Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States

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Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States

1. Everglades National Park

Explore the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., home to American alligators, manatees, and a vast array of bird species.
  • Wildlife Variety: Offers an opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Natural Wonders: Features unique landscapes like the Sawgrass Marshes and the Shark Valley Overlook
  • Educational Programs: Provides guided tours, ranger-led programs, and educational exhibits to enhance visitor experience

2. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Discover a 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 50 species of trees and various wetland birds.
  • Boardwalk Tours: Offers guided boardwalk tours through the diverse habitats of the sanctuary
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration seasons
  • Conservation Efforts: Supports ongoing research and conservation efforts for the protection of local wildlife

3. Big Cypress National Preserve

Explore this vast wilderness area filled with mangrove forests, cypress domes, and diverse wildlife.
  • Wilderness Experience: Provides an authentic wilderness experience away from crowded tourist areas
  • Airboat Tours: Offers airboat tours to navigate the preserve's marshes, swamps, and waterways
  • Camping Opportunities: Provides camping opportunities for visitors who want an extended stay in nature

4. Lovers Key State Park

Enjoy a beautiful beachfront park with coastal wildlife viewing opportunities and mangrove forests.
  • Beach Activities: Offers swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Gulf of Mexico
  • Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and various bird species
  • Nature Trails: Features nature trails through mangrove forests and coastal dunes for hiking

5. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Visit a pristine estuary with mangrove forests, oyster bars, and nesting sites for various bird species.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, guided tours, and exhibits to increase understanding of estuarine ecosystems
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for viewing the large colony of rookery birds (herons, egrets, and ibises)
  • Kayaking and Boat Tours: Allows visitors to explore the estuary by kayak or boat, guided tours available

6. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Navigate through a maze of islands and waterways teeming with wildlife like bottlenose dolphins and manatees.
  • Boat Tours: Offers boat tours to navigate the unique and remote waters of the refuge
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for observing a variety of coastal wildlife, including alligators, birds, and marine mammals
  • Photography Opportunities: Offers beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature photographers

7. Naples Botanical Garden

Explore a tropical paradise with over 170 acres of gardens showcasing plants from around the world.
  • Variety of Gardens: Features diverse gardens like the Asian, Australian, and Caribbean Gardens
  • Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities for viewing butterflies, birds, and other wildlife within the gardens
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours to enhance visitor experience

8. Pelican Landing Preserve

Witness a large population of brown pelicans and other coastal birds in their natural habitat.
  • Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for observing brown pelicans, as well as various other bird species
  • Nature Photography: Provides beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature photographers
  • Coastal Ecosystems: Features coastal ecosystems like seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches

9. Von Arx Wildlife Sanctuary

Learn about the local wildlife at this sanctuary, with a focus on rehabilitating and releasing injured birds.
  • Rehabilitation Efforts: Involved in rehabilitating injured birds before releasing them back into the wild
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, guided tours, and exhibits to increase understanding of local wildlife
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for observing a variety of bird species within the sanctuary

10. Coastal Wildlife Park at Bonita Springs

Enjoy a peaceful park with nature trails and opportunities for viewing local wildlife like otters and raccoons.
  • Nature Trails: Features nature trails for hiking and observing wildlife
  • Coastal Wildlife: Provides opportunities for viewing a variety of coastal wildlife, including otters and raccoons
  • Relaxation Area: Offers a peaceful environment to relax and enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city

11. Little Hickory Island

Experience a secluded beachfront island with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Secluded Beach: Offers a secluded and peaceful beach experience
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for observing coastal wildlife like dolphins, birds, and sea turtles
  • Nature Photography: Offers beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature photographers

12. Wildlife Drive at FAKAHATCHE Strand State Preserve

Drive through a coastal habitat to observe wildlife like alligators, birds, and sea turtles.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Offers a self-guided driving tour for exploring the preserve's diverse habitats
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for observing a variety of coastal wildlife, including alligators and birds
  • Nature Photography: Offers beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature photographers

13. Collier-Seminole State Park

Enjoy a quiet park with nature trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Nature Trails: Features nature trails for hiking and observing wildlife
  • Coastal Wildlife: Provides opportunities for viewing a variety of coastal wildlife, including alligators and birds
  • Historic Sites: Includes historic sites related to the Seminole Tribe and early settlers of Florida

14. Estero Bay Preserve State Park

Explore a coastal preserve with mangrove forests, oyster bars, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Kayaking Tours: Offers guided kayak tours to navigate the estuary's waters
  • Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for observing a variety of wildlife, including manatees and various bird species
  • Nature Photography: Offers beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature photographers

15. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Visit a zoo with exotic animals and beautiful tropical gardens.
  • Exotic Animals: Features exotic animals from around the world, such as tigers, elephants, and gorillas
  • Tropical Gardens: Showcases beautiful tropical gardens with a variety of plants from around the world
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and exhibits to enhance visitor understanding of the animals and their habitats