Wilder Seas

Wilder Seas ~ Ocean Bethany ~

Inspiring people to protect and explore the natural world

07/01/2026

If you’re staying at Rainbow River Bungalows | Florida Vacation Rentals, don’t skip nearby Rainbow Springs State Park, just a few minutes away!

We spent the day swimming in the head spring (the natural spring where the Rainbow River begins), hiking to waterfalls (yes… waterfalls in Florida! 🤯), and exploring the shady trails.

One of the coolest moments was watching a mom and dad barred owl bring food back and forth to their 7-week-old owlet. Meanwhile, my 4-year-old was absolutely obsessed with the giant millipedes we found along the trail. 🦉🐛

A few tips if you go:
�• Bring pool noodles or floats. The head spring doesn’t have a gradual, shallow entry, it’s mostly steps into deeper water, so flotation can make it much more enjoyable, especially with kids.
�• The pizza overlooking the park was surprisingly good and only about $12 for a pizza that fed our family.
�• If you’re visiting by car, make a day-use reservation ahead of time. Once the parking lot fills, the park closes to additional vehicle entry.

• If you’re staying at Rainbow River Bungalows | Florida Vacation Rentals, you can paddle into the state park from KP Hole without purchasing a state park day pass. Guests have complimentary river access from the KP Hole boat ramps, making it an easy way to explore the park by water.

We were so glad we took the time to explore this beautiful park!

This skull came from a female loggerhead sea turtle named Kraken. After being struck by a boat, she spent seven months i...
06/28/2026

This skull came from a female loggerhead sea turtle named Kraken. After being struck by a boat, she spent seven months in rehabilitation, underwent multiple surgeries, survived her injuries, and was eventually released back into the ocean, only to be hit by another boat and killed.

While conservation efforts have helped some sea turtle populations recover, including increases in many green sea turtle populations, many populations still face significant threats worldwide due to human activities.

From entanglement in fishing gear to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and boat strikes, sea turtles continue to face growing challenges across the globe.

Learn more 👇
https://www.seeturtles.org/sea-turtles-threats

Photo:

06/28/2026

📍 Rainbow River, Dunnellon, Florida

As an adventurous Florida family, we’re always looking for places that get the kids outside and surrounded by wildlife. And Rainbow River was exactly that!

We spent our days paddling through crystal-clear spring water, watching fish swim beneath our boards, spotting turtles, otters, and birds, and simply enjoying being out in nature.

We stayed at , just a short walk from the river. Kayaks and paddleboards were available to rent with our stay, along with free passes to launch from KP Hole, making it easy to get out on the water every day. We’d explore upriver for a few hours each morning, head back for lunch and a break, then return for another adventure.

What we loved:
🌿 Crystal-clear spring water
🛶 Easy access to kayaks & paddleboards
🐢 Wildlife around every bend
🚶 Walking distance from our bungalow to the river
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 A relaxing adventure that’s perfect for families. (Well, is anything relaxing with little kids? 🤣?)

This is just Part 1 of our Rainbow River adventure! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3, where we’ll share even more of our favorite things to do in the area.

Happy Father’s Day 💙Seahorse dads are pretty unique in the animal kingdom! They carry the developing eggs in a special ...
06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day 💙

Seahorse dads are pretty unique in the animal kingdom! They carry the developing eggs in a special pouch then give birth to hundreds of tiny babies, called fry 🥹

📷: Ocean Bethany 🐬

Turns out I had another story out today with National Geographic! This one was on a new technology to ultrasound wild, p...
06/15/2026

Turns out I had another story out today with National Geographic!

This one was on a new technology to ultrasound wild, pregnant manta rays - an endangered species - in North America’s largest protected marine reserve led by scientist Madalena Cabral (Madalena Cabral) of Mares de México | .

“When the giant manta has accepted her presence and seems comfortable, Cabral swims above the manta with a handheld device, which she has permits for through the organization. She scans the manta’s back; the water between the probe and the manta’s skin actually has a role: It functions as a conductive gel. Then an image flickers onto her phone. Inside the animal, a pup, a baby manta, is moving—its wings flexing, its mouth opening and closing as it pumps nutrient- and oxygen-rich uterine fluid.”

Also featuring photos from Bryant Turffs (Bryant Turffs) Marine Megafauna Foundation.

One of my favorite — and different — stories I’ve had the chance to report.I interviewed the Master Navy Diver who led t...
06/08/2026

One of my favorite — and different — stories I’ve had the chance to report.

I interviewed the Master Navy Diver who led the team to prepare for the recovery of NASA’s Artemis II astronauts after their return from the Moon. It was really amazing hearing firsthand about the years of training, the planning behind every detail, and the emotional moment when the recovery team finally opened the hatch and saw the astronauts.

Excerpt:
To the recovery team, the successful splashdown was about far more than completing a mission. It meant the astronauts had made it home safely after traveling deep into space.

“These aren’t just national assets or mission objectives,” Crider says. “They’re human beings with families, with friends and probably a dog at home that’s been anxiously waiting by the door.”

Read the story: https://www.scubadiving.com/news/meet-master-navy-diver-behind-artemis-ii-recovery

📷 U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe

Homosexual behavior has been observed in over 1,500 species. After decades of observing dolphins, I’ve seen it firsthand...
06/02/2026

Homosexual behavior has been observed in over 1,500 species.

After decades of observing dolphins, I’ve seen it firsthand, including best-buddy pairs like Romeo and BigGash, pictured here in a photo I took many years ago. They were lifelong companions who frequently engaged in sexual behavior.

Nature doesn’t have a problem with diversity. There’s nothing “unnatural” about it.

Humans, on the other hand, often seem to have a problem with it.

Happy Pride Month. 🌈

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