Wildlife of Fort Myers
From playful dolphins to gentle manatees, discover the incredible wildlife that calls Southwest Florida home.
Iconic Species
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
Tursiops truncatus
The charismatic stars of Southwest Florida's waters, bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted playing in boat wakes, feeding in the bays, and surfing waves near shore. Fort Myers is home to several resident pods that have been studied for decades.
Best Time
Year-round, most active early morning and late afternoon
Where to Find
Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay
Viewing Tips
- Book an early morning dolphin cruise for calmer waters and more active dolphins
- Look for birds diving—dolphins often feed in the same areas
Florida Manatee
Trichechus manatus latirostris
The gentle giants of Florida waters, manatees migrate to warm springs and power plant outflows during winter months. These 1,000+ pound herbivores graze on seagrass and can often be spotted in shallow bays and canals.
Best Time
November through March (winter season)
Where to Find
Manatee Park (Orange River), ECHO Global Farm
Viewing Tips
- Manatee Park in Fort Myers offers free viewing November-March
- Look for "manatee footprints"—circular ripples on the surface
Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
Often mistaken for flamingos, these stunning pink birds get their color from the crustaceans they eat. Their distinctive spoon-shaped bills sweep through shallow water to catch small fish and invertebrates.
Best Time
Year-round, best viewing October through March
Where to Find
J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, Bunche Beach
Viewing Tips
- Visit Ding Darling at low tide when birds concentrate near the road
- Dawn and dusk offer the best light for photography
More Wildlife to Discover
American Alligator
Six Mile Cypress, Ding Darling
Year-round, bask in morning sun
Sea Turtles
Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel
May-October (nesting season)
Great Blue Heron
Throughout all waterways
Year-round
Osprey
Nesting platforms throughout area
Year-round, nesting Dec-Apr
Bald Eagle
Sanibel, Captiva, mainland parks
October-April (nesting season)
White Pelican
Ding Darling, Sanibel beaches
November-March (winter visitors)
Gopher Tortoise
Sanibel bike paths, preserves
Year-round, morning activity
Horseshoe Crab
Beaches during mating
March-May (spring mating)
Responsible Wildlife Viewing
Do
- Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife
- Use binoculars and telephoto lenses for close views
- Stay on marked trails in wildlife refuges
- Report injured or distressed animals to authorities
- Support conservation organizations
Don't
- Never feed wild animals—it's often illegal
- Don't chase or harass wildlife for photos
- Avoid using flash photography
- Don't touch or pick up wild animals
- Never take live shells from the beach
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