One of the most appealing activities on Longboat Key is the marine life viewing. During the spring and summer months, dolphins can be seen in large pods jumping out of the water and getting close to shore. Sting rays are plentiful and can be seen swimming along the surface in schools, which sometimes can resemble a shark fin breaking the surface. Along the shores of Longboat Key and Seaplace beach, there is an abundance of sea turtles during the summer months. They come to beach at night and burrow into the sand to lay their eggs. Since turtles only come out at night to lay their eggs and check on their nest, you will not see any during the day. Beachfront complexes like Seaplace are required to switch their path lights and any exterior lighting facing the beach to red during turtle season so that turtles aren’t disturbed by the bright lights at night.
Amongst the abundant sea life and the most interesting to watch (in my opinion) is the Manatee. These gentle creatures are extremely peaceful and quite curious about humans. Every spring, they make their way back to the gulf waters as the sea temperatures begin to rise. Typically, between the months of October and April, the manatees migrate to warmer water where temperatures average 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest concentrations of manatees during the winter months can be found at either Wakulla Springs or Kings Bay areas.
Weighing around 1,000 pounds for mature manatees, they can spend up to 8 hours per day feeding on sea grass and aquatic plants. These gentle giants swim gracefully along the coastline of Longboat Key and are most visible between May and September. They will frequently come into shore at the water’s edge when mating or to investigate humans. It is best to observe these peaceful creatures from a distance so that they are not disturbed in their natural habitat. The photo below was taken right off the beach at Seaplace a couple of years ago when several curious manatees came to explore the equally curious humans!
Although Longboat Key is a popular destination in the winter, the summer offers an amazing and tropical climate, which I feel is more appealing than the winter months. The gulf waters begin to warm in May and by June can be 85 degrees. Swimming in the gulf is a wonderful experience with the warm and crystal clear turquoise waters. Seaplace is an ideal resort for experiencing all the marine life in the area and to enjoy the fantastic amenities.
Very close to Seaplace Condos is the Mote Marine and Aquarium on Longboat Key. Mote Marine is an independent and non-profit marine research institution that is committed to the conservation of our oceans. They are also very active in protecting the sea turtles that make hundreds of nests along the beach in Longboat Key during turtle season (between May 1st and October 31st). Mote Marine scientists can be found driving the beach in the mornings during turtle season to look for nests that were made the previous evening. Small barriers are placed around the nests to keep them safe from beachgoers. The actual Mote Marine aquarium is something you do not want to miss. Be sure to make a special trip while you are visiting Longboat Key!
If you are looking or a wonderful vacation rental in Longboat Key, check out our remodeled condo at Seaplace: Click here.
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