Discovering Florida Wildlife

People love animals and people love being able to see animals in their natural habitats doing what they typically do. There are so many different types of wildlife all across the world but what type of wildlife can be seen in Florida?

Turtles

First, let’s take a look at those animals that can be seen from the land view…Remember this is not a complete list, just a good starting point to give you an idea of what you might expect to see while visiting Florida.

Land Animals:

• Birds – Florida has nearly 500 native species across the state.
• Gators and Crocs – one of the most prevalent species of wildlife in Florida, you can see these guys in their natural habitat of the everglades by taking an airboat tour!
• Mammals – otters, opossums, fox squirrels, raccoons, key deer, armadillos and white-tailed deer just to name a few
• Turtles and tortoises
• Frogs and toads
• Snakes and lizards

Marine Animals:

• Manatees – the gentle giants of the sea, these guys are so graceful and majestic.
• Sharks – do you dare to swim with the sharks?
• Fish – there are thousands of different species that can be seen from a relaxing scuba diving or snorkeling trip.
• Dolphins – one of the most playful mammals residing in the oceans. Enjoy watching these guys swim and jump for hours if you can.

  

  Dolphins

The important thing to seeing the wildlife is knowing where the best places to find them are. There are many different types of hiking tours, canoe tours, kayaking tours and boat tours that are all wonderful options when you want to explore the state and see the wildlife up close. Florida Adventure Sports offers powered hang gliding adventures in Northern Florida which would give a great birds-eye view!

If you plan on seeing the wildlife while in Florida do your research and make sure you know how to find the animals and where to find them.

Top 10 Extreme Sports

Are you feeling adventurous? ) Extreme sports is a popular term for certain activities that have a high level of inherent danger. Looking for an extreme sport to try while on vacation or just anytime then check out our list of the top 10 extreme sports.

Top 10 Extreme Sports

10. High lining – take tight rope walking and intensify it by ten and then you have an idea on how extreme high lining is. No balancing pole, no net, and a shaky wire all add to the adrenalin rush for people attempting this extreme sport.

Ice Climbing

9. Cave Diving – labeled as an extreme sport because once you are in the caves if your equipment fails or you get caught in a cave current…

8. Volcano Surfing – most people try to avoid volcanos but those who want to take on volcano surfing will climb up to the top of the volcano then surf down the side of it using plywood boards. Typically these boards are reinforced by steel, metal, or Formica. Try this extreme sport sitting down or make it more challenging by standing upright on your board as you descend.

7. Ice Climbing – How would you like to scale formations of vertical ice using spiked shoes and a pick axe? While this sport does involve the use of safety ropes and harnesses it is still a dangerous and extreme sport, not to mention a little…chilly.

Base Jumping

6. Base Jumping – known as the most dangerous recreational sport in the world, this sport averages one death per ever 2,317 jumps. The idea with base jumping is an individual will throw themselves off one of the “base” structures, such as a building, antenna, span, bridge, earth or even cliffs. Before hitting the ground you deploy your parachute in order to land safely.

5. Free Soloing – rock climbing without the equipment. No safety ropes or harnesses or any other equipment commonly associated with rock climbing is used. Individuals will need to be able to support their entire body weight using just their finger tips and toe tips. Be sure your concentration does not get pulled away from your task or things could take a turn for the worst.

4. Creeking – think of white water rafting only taken to the extreme. When you go creeking your goal is to take your kayak over a high waterfall, plunging to the bottom to get a major adrenalin rush.

3. Cliff Jumping -  according to Wikipedia, Cliff jumping is jumping off a cliff as a form of sport. When this is done without equipment, it may be also known as tombstoning. It forms part of the sport of coastal exploration — coasteering.

Powered Hang Gliding

2. Wing Suit Sky Diving – You have heard of sky diving, right? Meet its cousin. Wingsuit flying involves jumping from a perch and gliding down to the ground, thing of a flying squirrel. An important thing to remember when it comes to wing suit diving is those skydivers who have at least 200 logged sky dives are even allowed to try this extreme sport.

1. Power Hang Gliding – Extreme indeed but out of all the items on our list this might be the safest. Take a trip up to 2,000 feet in the air and soar above the landscape enjoying the sights. This extreme sport gives you the feeling of flying free like a bird with the comfort of having a motor propelling you.

Top 10 Places to go in Florida

Did you realize there is more to Florida than beaches and Disneyworld? I bet the thought never really crossed your mind, when most people think of Florida after the warm weather and beautiful sunshine they tend to think beaches and Disneyworld and that is where the thought stops, but there is much more to Florida than just those two things. Kick back grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the list we have put together for you, of the Top 10 Places to Go in Florida.

South Beach, Florida

10. Walt Disney World Resort – You had to know this would be on our list, one of the most popular family vacation resorts in the world. This will not only please the kids but will also bring out the inner child in you.

9. Universal Studios - Once you are done visiting Walt Disneyworld Resort be sure to stop over at Universal Studios to expand on the fun and excitement.

8. South Beach – Don’t let the name fool you, this destination is highly popular among those who enjoy the party and club scene. A city that doesn’t sleep, but is also known for the rich culture offerings such as the Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, Holocaust Memorials of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and even the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

Everglades National Park

7. Everglades National Park – this is the adventurers dream come true. The glades offer exciting canoe opportunities as well as hiking trails, airboat and tram tours and even bird-watching and camping. Get out your explorer’s adventure hat and come see what the everglades has to offer.

6. Fort Lauderdale – loving known as the “yachting capital of the world” because between all the locals there are 50,000 private yachts located here. If you are a boating junkie this would be a dream trip for you. Come experience the vast system of canals or even come in time to be part of the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest event like this in the world.

5. Sanibel Island – the beaches located here are held in high accord among shell collectors around the world. This Island is well known for all the sea shells it has to offer; in fact collecting shells here is so popular that there is an annual 3-day exhibit and festival to celebrate. While here don’t forget to stop in The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to learn all about shells and mollusks.

The St. Augustine Light Station

4. St. Augustine – take a step back in time and come see this “ancient city.” This city is named such thanks to Juan Ponce De Leon being the first to explore this area back in 1513 and claiming it for Spain. Experience the beautiful and historically rich architecture which can be found at many monuments and museums located here.

3. Busch Gardens – Do you have what it takes to ride these dare devil roller coaster? Maybe you would rather see the 2,700 different animals that call the 335 acre zoological-themed park home. But this is more than just a zoo with a side of amusement park; you can even experience the adjoining Adventure Island, waterpark! Spend the day riding rides and slides and seeing a variety of animals.

Key West Sunset

2. Amelia Island – The northernmost part of the Sea Island of Florida, this Island is connected to the main land through two bridges and you are sure to find plenty of adventure opportunities here. Make a day trip here and enjoy it's many restaurants, bed & breakfast's, bicycle paths, golfing, hang gliding and horseback riding just to name a few activities. 

1. Key West – this historical city in Florida was once home to famous celebrities like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Even today celebrities come to Key West for their vacations from the Hollywood life. Enjoy seeing the amazing coral-reef system found just a few miles from the coast and then come back to the land and watch the local wild animals as they roam around.