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INTO THE WILD
There are plenty of places for the responsible waterbike enthusiast to view nature's spectacle. Just remember, always keep a safe distance, and never harass wildlife. This is their turf…you're just visiting.
Alligators. Savannah River, Georgia This legendary river is classic old-time Georgia, with lazy waters surrounded by towering pines and stately cypress trees. It's also chock full of gators. Look for them in the clearer backwaters or soaking up the sun along the shore or on sandbars.
Bottlenose Dolphin. Gulf Coast A recent estimate put the number of bottlenose dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico at more than 67,000. What does this mean for you? Your chances are good for spotting one virtually anywhere east of Mobile Bay. Best bets are Florida's Marco Island and the open waters of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Great White Sharks. Farallon Islands, California Ignore the theme from Jaws stuck in your brain. Thanks to humans, the Great White has nearly vanished. Your chances of seeing this rare breed are best between August and November when they feed on sea lions. Just keep your toes out of the water.
Seals.Gulf of Maine, Maine Five species - harbor, gray, hooded, ringed, and harp - call the waters between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia home. Only hardcore seal lovers can bear the harsh winter months to see the fluffy white harp babies. Instead, opt for harbor and gray seals around New Harbor, Maine, during the summer.
Turtles.Palm Beach, Florida More than 90 percent of loggerhead sea turtle nests are found along Florida's Atlantic coast, a number that accounts for greater than one-third of their total population. Try a gentle cruise along Palm Beach during the peak months of June and July, and keep your eyes on the beach.
Whales. Monterey Bay, California Humpbacks and blue whales - the largest - are commonly seen between May and November. From December through April, look for gray whales, along with dolphin, seals, sea lions, leatherback turtles…maybe even a killer whale or the occasional basking shark.
