A St. Pete Beach getaway offers more than beautiful Gulf waters and soft white sand. The area is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from playful dolphins and gentle manatees to loggerhead sea turtles, shorebirds and gopher tortoises. With beaches, mangroves, preserves and islands all within easy reach, wildlife encounters can become one of the most memorable parts of your Florida vacation.
For guests staying at TradeWinds Resort, discovering the area's natural beauty is especially convenient. Located directly on St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Resort places you close to the Gulf, local waterways and some of the region's best wildlife-watching destinations. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a relaxing beach escape or an active outdoor adventure, there are plenty of ways to experience Florida's wild side.
Look for Dolphins Along the Gulf
One of the most exciting wildlife encounters around St. Pete Beach is seeing dolphins in their natural environment. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in the Gulf and surrounding waterways, and boat excursions offer some of the best opportunities to see them.
You don't always need to venture far offshore. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted from the shoreline or while enjoying a boat ride around the barrier islands. Local excursions combine dolphin watching with opportunities for sightseeing, snorkeling and exploring the area's coastal waters.
Egmont Key is another excellent destination for dolphin sightings. The ferry ride from Fort De Soto can provide wildlife-watching opportunities before you even reach the island. Dolphins are commonly seen swimming near the boat and playing in its wake.
For guests at TradeWinds, the resort itself also makes it easy to enjoy water-based adventures. Its beachfront setting provides direct access to the Gulf, while resort activities include paddleboarding and other ways to get out on the water.
Discover Sea Turtles Along St. Pete Beach
Sea turtles are another remarkable part of Florida's coastal ecosystem. St. Pete-Clearwater beaches serve as nesting grounds and nurseries for loggerhead sea turtles, along with green turtles and occasional leatherbacks. During nesting season, visitors may see protected areas marked along the beach. If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchling, give it plenty of space and follow posted guidelines. Avoid disturbing nests, touching turtles or using bright lights around nesting areas.
Watching these animals responsibly is a special way to connect with the destination while helping protect the beaches they depend on.
Explore Fort De Soto Park
For a full day of nature and wildlife watching, head to Fort De Soto Park in nearby Tierra Verde. The park covers 1,136 acres across five interconnected islands and features beaches, mangroves, wetlands, trails and coastal habitats.
Fort De Soto is one of the area's best destinations for birdwatching. More than 330 bird species have been documented in the park, making it a standout location along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Bring binoculars and keep your eyes open for roseate spoonbills, ospreys, wood storks, reddish egrets, brown pelicans and other coastal birds. You may also spot turtles, dolphins, cormorants and other native wildlife around the park's waterways. The park offers plenty of ways to explore. Walk the trails, cycle along the paved paths, spend time on the beach or explore the shoreline. Conditions and available facilities can change, so check current park information before visiting.
Take a Ferry to Egmont Key
For an unforgettable island adventure, make plans to visit Egmont Key. Accessible by boat, the island combines pristine beaches, nature trails, historic ruins and abundant wildlife. Egmont Key is home to gopher tortoises, ospreys and numerous shorebirds. The surrounding waters can also attract dolphins and sea turtles, making the journey there part of the wildlife experience.
The island is also a designated refuge for shorebirds. Species found in the area include brown pelicans, white ibis, royal and sandwich terns, black skimmers, American oystercatchers and ospreys. If you visit, stay on designated paths and respect protected areas. Wildlife thrives here because the island remains relatively undeveloped, so responsible exploration is essential.
Spot Wildlife While Paddling
Getting on the water can give you a different perspective on St. Pete Beach's natural environment. Kayaking and paddleboarding through calm coastal areas can bring you closer to mangroves and tidal habitats where wildlife gathers.
Fort De Soto's waterways are particularly rewarding for paddlers. Visitors may see manatees, wading birds, turtles, cormorants and jumping fish while exploring the mangrove-lined waters. Paddling also offers a quieter way to experience the landscape. Move slowly, keep your distance from animals and avoid approaching wildlife too closely. The goal is to observe the ecosystem without disrupting it.
Keep an Eye Out for Manatees
Florida's gentle manatees are among the most beloved animals in the state. These slow-moving marine mammals can be found in local waterways, particularly around warm-water habitats.
St. Pete-Clearwater is known for opportunities to spot manatees in the wild. Fort De Soto is one place where visitors can look for them while exploring the park's tidal waters. If you're lucky enough to encounter one while boating or paddling, maintain a respectful distance. Never chase, touch or feed a manatee.
Discover More Than Marine Life
Wildlife around St. Pete Beach extends beyond the Gulf. The wider St. Pete-Clearwater area includes parks and preserves where you can encounter birds, reptiles and land animals.
Egmont Key, for example, is home to gopher tortoises. These protected animals live on land and create extensive burrows in sandy areas. With patience and a quiet approach, visitors may see them moving through their natural habitat. Birdwatchers can also explore the area's network of Great Florida Birding Trail sites. From Fort De Soto to other coastal parks, the region offers opportunities to spot everything from herons and egrets to ospreys and bald eagles.
Make Wildlife Watching Part of Your St. Pete Beach Activities
Wildlife watching fits naturally into a St. Pete Beach vacation because you don't have to choose between relaxation and adventure. Spend the morning on the beach, take an afternoon boat excursion and finish the day watching the sunset from the Gulf.
TradeWinds Resort makes a convenient starting point for these experiences. Its beachfront location on St. Pete Beach puts you close to the water and within easy reach of wildlife destinations such as Fort De Soto and Egmont Key. The resort also offers an array of activities and amenities, including water activities, pools, beach access, fitness facilities, games and family programming.
Stay, Dine and Relax at TradeWinds Resort
After a day spent searching for dolphins, watching birds or exploring the islands, return to the comfort of TradeWinds Resort. The resort offers coastal accommodations with access to beachfront spaces, pools, water activities and a wide range of amenities.
You can even take advantage of onsite wildlife encounters, with our Wild Wonder Animal Show, Swim With the Fish, Duck Feeding and Touch Tank!
Dining is another highlight at TradeWinds Resort with multiple restaurants, bars and lounges serving everything from casual beach fare to signature dining. RumFish Grill provides a memorable under-the-sea dining experience, while Pete's Gulf Bistro and The Hall offer additional options for meals and treats. Plus, when you book directly, the special offers can also add value to your stay.
With comfortable rooms, onsite dining, beachfront amenities, exciting resort activities and an ideal location close to the area's wildlife and outdoor adventures, TradeWinds Resort is an excellent home base for your St. Pete Beach getaway. Spend your days discovering dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, birds and other Florida wildlife, then return to the beach, enjoy a delicious meal and relax as another Gulf Coast sunset brings the day to a close.
