Wildlife in the Water
As a destination fishing spot—also the generally acknowledged “Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World”—our waters offer an amazing array of fish and other fascinating aquatic creatures. The Peace and Myakka Rivers also hold the possibility of frolicking otter sightings!
Sea Turtles
The beaches of Manasota Key are home to the nests of several species of sea turtles, so it's important to keep an eye out and to give them a wide berth. Learn about these amazing creatures (and how to avoid hurting them) here.
To report an unmarked nest, someone disturbing a nest, or an injured sea turtle, call Wildlife Alert at 888-404-3922(FWCC) or report it online. Cell phone users can also call *FWC or #FWC.
Sawfish
Among the hundreds of fishable species, our waters are also home to the critically endangered and protected Smalltooth Sawfish. If you catch one, it must be immediately released. You’re strongly urged to report any sightings or encounters to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Include the date, time, and location of the encounter, as well as the estimated length of the fish, the depth of the water, and any other relevant details: email: Sawfish@MyFWC.com | phone: 844-472-9347 (1-844-4SAWFISH).
Dolphins
Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters are full of playful dolphins, which is exciting and fun on a boat tour, but can be a bit of an inconvenience on a fishing trip. If you're out on your own or a rented boat (or a paddleboard or kayak), keep your eyes peeled. If you're on a guided tour, you can rest assured that your captain or guide will draw your attention to all manner of wildlife, from dolphins and manatees to other aquatic creatures, birds, and land animals.
Alligators and Crocodiles
They say that in Florida, if you’re near water, you’re near an alligator, because they're present in all of Florida's 67 counties. If you're having trouble spotting one, though, take a trip with a Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours. You'll see plenty, from a safe distance. You’ll also get to see baby gators up close and personal.
If you're lucky, you may also spot an American Crocodile on your travels in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. This once-endangered animal is now listed as threatened (there were fewer than 300 in the late 1970s, and around 2,000 in late 2024). They're only found along the south Florida coasts.
If you see an alligator with a narrow, V-shaped snout, that's an American Crocodile!
Other Aquatic Creatures
No matter if you're enjoying our waters from the shore, from a fishing tour, or a tiki boat, from a kayak or paddleboard, or while swimming or snorkeling, you'll be amazed at all the different water creatures you can encounter.
Your fishing guide will steer you away from Needlefish as they can be difficult and hazardous to remove from hooks due to their sharp noses and teeth, while your kayak or paddling guide will point out seahorses, anemones, and other fascinating creatures that you may not have noticed were even around!
And of course, mullet—famously the key ingredient in smoked mullet dip—are notorious jumpers, drawing all eyes.
The Stingray Shuffle
It's not unheard of to see stingrays jump out of the water and soar for several feet at a time while you're on a boat tour, but keep in mind that they're also present at the beach. The benthic species of ray buries itself under the sand, and a sting from the barbed tail will ruin everyone's day. This is why it's recommended, when walking in beach waters, to shuffle your feet along the ocean floor instead of lifting them. The vibrations created will let any rays know you're there, and they'll move along.
Shells and Fossilized Shark Teeth
Our beaches are full of shells and fossilized shark teeth, which makes them a destination for collectors and crafters alike. With so many different sizes, shapes, and colors, it can be tempting to grab everything pretty, and while most of what you'll find on our sandy shores is perfectly fine to collect, please keep in mind that it is illegal to take any live shell from any Florida beach. This also applies to starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars.
Sand Dollars are a Prized Find
Live sand dollars are grey, brown, or even a dark purple, and turn white when they're deceased. You may not always be able to tell the status by looking if it's fresh out of the water, but a living sand dollar will leave a harmless yellow splotch on your skin. If you come across a living sand dollar, return it to the water. If you're unsure about the status of any shell, leave it where it was.
Come on Down!
We know how lucky we are to have access to so many different bodies of water that are home to such a wide variety of creatures. From the tarpon of Boca Grande Pass to the sea urchins of Lemon Bay to the hundreds of fishable fish throughout the entire area, our waters are alive. You're invited to come on down and enjoy!
