6 Friendly Marine Species of the Gulf Coast (And Where to See Them!)

The Gulf Coast is teeming with amazing wildlife, especially in the warm, shallow waters that stretch from Texas to Florida. Whether you’re dolphin-watching in Destin or snorkeling off the coast of Alabama, the Gulf is home to some of the friendliest marine animals you can encounter. Here are six species you might spot on your next adventure—and where to go for the best chance to see them up close!

1. Bottlenose Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins are the Gulf’s most iconic residents—and for good reason. These intelligent, social creatures often swim in pods and love showing off by riding the waves near boats.

They can swim up to 20 miles per hour and communicate through clicks, whistles, and body movements. With their playful personalities, they’re often the highlight of any dolphin-watching tour.

Top ways to see dolphins:

• Book a Destin dolphin cruise—some even guarantee sightings! For a more romantic twist, hop aboard in the evening and see what you can spot—it’s one of our favorite nighttime things to do in Destin.

• Try a sunset dolphin cruise in Orange Beach for scenic views and wildlife.

• Keep an eye out on Crab Island boat tours, where dolphins sometimes play nearby.

✅ Fun fact: Dolphins use echolocation—like sonar—to “see” their surroundings with sound!

2. Sea Turtles

Sea turtles have been gliding through the oceans for over 100 million years. In the Gulf, you might spot loggerhead, green, or Kemp’s ridley turtles—especially in the warmer months.

Though shy, sea turtles occasionally pop up for air or pass by snorkelers exploring reefs and jetties.

Best chances to see them:

• Snorkeling tours in Destin or Pensacola often bring you close to reefs where turtles feed.

• 30A kayak rentals glide through seagrass beds where turtles may be spotted.

✅ Did you know? Sea turtles return to the same beach where they were born to nest—sometimes decades later!

3. Manatees

Gentle giants of the sea, manatees (aka sea cows) are peaceful grazers that cruise through warm Gulf waters during the spring and summer. They prefer slow, shallow waters near estuaries and coastal springs.

Where to spot them:

• Take a paddleboard or kayak tour in Panama City Beach to glide silently through manatee habitat.

• Look for them in calm inland waterways during peak migration months.

✅ Fun fact: Manatees eat up to 10% of their body weight in seagrass every day!

4. Stingrays

These elegant swimmers look like underwater birds as they glide just below the surface. Stingrays are harmless and tend to avoid people—but if you’re lucky, you might see one skimming across the sand.

Where to see them:

• Snorkeling tours in Fort Walton Beach often include stingray sightings.

• Shell Island excursions offer great visibility for spotting marine life in shallow water.

✅ Fun fact: Stingrays use flat, grinding teeth to crush clams and shellfish for dinner!

5. Sea Horses

Tiny but mighty, sea horses are one of the most enchanting creatures in the Gulf. With their horse-like snouts, curled tails, and upright posture, they’re unlike any other marine animal. They’re also masters of camouflage, often blending in with seagrass and coral.

How to find them:

• Glass bottom boat tours in Destin offer a unique chance to spot sea horses and other small dwellers, including near Crab Island.

• Ask your snorkeling guide if they know sea horse-friendly spots—many do!

✅ Fun fact: Male sea horses carry and give birth to their babies—up to 1,000 at a time!

6. Blue Crabs and Hermit Crabs

From sandy shores to tide pools, these crustaceans are a fun find for beachcombers of all ages. Blue crabs are speedy swimmers with bright blue claws, while hermit crabs scavenge for new “homes” to carry around.

Best places to explore:

• Visit the shallow waters of Navarre Beach for an impromptu crabbing adventure.

• Read our list of things to do with toddlers in Destin for more beachy fun with kids.

✅ Fun fact: Hermit crabs don’t grow their own shells—they “house hunt” by swapping into bigger ones!

Don’t Miss: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

For guaranteed up-close encounters with many of these species, visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. This family-friendly attraction features:

• Daily dolphin and sea lion shows

• Touch pools with stingrays and invertebrates

• Sea turtle exhibits and educational feedings

• Interactive programs great for all ages

It’s the perfect add-on to your Fort Walton Beach vacation—and an ideal rainy-day activity!

Bonus: Birds You’ll Spot Along the Gulf Coast

It’s not just the water that’s full of wildlife—the skies and shorelines are teeming with coastal birds that are just as fascinating to watch. Whether you’re cruising, kayaking, or walking the beach, keep your eyes peeled for these feathered friends:

Brown Pelican
With their oversized bills and effortless glide, brown pelicans are the ultimate shoreline hunters. You’ll often see them diving headfirst into the water to catch fish—then casually drying off on nearby piers.

Great Blue Heron
These tall, elegant wading birds are known for their slow, calculated movements and striking appearance. You’ll often find them standing statue-still in marshes or tidal flats, waiting to strike at passing fish.

Seagulls (Laughing Gulls & Ring-Billed Gulls)
No Gulf Coast beach day is complete without a few gulls circling overhead. They’re bold, vocal, and always looking for snacks—so keep your sandwich wrapped tight!

Snowy Egret
Known for their brilliant white feathers and bright yellow feet, snowy egrets are often seen tiptoeing through shallow water. They have a quick, darting hunting style that makes them fun to observe.

Osprey
These powerful raptors hover above the water before diving talon-first to catch their prey. Often confused with bald eagles, ospreys are most active around inland bays, rivers, and larger lakes near the coast.

✅ Want to spot them all? Bring a pair of binoculars or zoom lens on your next dolphin cruise or eco tour. You’ll be surprised how much birdwatching you can do from the deck!

Ready to Dive into a Gulf Coast Adventure?

Whether you’re watching dolphins leap beside your boat, spotting sea turtles on a reef, or laughing at pelicans diving for fish, the Gulf Coast is full of unforgettable wildlife moments. From snorkeling tours to dolphin cruises, there’s a perfect way for every traveler to connect with nature.

Pro tip: Booking in advance means better availability, lower prices, and a stress-free experience once you’re here.

Planning your trip?

Check out our guides to Destin vs. Fort Walton Beach, the cheapest time to visit Destin, and the best Shell Island tours in Panama City Beach.