Pack your binoculars and get ready to see rare birds and native Florida wildlife! Florida’s Adventure Coast is home to two habitat clusters of the Great Florida Birding Trail. View our listings of parks and preserves for fantastic sites to see birds and wildlife.
Having an abundance of natural spaces and undeveloped coastline, Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee is brimming with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many native species thrive here in Nature’s Place to Play, including many endangered or threatened species such as gopher tortoises, bald eagles, red cockaded woodpeckers, Florida scrub jays, green sea turtles, southern fox squirrels and the beloved West Indian manatee.
WE ARE PART OF THE GREAT FLORIDA BIRDING & WILDLIFE TRAIL
Florida’s Adventure Coast is home to eight locations on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, where known birding and wildlife “hotspots” include the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area (Chinsegut WEA), the Withlacoochee State Forest and McKethan Lake Park, and well as coastal areas such as Linda Pedersen Park, the Weekiwachee Preserve, Pine Island Beach Park, and Bayport Park.
You may have the opportunity to spot manatees in our coastal areas. As temperatures dip in the Winter, these gentle marine mammals seek warm, shallow waters commonly found in our rivers and springs; Linda Pederson Park is a popular viewing spot. Because human interaction can potentially alter the behavior of wild manatees and put the creatures at risk, it’s important to give the creatures plenty of space, and remember that it is illegal to harass manatees in any way.
At the Chinsegut Conservation Center, visitors can enjoy educational programs and guided hikes offered throughout the year, as well as seasonal outdoor skills programs for all ages. Learn all about Florida’s environments and wildlife, or simply enjoy a hike on over five miles of trails accessible from the center. This location is also home to bat houses, hosting a 2000-member colony of native Brazilian free-tailed bats that emerge just after sunset. You can witness this amazing ritual nearly any evening or attend special events hosted by the center for bat watching and night hikes.
Here on Florida’s Adventure Coast, the Hernando Audubon Society offers great tips, meetings and field trips for birding. Plan your next adventure with their calendar of events, attend a beginner’s birdwatching class at Chinsegut Conservation Center, or check our Birding Sites guide will need to link to online guide. , also available in Florida’s Adventure Coast’s Brooksville Welcome Center.
WILDLIFE & BIRDWATCHING
where to go see wildlife
BIRDWATCHING ON FLORIDA’S ADVENTURE COAST
PLAY YOUR ROLE IN PRESERVATION
On Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville–Weeki Wachee, everyone plays a role in protection of abundant wildlife found nowhere else. From boaters who spot sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or other marine life in distress, to hikers and homeowners, the first line of defense is the public. An immediate report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission hotline by phone at 888-404-FWCC (3922) starts the response chain. Another way to help is to contact the nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator from those listed on MyFWC.com. Most importantly, visit responsibly; avoid disturbing the wildlife, carry out your trash and leave no trace.
Wildlife Adventures
Discover native wildlife on Florida’s Adventure Coast
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Get Up and Go Kayaking on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee
Take in these amazing views in a 100% clear kayak with one of their three unique ecotour experiences! Their guided eco tours give you up-close-and-personal access to the beautiful wildlife and plant life! Come experience all Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki
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Marching Molars and More About Manatees
Manatees are more than seagrass munching marine mammals; they are iconic, beloved symbols of natural Florida. View them in Florida’s Adventure Coast waterways, particularly during cooler times of the year.
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22 Adventures Await in 2022 on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, a nature lover’s paradise, offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities as well as cultural attractions and historic museums. Here are 22 exciting adventures to make 2022 a memorable year.
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Outdoor Dining at Its Finest Onboard the Marina Rose on Florida’s Adventure Coast
At Marina Rose Dinner Cruises, they take the term, “Outdoor Dining”, to a whole new level. Their signature vessel, The Island Rose, is a custom-built replica of an early 1900’s steamboat. Paddle wheel included!
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Airboat Adventures on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to soar effortlessly so close to water while taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico? You can now experience this incredible feeling on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee,
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Learn to Scallop Dive – and Plenty More – on Florida’s Adventure Coast
Looking for something new to try on your summer vacation? On Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, we have options where you can relax, have fun, and learn something all at the same time! Learning something new is a great adventure,