Nature

Mote – Marine Laboratory + Aquarium in Sarasota

Birgit Laniewski Family, Kids, Museum, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , ,
Mote Aquarium Sarasota

„The Answers are in the Ocean“
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

If you are in the Venice area, be sure to visit this fantastic presentation of marine life in Sarasota!

Explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life.

They offer

  • Bay Walk and Talks
  • Birthday Parties
  • Breakfast Programs
  • Eco Boat Tours
  • Kayaking
  • Morning Rounds
  • Research Charters
  • Seahorse Lab Tours
  • Shark Encounters

You may also join one of Mote’s Science Cafés in a local restaurant and take part in lively discussions.

Families

Especially families love interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise. Eco Boat Tours are ideal for kids and a fun and fascinating extension of any visit to The Aquarium. Meet our marine natives — dolphins, manatees, osprey, eagles and other marine birds in their natural settings — and learn more about Florida wildlife from the ship’s biologist.

How about a Full Moon Paddle? Take a break from the sun and join them for an evening paddle as they explore Florida’s coastal waters at dusk. Discover the animals that bring Sarasota Bay to life at night while taking a relaxing paddle on the moonlit water.

Mote – Marine Laboratory&Aquarium  started in 1955 with Dr. Eugenie Clark’s foundation of shark research and is now more than 200 employees strong, including more than 30 Ph.D. scientists. They conduct groundbreaking research with more than 20 diverse research programs focusing on today’s challenges as well as identifying and addressing future impacts. The advancement of this kind of research is vital to unlocking potential solutions to some of today’s most daunting global challenges.

MOTE

Marine Laboratory&
Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441

Website for info, hours and prices: https://mote.org/

Photos: credit to Mote Marine Lab

Where to eat in Venice: Snook Haven at Myakka River

Birgit Laniewski Event, Family, Kids, Nature, Restaurants, Venice Florida , , , , , , , ,
Snook Haven

Experience Snook Haven, one of Florida’s most unique restaurants, tucked away on the banks of the Myakka River in a true Old Florida setting. Enjoy your meal in the dining room, or on the deck while taking in the peaceful view of the river and wildlife.

Snook Haven features a delicious Back Woods Smokehouse menu featuring ribs, chicken, pulled pork as well as fresh fish, and shrimp. They have over 30 different beers to choose from, including some of Florida’s own craft beers, and other international favorites.  Snook’s outdoor stage is home to a rich history of local live music entertainment. Check out their monthly entertainment calendar to see who is performing. Come out for an afternoon of blues, country, rock music and more!

River Tours and canoe/kayak rentals

You are looking for activities? Book a River Tour or rent a canoe or kayak with Logan River Tours.

More info

Read more about the History of Snook Haven here. For opening hours and menu as well as for river tours and boat rentals please go to their website snookhaven.com.

Snook Haven

 

Beach Yoga on our Venice Beaches – You will LOVE it!

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Nature, Sports, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , , , ,
beach yoga in venice

Beach Yoga – Venice Beaches

Reconnect your mind, body and spirit with the beauty of nature. Disconnect from any stress and be soothed by the sounds of the ocean. Breathe in the fresh morning air while watching the sun rise and feel the power of yoga – beach yoga. Wouldn’t this be a perfect way to start your day?

Maybe you prefer to stretch and energize your body at the end of the day, surrounded by the stunning nature of our Venice Beaches? Join a Sunset Class and experience the fantastic atmosphere when the sun is going down slowly and enchanting everything with beautiful colors.

There are many great reasons to do Yoga. Yoga is relaxing, it lowers stress, strengthens, improves balance and posture, sharpens awareness and helps one breath better. Beach Yoga provides all of that plus a soft and forgiving surface, fresh air, beautiful views, a connection with nature, sunlight, vitamin D and the company of many like minded new and old friends.

Bring a blanket or a mat, a bottle of water and clothing that allows freedom of movement. The Yoga classes are designed for all abilities and ages. Locals and visitors are equally welcome.

Classes are supported by free will donations.

Join the team of certified yoga teachers:

Nokomis Beach

Meet Katja, Lois and Toby at the North Jetty on Casey Key. For schedule and more info go to northjettybeachyoga.

Venice Beach

Meet Elin at the Venice Beach Pavillon. For schedule and info go to yogawithelin.

Manasota Beach

Meet Katja, Louis and Toby at Manasota Beach. For schedule and info see yogamanasotabeach.

 

 

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Manasota Beach Venice

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Kids, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , , ,
01_Manasota Beach Venice

The Manasota Beach Road bridge in the northern part of Manasota Key leads you directly to this quiet and pristine beach. Take the boardwalks over the sanddunes and enjoy the crystal clear, turquoise-blue waters and the bright, soft sand that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Manasota Beach is also a popular area for snorkeling.

As far as the eye can see, the beach stretches along the coast. On long, peaceable walks you can find many beautiful shells and fossil shark teeth. Even on high season, this beach is never crowded. With some luck, you can even see manatees and dolphins. At the northernmost end, Manasota Key is a quiet bird sanctuary. Many native birds, dolphins and sea turtles live on this stretch of coastline.

There are picnic tables in shady areas, BBQ areas, changing rooms, restrooms and showers. Manasota Beach is staffed with lifeguards all year round. Parking is free – as always on Sarasota County’s beaches.

South of the drawbridge there is a boat ramp that provides easy access to Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Manasota Beach is located on 8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 – only a short 10 minutes drive from our Villa Happy Gator in Venice.

