florida everglades tourism

12 things to know before visiting Everglades National Park

Mar 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Here's what you should know before setting out on the waterways of the Everglades © Maridav / Shutterstock

Around an hour's drive from Miami on Florida's  southern tip, Everglades National Park offers 1.5 million acres of natural wonder. Covering an area the size of Rhode Island , this complex and vital ecosystem of wetlands, swamps, mangroves and forests is North America 's  biggest protected sub-tropical wilderness reserve.

Teeming with wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, manatees and birds, the park is laced with hiking and biking trails, dotted with campsites and has waterways navigable by kayak, canoe and boat. On any given day, you can hear airboats whizzing by, wading birds splashing about and fishing rods whirling in the wind as they're cast. In the park's more silent and serene nooks, you're likely to hear nothing at all.

Amid the awe, however, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your trip here. Having lived nearby for nearly a decade, guiding friends and families deep into the Everglades, I've gotten to know a few dos and don'ts, tricks and tips. Here's everything you need to know before you visit Everglades National Park.

1. Avoid the "snowbird season" crowds

There's a joke in South Florida from the fall through early spring (October–March): the leaves don't change, but the colors of the car license plates do. That's because while the rest of the Eastern USA is freezing, Florida remains warm, so travelers – known locally as snowbirds – migrate down here for the cooler months. Expect the Everglades National Park to be particularly busy during this time.

The best way to avoid the crowds in the Everglades is to get up early during the summer months (June–August) and visit in the morning. Note that the park is often muggy by noon, and temperatures regularly reach at least 90°F (32°C).

2. There are four entrances to the park, so find the best one for your journey

The Everglades only has four entrances . Two are in Homestead: the Flamingo Visitor Center, which is a gateway to an extensive network of canoeing facilities; and the Royal Palm, which is primed for walking adventures. The latter also has several paved and well-packed dirt trails nearby. 

The other two entry points are found west of Miami. Shark Valley is the busiest and is known for its gator-surrounded, 15-mile bike trail; the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City, meanwhile, attracts fewer people. It is primarily a gateway for boating and exploring the nearby series of mangrove islands. Depending on where you are traveling from in Florida and the traffic levels, it can take hours to drive between each park entrance, so plan wisely.

3. To access most of the Everglades, you'll need an airboat

Airboats – flat-bottomed watercraft with giant fan propellers at the back – aren't just kitschy tourist vehicles for gawking at gators. They are actually vital in delicately navigating the wet prairies, both in terms of helping preserve the vegetation and avoiding debris that would otherwise damage a fishing boat. Should you want to plan an excursion, there are three authorized airboat businesses in the park itself that provide services: Coopertown Airboats , Everglades Safari Park and Gator Park .

4. Snag a permit ahead of time if you want to fish solo

The Everglades are a mix of saltwater and freshwater landscapes, equating to a fishing utopia. When fishing independently, you'll need a license for both saltwater and freshwater fishing – two separate permits in Florida that you obtain from the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission . Cell service is extremely limited in the park, so save a potential headache by registering for the right license online ahead of your visit. If you are embarking on a chartered journey, your captain should already have a license, but check beforehand.

5. Support and book excursions with local tribes

The Calusa, Tequesta, Seminole and Miccosukee tribes all have deep roots in the Everglades region. Along the Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41), you'll see a number of Miccosukee destinations – notably the Miccosukee Casino & Resort , as well as the Miccosukee Village and Airboat Rides . At the village, there is a museum where you can learn more about the tribe and tour exhibits of their earliest clothing, tools and beadwork.  

6. Don't bring pets – they're not allowed on the trails 

What do the popular Otter Cave Hammock Trail , Rowdy Bend Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail have in common aside from awesome names? You can't bring your pets with you… or on any of the walking trails in Everglades National Park. Besides, they probably wouldn't fare too well with a camouflaged gator anyway. 

7. Opt for an ethical animal sanctuary

The Everglades has a number of wildlife sanctuaries, but not all are animal-friendly, so do your research before visiting. Aside from spotting blue herons in their natural environment along the Anhinga Trail or manatees coasting in the Florida Bay , Everglades Outpost is an ethical option if you want an up-close encounter . The nonprofit rehabilitates injured gators, reptiles and more from the nearby land before releasing them back into the environment.

8. Give wild animals their space

If you do have an encounter with a manatee in the open waters or a gator quietly lurking in the mangroves, leave them alone. Refrain from feeding the animals, and if there is a visibly sick or young creature with parents nearby, tread lightly as their defense mechanisms may kick in. Additionally, bird nests – for the likes of wood storks and herons – are a common sight. Let those be, too.

9. Yes, there is a Cold War missile site in the park that you can visit

Constructed after the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s, the HM69 Nike Missile Base was once a hub for protecting the US against a possible attack by the Soviet Union. The site has three missile barns, an assembly building, barracks and two missiles today. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center   runs tours from December through March.

10. The Everglades is vital to the entire state, so help where you can

As well as being home to endangered or threatened species, such as the Florida Panther and West Indian Manatee, the Everglades provides drinking water for more than eight million Floridians. When you visit, remember that your actions – and what you may leave behind – have a lasting impact.

If you're looking to support the park's vitality, The Alliance for Florida's National Parks accepts donations, with funds supporting youth environmental education programs, ranger-guided tours, habitat protection programs and more. 

