When you visit Naples beaches, you not only get to relax on the sand but also enjoy the amazing wildlife. If you pay close attention, you can watch quite a show! From dolphins playing in the waves to pelicans skimming the surface for their prey, there’s always something to see.

If you’re not careful, you can become part of the show. Seagulls are known to snatch up food that’s out in the open. If they can see it, they think it’s theirs. You’ve probably seen people feeding a seagull, which quickly turns into 20 seagulls as he tells all his friends about the free food. One of our visitors even saw a seagull fly away with an entire bag of potato chips!

Some fun birds to watch are the ones who seem to chase the waves. Birds such as plovers and sandpipers, rush in as the waves wash out so they can pull tiny meals out of the wet sand. You’ll also see Snowy Egrets wading along the shore to find a tasty meal. They get their name from their bright white features, although it does sound odd to have a “snowy” bird in Florida.

Fun-loving dolphins can often be seen offshore playing in the waves. You can take boat tours to see the animals up closer. You’ll usually spot a few at a time, as they travel together. Watch for them close to shore as they drive small fish to shallower water for snack time.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see some manatees lumbering slowly through the water. You often spot the dark shadow just below the surface before their whiskers and nose poke through the water. Manatees are curious creatures and highly social animals that often travel in small herds. They are also known as sea cows.

Sea turtles are a cherished sight. They swim in the shallow waters along the coast. During the summer, sea turtles clamber ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. While they are amazing creatures to watch, they are a protected species in Florida, so view them from afar.

Below the water’s surface, you’ll likely spot several fish species, including red snapper, snook, grouper, bonefish, sheep’s head, spotted seatrout and more.

In addition to the many larger animals, a variety of smaller wildlife fills the water. Lobsters, crabs, sand dollars, jellyfish, oysters, mussels, and clams live in the Naples waters. These little critters can be seen scurrying around in the sand and under the waves so they may be hard to spot.

The Gulf of Mexico is also home to a variety of crustaceans, such as blue crabs, shrimp and lobsters. You’re also likely to spot jellyfish and a variety of mollusks, including oysters, mussels, and clams.

When you visit Naples, be sure to keep your eyes open for some amazing creatures. You can see them in the wild or visit the zoo. No matter what you do on your vacation, if you stay at the Inn at Pelican Bay, we’re nestled in the middle of all the fun activities! We can even help you plan things to do.