Attractions · Our pick in Miami
Wild Miami: manatees, dolphins and turtles in the bay, the back story
The back story
About Wild Miami: manatees, dolphins and turtles in the bay, the back story
Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic beaches are home to remarkable wildlife, often within sight of the skyline. Here is what you might see, when to look, and the rules that keep it safe.
Manatees
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), manatees move to warm-water refuges, such as springs and the outflows of power plants, when the water falls below about 68°F (20°C), and they stay until it warms up in spring. November is Manatee Awareness Month, when boaters are asked to slow down and watch for them.
Dolphins
Wild bottlenose dolphins are seen in Biscayne Bay all year. Watch them from a distance, and never feed or harass them: feeding wild dolphins is against US federal law, and it harms them.
In Miami, a dolphin surfacing beside your boat with the skyline behind it is not unusual at all.
Turtles and rays
Sea turtles, sharks and spotted eagle rays are all seen in the bay, and sea turtles nest on Florida’s beaches in summer. If you find a nest, leave it alone and keep lights off the beach at night.
Seeing them responsibly
Small-group boat tours from the Miami Beach Marina run out to Stiltsville and around the bay, where sightings are common. On a beach or a boat, keep your distance, go slowly in manatee zones, and take your rubbish home.
Our advice: winter mornings on calm days are best for spotting manatees and dolphins. Bring polarised sunglasses to see below the surface.
Why it's on our list
- Manatees
- Dolphins
- Turtles and rays
- Seeing them responsibly
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Wild Miami: manatees, dolphins and turtles in the bay, the back story before you go.