Page 17 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

DISCOVER FLORIDA UNTAMED
Known for glistening sugar-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, Florida draws visitors from around the world. With more than 80 different ecosystems and a vast array of natural resources, this sun-kissed state, known for balmy winters and sultry summers, offers something for everyone.
The glittering depths of Williston’s subterranean underwater caverns of Devil’s Den and the saltier explorations around the shipwrecks from Pensacola to Port St. Joe, serving as artificial reefs to the local marine life on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, beckon avid scuba divers. Hiking enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the challenges of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail, the state’s National Scenic Trail stretching from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Others prefer to drink in the vista views from the canopy walkway of Myakka River State Park or climb the limestone bluffs above the
whitewater rapids at Big Shoals State Park. Eleven thousand miles of waterways, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the cooler Atlantic, entice paddlers to investigate the wilds and anglers to cast their lines in hopes
of snagging a bass or prize-winning cobia. With an extensive variety of natural resources available, it can be difficult for travelers to choose how to spend their time. These top 10 Florida ecotours not only aid the state’s ecotourism through public education, but also give back to their community to help maintain these diverse native assets for future generations to enjoy while allowing visitors unique opportunities
to experience wild Florida.
water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico begin to drop. Manatees like to frolic in the warmer waters of the spring systems around Kings Bay and are often spotted in the Three Sisters Springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Though no longer on the endangered list, they remain a “threatened” species. Local outfitter River Ventures takes guests to swim and snorkel with the manatees. Manatee season is from November to April, but they can be spotted around Crystal River year-round. Tours leave from 498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, Florida. 1-877-581-8401. riverventures.com
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SWIM WITH THE MANATEES,
NATURE COAST
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK, FLORIDA KEYS
Vibrant tropical fish dart past, ducking to hide in the depths of the colorful living coral and sponges at Dry Tortugas National Park, situated within the Everglades & Dry
EXPLORING THE BIG CYPRESS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. • © NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB
Crystal River, a winter playground to the West Indian manatee, attracts between 400 and 500 of these gentle giant sea cows when
SNORKEL LIVING REEFS AT
ECOTOURISM
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 15