Gulf of Mexico Healthy Near Venice, Florida

A day on the boat in Venice, Florida will make it crystal clear how beautiful and healthy the Gulf of Mexico is off the shores of Venice, Florida.  From the miles of clean spotless beaches to miles out into the Gulf,  sea life abounds and astounds.  This leatherback sea turtle was spotted 12 miles west of the Venice Inlet in the Gulf of Mexico.

Swimming alone, it surfaced repeatedly giving a rare opportunity to observe it’s behavior.  Leatherbacks grow to a length of six and one-half feet and 2,000 pounds.  They are the only sea turtle that doesn’t have a hard bony shell and are considered endangered.   Only a few hours later this loggerhead turtle was also spotted off the Venice coastline.    This species is considered endangered worldwide.  One third of the loggerhead turtles worldwide can be found on Florida beaches.  Loggerheads nest in Florida from April to September.