Fish swimming in all directions, manatees floating by, dolphins leaping in and out of the water, and pelicans flying high overhead. Boaters smile and wave friendly hellos as their boats pass by, sailing along the tranquil surface as the sun’s golden rays meet the crystalline waters. A stillness so peaceful the only sounds I hear are those of singing birds and splashing fish creating ripples in the water. A gentle breeze of semi-salty wind makes its way across the horizon, calmly swaying our pontoon as the captain steers us toward our destination. Peering through the lens of my binoculars, I see nothing but sunshine, clear skies, and an open stream of blue for miles ahead of us. Setting them aside, I fix my gaze upon the sight before my eyes. This was not a portrait in an art museum, though the view deserved a spot. I was basking in the beauty of a divine creation.

Sounds like paradise right?

Situated in the Treasure Coast region of southern Florida, the Indian River Lagoon is  surely a treasure of its own. The lagoon is a vibrant, biodiverse estuary filled with unique wildlife and beautiful sights to see. The place where freshwater meets the sea, the Indian River Lagoon is home to a vast array of wildlife which find refuge in the barrier islands and waterways that make up this lagoon. Although the waters may seem calm, beneath the surface lies a bustling ecosystem where marine creatures thrive in an underwater universe. 

One spot in particular that is a haven for birds in the lagoon is Bird Island, a special habitat for protected wildlife. Designated as a Critical Wildlife Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), this island serves as a rookery for over fifteen species of birds. Public access to the island and the waters closely surrounding it is strictly prohibited due to the nature of it, unless otherwise granted special permission by a permit issued through the FWC. 

Viewing Bird Island from a distance is a breathtaking sight. Bright pink roseate spoonbills fly across the sky while beautiful brown pelicans swim in the island’s shorelines. Not only is this island a safe haven for birds, but it is a biodiverse wonderland for other marine life as well. Several mangroves thrive on the shores, providing nesting sites for birds and habitat for aquatic organisms.

For those wanting to sightsee other places around the lagoon, guided tours are available. Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, located right along the Indian River Lagoon, offers guided boat tours of the lagoon. These hour and a half long marine biologist-led excursions allow guests to experience the beauty of the lagoon, while educating them on the flora and fauna of the Floridian estuary. Commonly spotted wildlife include dolphins, manatees, stingrays, sea turtles, and plants such as mangroves and seagrass. During these tours, you will even get to witness science in action as the professional staff on board perform scientific activities such as conducting a plankton tow and deploying underwater cameras and hydrophones to see and hear the life within the lagoon. 

The Indian River Lagoon is a biodiverse wonderland with all sorts of plant and animal life harmoniously coexisting with one another. An trip to the lagoon is like none other and it is absolutely worth paying a visit.

an article by Nicole Castilla

photos from Unsplash