Wander through nature

Wildlife Watching

Explore Florida's Anclote Key

Nestled amidst coastal marshlands, maritime forests and remote stretches of white-sand beaches, Anclote River Resort is an ideal home base for spotting all kinds wildlife. Trek along secluded nature trails, paddle through mangroves or pedal beneath tropical tree canopies to get a glimpse of land critters and sea creatures in their natural habitat.

“Watch the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico for manatees, stingrays, sea turtles and dolphins.”

Rent a kayak or hop on a ferry to visit nearby Anclote Key Preserve State Park, a 11,773-acre park that sprawls across four islands, just a few miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Along the way, watch the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico for manatees, stingrays, sea turtles and dolphins. Once you set foot on the immaculate beaches, spot nesting and migratory birds—after all, this preserve hosts more than 43 bird species.

For more birding opportunities, you’ll find several nearby parks on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and they are connected by the 4.5-mile Coastal Anclote Trail, a paved multi-use trail that runs alongside the Anclote River Resort property. Follow the trail to the waterfront Anclote River Park to spot shorebirds birds such as snowy egrets and seabirds such as brown pelicans. At Anclote Gulf Park, stroll along the fishing pier for views of shorebirds in the mudflats, and keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees and sea turtles in the waters below. Then, follow the boardwalk that connects this park to nearby Key Vista Nature Park, which boasts a list of more than 220 bird species, including osprey, bald eagles, gulls and terns.

Ready to spot creatures in the wild? Talk to your friendly Wanderful Concierge Specialist for all the gear you’ll need—from kayaks and snorkeling masks to bikes and binoculars—as well as recommendations for local wildlife tours and naturalist guides.