While staying at a Daytona Beach rental condo, experience the thrill of seeing bobcats, white-tailed deer and white pelicans in their natural habitat. Take a kayak or airboat tour through gator infested swamps or hike hammocks filled with bromeliads.
Wilderness Areas to Explore
Black Hammock Wilderness Area, 60 miles south of Daytona Beach, offers unparalleled outdoor adventure for visitors. Take a quiet stroll on the boardwalk or venture out to hike or bike the 4.5 mile loop trail through sand pine scrub and mixed hardwood swamp. Keep an eye on the ground for harmless eastern hognose snakes, and peer into the lush upland hammock where you may spot white-tailed deer. Depending on the time of day you may be lucky and glimpse an elusive bobcat. Main access is from Little Big Econ State Forest in Geneva.
One of the best kept secrets outside of Florida is the 7,089 acre Emeralda Marsh, the best location for bird watching. The marsh is home to a diverse population of waterfowl and wild birds. Wintering and migrating species commonly seen include white pelicans, sandhill cranes and snowy egrets. With one of the largest concentrations of alligators residing in the wetlands and surrounding waters you're almost guaranteed to see one. Located in Tavares about 70 minutes southwest of your rental condo, it's well worth the trip.
Discover Wildlife by Boat
Strap on a lifejacket and take to the waters by kayak for an unforgettable experience. Central Florida Nature Adventures offer 2 to 7 hour paddles along meandering rivers, through black water forest and open savannas. View red-tailed hawks, raccoons and great blue herons. When visiting from November to February, gentle manatees abound. Call (352) 589-7899 for details.
Paddle out on your own by canoe down Spruce Creek or take a guided eco-tour on a pontoon boat. Cracker Creek Canoeing provides everything needed for a fun-filled day of discovering local wildlife. Located minutes away in Port Orange, tours are Thursday through Sunday at 11am and 2pm.
Black Hammock Adventures offers airboat rides on Lake Jesup, where you'll skim over water populated by more than 10,000 alligators. Shoot across the lake at up to 45mph for an exhilarating half hour of intense fun. Coastal marshlands promise glimpses of wildlife including wild boars, bobcats, turtles and magnificent ospreys. Once back on shore take in the live gator exhibits; if you're brave enough, you'll have a chance to hold a young one. From your rental condo, head south to Oviedo for a great Florida adventure. Park hours are daily from 9am to 5:30pm.
For a day filled with discovering facts about wildlife visit the Marine Science Center. See how turtles are rehabilitated firsthand at Turtle Terrace, climb the Bird Observation Tower or walk along the wooden 'birdwalk' to better understand the importance of releasing rehabilitated species back to the wild. Located at 100 Lighthouse Drive, hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 12 to 4pm; admission is $5 adults, $2 youths 3 to 12.
Whatever adventure you're after you'll find it within driving distance of a Daytona Beach condo. Check out Vamoose.com to sort by location, size and amenities.