Are you heading to southwest Florida in the US soon, and in need of some ideas for your vacation?
From the Everglades to Naples, from Marco Island to Immokalee, you’ll enjoy tropical weather while you traverse the beaches, marshes, and natural beauty of this region.
And we’ve got 5 great suggestions for activities that will keep you entertained all the way. So join us on a discovery of the best things to do on Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Go On A Marco Island Dolphin Tour
Do you like the idea of getting up close to dolphins and exploring secluded islands?
The largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, located at the southern tip of Paradise Coast, Marco Island is a must-visit place on your Florida vacation itinerary. Some of the rarest and most beautiful shells in all of Florida are to be found on the beach here.
While there is so much to see and do here, a dolphin tour is an absolute must. A Marco Island Dolphin Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the world of dolphins. Most tours last about 3 hours and incorporate the surrounding islands of the Paradise Coast.
Enjoy Private Sailing In Naples
Perhaps you would prefer to do a bit of your own sightseeing?
With a boat rental in Naples, you can explore more than 10 miles of beaches along the Gulf Coast of Mexico. If you don’t have experience piloting a boat, that’s not a problem. Choose to hire a boat with a skipper so you can just take it easy and have a good time.
And when you’re not relaxing on your boat and working on that tan, visit iconic landmarks like the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the Clam Pass Beach Park, and Vanderbilt Beach.
Be sure to include a stopover at Naples’s famous fishing pier too. A proud part of Florid’s heritage since 1888, this pier extends 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. Take a stroll down the pier at the end of a day of sightseeing, to experience the beautiful Mexican Gulf sunsets.
Wander Through The Panther National Wildlife Refuge In Immokalee
This wildlife refuge is situated in the Big Cypress Swamp Watershed in Immokalee, just 20 miles east of Naples. A part of the US National Wildlife Refuge System, it is a mix of both dry habitats and wetlands.
This protected site was set aside to protect the endangered Florida panther as well as other wildlife species and incorporates several public access state parks. It is also a haven for fox squirrels, bobcats, armadillos, raccoons, coyotes, and black bears.
The Panther Trail is a 1.3-mile loop trail graced by beautiful wildflowers along the way. So if your idea of enjoying the outdoors is to go for a walk through nature, don’t leave the region without making a stop here too.
See Alligators From An Airboat In The Everglades
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can’t let this awesome opportunity pass you by.
A guided Everglades Airboat tour will offer interesting scenery, knowledge about the area, and an adrenaline rush all in one. Get to see alligators up close in their natural habitat, safely and comfortably.
And most of the airboat tours in the area include an educational wildlife show. This is perfect for those who want to learn more about the ecosystem and wildlife population of the Everglades.
The type of alligator that you are most likely to spot here is the Alligator Mississippiensis, otherwise known as the American alligator. But several turtles and otters also inhabit the area.
Discover Nature At The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
If wild alligator spotting is just too wild for you, fear not. There are so many other things for nature lovers to experience on the Paradise Coast. If you enjoy discovering beautiful scenery at a slower pace, this one’s for you.
Sarasota city, in Sarasota County, is situated south of the Tampa Bay area, on the southwestern coast of Florida. Renowned for its cultural landmarks and beaches, you will not struggle to find something fun to do here
But we highly recommend a trip to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Discover all the fascinating air plants of the world, as well as indigenous nature, and the history of this region. You’ll be enthralled by this living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants.
It is the only botanical garden of its kind in the world, specifically dedicated to epiphytic orchids and other tropical plants.