Let us inspire you with some pictures and a beautiful video:

 

 

 

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Stump Pass Beach Englewood

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Kids, Nature, Sports, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , ,
Stump-Pass-Beach-1

You can fall in love with this beach. Stump Pass Beach State Park is located on Manasota Key, about 20 minutes south of your vacation home Villa Happy Gator. Plan a whole day, so that you can fully enjoy the beach and nature of this beautiful place.

The state park is very well maintained. Ample parking, restrooms, shower facilities and pavilions for barbecue are provided.

Best is to discover the park on foot. Numerous small paths and boardwalks lead to the end of the park at the southern tip of Manasota Key. The further you go from the parking lot, the less people you will meet. Pay attention to the numerous bays. You may be lucky and see manatees or a few dolphins playing offshore. From May to October, you will also find nests of sea turtles, which are always clearly marked by animal friends.

If you like, you can rent kayaks or explore the area with a stand-up paddleboard. For info go to Hookedonsup.com.

For information about the State Park, visit the official FloridaStateParks.org website.

 

Stump-Pass-Beach-EntranceV

Oscar Scherer’s 29th Annual Earth Day – April 21 – Oscar Scherer Statepark Osprey FL

Birgit Laniewski Event, Family, Kids, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , ,
Oscar Scherer State Park

Celebrate Earth Day in the great outdoors of Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey.

Enjoy a day full of planned, fun family-oriented activities like live music, earth friendly food vendors, tram tours and kayaking. There will be a photo contest & exhibit and some guided hikes.

Oscar Scherer’s 29th Annual Earth Day will be Sat. April 21st. Free Event 10:00 – 4:00. Check back on their website for more information and beginning April 1st see 22 days with 22 ways to help the environment with a random winner each day and a top winner announced at the festival.

The park is over 1,380 acres in size, with 15 miles of nature walks and a 3 acre fresh-water lake, Lake Osprey, where you can rent canoes and kayaks as well. And there’s a playground for the kids.

Make sure to get a list of the day’s schedule and activities when you stop at the ranger booth at the entrance.

Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S Tamiami Trail
Osprey FL 34229
941.483.5956

Best Beaches of SW Florida: South Venice “Private Beach”

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Kids, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , , ,
South Venice Private Beach

Important Notice
Since the Association changed the rules for the Ferry Pass, we are sorry that we no longer are able to provide a pass for our guests (01.01.2021).

Come and visit our true piece of paradise! 3 miles of pristine beaches, natural landscape, and quiet surroundings are waiting for you to explore. Take a walk along the beach shoreline, look for some shells or find some of the world famous fossil shark teeth. Refresh yourself in the clear blue ocean, maybe do some snorkeling or paddling or simply relax at the beach and enjoy the calming atmosphere of this unspoilt piece of nature.

It is a fantastic feeling. Once you walk across the boardwalk from the ferry dock to the “private beach”, you are in a different world.

Read more about our “Private Beach” here.

006-Private Beach South Venice

The Best Hiking Trails around Venice: Jelks Preserve

Birgit Laniewski Family, Kids, Nature, Sports, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , ,
Jelks Preserve Venice

This 614 acre preserve is bordering the wild and scenic Myakka River. While exploring the network of trails, you can see diverse natural communities including hammocks, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands and can observe gopher tortoises, swallowtail butterflies, songbirds and wildflowers.

Some trails meander through canopied hammocks, others are open and sunny. At three different locations there is a connection to the river. More than 8 miles of trails are provided and marked.

This beautiful nature preserve is only minutes away from our Villa Happy Gator on 2300 N River Road, Venice, FL 34292.

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Blind Pass Park Englewood

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Kids, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , , ,
Blind Pass Englewood

Blind Pass Beach, also known as Middle Beach, is a real local secret and absolutely worth a visit. The natural beach is situated between Manasota Beach and Stump Pass Beach and offers almost 3000 feet of beautiful sandy coastline with lots of shells, the water is clear and emerald tinted. With some luck, you will find a sand dollar or a few of the famous fossil shark teeth.

Across the street on the bay side, a nice little nature trail is meandering through the mangrove forest.

There are clean restrooms with outside showers, a pavilion, picnic tables, a playground, boat ramps and a canoe launch. As with each Park in Sarasota County, parking is free!

Blind Pass Park is only a short 15 minutes drive away from our Villa Happy Gator.

More info at Sarasota County Website.

Blind Pass Park Englewood

Travel Tip created by Birgit in association with Vacation Soup

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Caspersen Beach Venice

Birgit Laniewski Beaches, Family, Kids, Nature, Venice Florida , , , , , , , , ,
Caspersen Beach - Villa Happy Gator

Caspersen Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach that has been left virtually untouched, in its natural state and somewhat secluded. With about 4 miles the longest beach in Sarasota County, it is the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled beauty far away from the crowds. Together with our South Venice Private Beach, Caspersen Beach is the number one spot to find the famous fossil shark teeth.

There is a nice short nature trail through a coastal hammock. The southern two thirds of beachfront were left in its natural state and offer a more secluded experience. A dune restoration system with walkovers helps preserve the shoreline. Other habitats here include freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangroves and tidal flats.

You will also find a 10 station outdoor fitness center, a couple of pavilions and a covered playground area for the kids. Restroom facilities have been updated and are modern and clean. As always on Sarasota County Beaches, parking is free.

How about spending a whole day with the family?

Caspersen Beach is a short 15 min drive away from our Villa Happy Gator.

Caspersen Beach
4100 Harbor Drive
Venice, FL 34285

Website

 

Travel Tip created by Birgit in association with Vacation Soup