May in Florida is a fantastic time for nature adventures as spring transitions into summer. The weather is warm but not yet at its peak summer heat, and wildlife is abundant. Here are the top nature adventures you can enjoy in Florida that are especially noteworthy in May:
1. Sea Turtle Nesting
May marks the height of sea turtle nesting season in Florida. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. You can participate in guided turtle walks or visit nesting beaches such as:
- Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
- Juno Beach
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center
2. Birdwatching
May is a prime month for birdwatching as migratory birds return north and resident birds are in their nesting period. Top birdwatching locations include:
- Fort De Soto Park: Known for its diverse bird species.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Offers excellent opportunities to see a variety of birds.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: A hotspot for migratory birds, especially warblers.
3. Manatee Viewing
While the peak manatee viewing season is during the winter, some manatees can still be seen in spring. Visit these spots:
- Crystal River: A few manatees may still be present in the springs.
- Blue Spring State Park: Some manatees might linger in the spring waters.
4. Fishing for Tarpon
May is the peak of tarpon fishing season in Florida. Known for their incredible strength and acrobatics, tarpon are a sought-after catch. Popular fishing spots include:
- Boca Grande Pass
- Charlotte Harbor
- Tampa Bay
5. Exploring Florida’s Springs
The clear, cool waters of Florida’s springs are refreshing as the weather warms up. Explore springs such as:
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Enjoy tubing, snorkeling, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
- Ginnie Springs: Known for its clear waters and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
- Silver Springs State Park: Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see underwater life.
6. Kayaking and Canoeing
May’s warm weather makes for perfect kayaking and canoeing in Florida’s waterways. Popular destinations include:
- Silver Springs State Park: Paddle through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Wekiva River: Offers a serene paddling experience with abundant wildlife.
- 10,000 Islands: Explore the maze of mangrove islands and observe diverse marine life.
7. Butterfly Watching
Spring is a vibrant time for butterflies in Florida. The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory are great places to see a variety of butterfly species in full activity.
8. Wildflower Viewing
May is a great time to see wildflowers in bloom in Florida. Enjoy fields of colorful blooms in places like:
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Near Gainesville, offers beautiful displays of wildflowers.
- Torreya State Park: Known for its diverse flora and stunning wildflowers.
9. Shelling on Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is renowned for its shelling opportunities. May’s pleasant weather and lower tides make it an ideal time for beachcombing and finding a variety of seashells, particularly along Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
10. Hiking and Camping
The warm but not too hot temperatures of May make it an ideal time for hiking and camping in Florida’s state and national parks. Consider:
- Ocala National Forest: Offers diverse hiking trails and picturesque campgrounds.
- Myakka River State Park: Known for its scenic trails, canopy walk, and wildlife viewing.
- Big Cypress National Preserve: Explore the unique landscape and spot native wildlife.
11. Exploring State Parks
Florida’s state parks offer diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. In May, the weather is perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of parks such as:
- Anastasia State Park: Near St. Augustine, this park features beautiful beaches, tidal marshes, and sand dunes.
- Hontoon Island State Park: Accessible only by boat, this park offers hiking trails and opportunities to see native wildlife.
12. Attending Nature and Wildlife Festivals
May hosts several nature and wildlife festivals in Florida, where you can participate in guided tours, workshops, and lectures. Notable festivals include:
- Birdapalooza in Lake Apopka: Offers birding tours, nature photography workshops, and more.
- Florida Folk Festival in White Springs: Celebrates Florida’s cultural heritage with music, crafts, and food.
- Apalachicola Riverfront Film Festival: Features nature and environmental films.
13. Exploring Dry Tortugas National Park
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, and the historic Fort Jefferson. May’s pleasant weather and clear skies make it an ideal time to visit.
14. Scalloping Season Preparation
While scalloping season officially starts later in the summer, May is a great time to prepare for the season. Visit locations such as Steinhatchee, Crystal River, and Homosassa to explore the areas and get ready for the upcoming season.
15. Whale Shark Watching
May is the beginning of whale shark season off the coast of southwest Florida. These gentle giants can sometimes be seen near the surface in the Gulf of Mexico, especially around the waters near the Florida Keys and the Gulf Stream.
These unique nature adventures highlight the special experiences that Florida has to offer in May, from witnessing sea turtle nesting and bird migrations to enjoying the warm weather and exploring pristine natural areas.