
Arguably one of the most unique and ambitious endeavours of its kind in the States, the Reefline Aquatic Sculpture Park will be a 11km underwater sculpture complex, developed off the sandfringed shores of Miami Beach.
The site will include an artificial reef (rebuilding a lost tract of the precious Florida Reef) and a snorkel trail, and will be a haven for sea life. It aims to connect locals and travellers alike to Florida’s fascinating marine world, and will feature the work of respected sculptural artists, including Argentine creator Leandro Erlich. His contributions will appear in the first phase, which is tipped for completion this summer.
Another similar project – and one of Florida’s finest diving sites – is USS Oriskany, the largest artificial reef on the planet. This sunken warship off the coast of Pensacola has now been a living marine habitat for almost two decades, brimming with coral, algae and colourful reef fish.
4. Learn how seagrass is saving manatees in Crystal River
The Kings Bay Restoration Project is an initiative launched to restore the native eel grass that’s vital to the health and survival of the bay’s resident manatees, after it was devastated by toxic algae. The project in Crystal River began in 2015, and a decade on these fascinating ‘sea cows’ are once again thriving. Now an ambitious, multi-million-dollar expansion of the project will conserve another 92 acres.
Learn more on a swimming tour with Explorida (explorida.com): these tightly regulated tours allow you to boat through and swim in the bay, sharing the waters with the gentle manatees. Responsible guides ensure visitors keep an appropriate distance from the mammals and avoid touching them.
5. Protect and connect in Fort Myers and Sanibel Island
In 2022, the Fort Myers region was devastated by Hurricane Ian and, while the beloved beach destination welcomed travellers back quickly, there has been a long process of rehabilitation and recovery. That includes the recently launched Estero Island Shoreline Protection Project, intended to manage erosion along the picturesque beaches, with initiatives such as sand-dune building. Around 1,500 mangroves were also recently planted on dreamy Sanibel Island.
Travellers can do their bit by visiting the region’s wildlife-filled parks and preserves, from Caloosahatchee Regional Park – a riverside spot with pines and oaks, known for birdlife like kites and swallows – to Pine Lake Preserve, with its wading birds and alligators. You’ll be rewarded by the new Parks, Points and Perks pass (operational until May 2026), which benefits visitors with bonuses such as free parking and access to recreation centres.
