Explore Paradise: A Wildlife Sneak Peak A-Z
Dating back 3,500 years, the 10,000 Islands is a labyrinth of mangrove forests, sandy beaches, and winding channels located just east of Marco Island. Hundreds of wildlife species call this archipelago home, including dolphins, manatees, river otters, sea turtles, and an array of resident birds like pelicans, egrets, herons, and ospreys. Here are just a few of the animals you might see on your trip to Marco Island!
The bottlenose dolphin can be found year-round here. These social animals love to bow-ride and surf in the wakes of boats, and it’s not uncommon for them to leap in and out of the waves right next to traveling vessels! With no natural predator in the region, the bottlenose dolphin has thrived here.
Southern Florida has long been a fertile breeding ground for sea turtles. While there are seven different types of sea turtles throughout the world, loggerheads are the most common species to see on Marco Island. Each year, from May through August, female loggerhead sea turtles crawl out of the Gulf of Mexico and nest on Marco Island’s beaches. The baby turtles, or hatchlings, emerge 60 days after the nests are laid.
The Roseate Spoonbill is just one of the nearly 200 species of birds that live on the 10,000 Islands. With its distinct pink color and unique bill, these birds are hard to miss and typically nest in mangrove trees. Similar to the flamingo, the Roseate Spoonbill gets its color from the food it consumes.
This feathered Floridian is a common sight on Marco Island and throughout the 10,000 Islands. The brown pelican stands from two to four feet tall, with wingspans reaching seven feet. They are the only species of pelican that is dark in color and dives for its food. Like fishermen, all they like to do is catch and eat fish!
These animals are just a fraction of the thriving wildlife that makes up the ecosystem of the 10,000 Islands. If you want the best chance to explore the beautiful wildlife southwest Florida has to offer, plan a boat tour with Marco Reel & Shore Charters!