11. Please, please, please bring sunscreen and sun gear

Too many tourists and locals that let their guards down do it every year; they forget their sunscreen and sun gear and end up looking like a painful ripe tomato in the ensuing days. Pack more than enough sunscreen and protective gear like hats, sunglasses and sun-protective shirts for your adventure, and set a timer for reapplying sunscreen. Whether canoeing the Flamingo District or birdwatching Paurotis Pond , you'll need it. 

12. Don't swim in the water and keep your limbs inside boats

It's the same mantra in every national park: don't touch the wildlife. Well, that notion comes in various forms in Everglades National Park. During the scorching summer months, it can be incredibly tempting to take a quick dip in seemingly calm waters, but just remember that there may be alligators, crocodiles, snakes, reptiles and more lurking in the waters. In the same vein and as any guide will tell you, keep those limbs inside the airboats. The wildlife will generally leave you alone, so long as it's reciprocal.

Keep planning your trip to Everglades National Park:

Figure out the best time to visit Get up close with nature on  these hikes Add  these experiences  to your itinerary Take a road trip to the park on  these drives through Florida  

This article was first published January 2023 and updated March 2024

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11 Best Things To Do In Everglades National Park

October 20, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Florida has some of the best national parks in the country, but do you know about all the cool things to do in the Everglades? If you’ve never braved the swamps, mangrove forests, and trails of the Everglades, you’re in luck.

With over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide endless recreation in Florida’s most beautiful ecological feature. So grab your bug spray, we’re here to help you take on one of the best national parks in Florida !

What Are The Everglades?

A subtropical ecosystem that spans over two million acres, the Everglades are an expansive set of wetlands and sawgrass marshes. During the wet season, Lake Okeechobee overflows, which releases water into a shallow river known as the “river of grass.”

As the water passes southward, it passes through several habitats. The slow trickle of water moves through cypress swamps, wet praries, and mangroves down to the Florida Bay.

Experiencing a wide range of weather patterns, the Everglades sees frequent flooding in the wet season as well as drought in the dry season. As the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the country, the area is unmatched in its beauty.

Human life dates back to 15,000 years ago when Native American tribes inhabited the swampland. Its main inhabitants were the Seminoles as well as fugitive slaves. After the First Seminole War, exploration began in the area, as well as construction and maintaining passable trails.

Home to hundreds of animal species, you can find many of Florida’s native animals in the Everglades today. It is not uncommon to see the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and Burmese pythons. The Everglades are also home to Florida’s alligators and manatees as well!

Where Are The Everglades Located? 

You can find the Florida Everglades at the southern tip of the state. Taking up the entire southern third of the peninsula, the area is largely depopulated. Instead of residents, you’ll find three national parks.

Originating just south of Orlando, the Everglades extends down the Kissimmee River all the way to the Florida Bay at the tip of the peninsula. Also technically included in the Everglades are the Ten Thousand Islands near Naples and parts of the Florida Keys !

How To Get From Miami To The Everglades

There are three entrances to the Everglades: the north entrance at Shark Valley, the south entrance at Florida City near Homestead, or the northwest entrance at Everglades City on the Gulf Coast.

If you’re traveling from downtown Miami, you can expect only a forty-minute drive! You’ll want to go to the Shark Valley entrance! For the quickest route, simply take I-95 North to exit 3A (FL-836 W to FL-825). From there, turn right onto US-41 West until you hit swamp!

For a more scenic route, you can actually just take SW 8th Street through downtown Miami! You’ll pass through Little Havana and see all of the best Miami attractions . While this route takes longer, it is more scenic. This is perfect if you don’t want to take the expressway.

How To Get Around The Everglades

The easiest way to get around the Everglades is definitely by car. In a vehicle, you can cover the most ground in the least amount of time. Most drivers can explore the entire park in one to two days!

Before you go, make sure to pick up a national park pass. It only costs $25 dollars per vehicle for an entire consecutive week!

Many people will tell you boating is the best way to explore the beauty of the ecosystem, but if you’re not an experienced boater, you might run into problems.

Only the most prepared boaters should attempt to navigate the waterways as a recreational activity. It can be easy to become lost or run aground in park waters! If you don’t use navigational aids and marked channels, you can do a lot of damage to your boat and the ecosystem itself.

How Long To Spend In The Everglades

Of course, any stay in the Everglades will depend on how much of the park you want to see. For a quick pass just to see everything, a driver could easily accomplish this feat in one to two days.

However many locals will tell you that simply will not cut it! Especially if you want to tackle the hiking trails, experience an airboat tour, or paddle through the waterways on a kayak, you will need more time.

If you really want to fully explore the park, we recommend a full week to see everything. Depending on your activities planned, you can easily spend three to four days on each coast of the park.

Best Everglades Tours

The Everglades are a big place, and it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do in the Everglades, consider checking out a tour, whether it be by foot, by car, or by boat!

Now you don’t have to do any planning of your own! The best part? You’ll still see the best of the beauty of the park in a timely, organized fashion! Taking a tour is certainly one of the best things to do in the Everglades if the idea of going it alone seems daunting.

Everglades Holiday Park

An hour-long narrated boat tour, you’ll learn about the variety of wildlife that inhabits Florida’s famous wetlands. In addition to the boat ride, you will also see a live alligator show and have the opportunity to hold a baby gator!

This is a great comprehensive option, but we recommend attending early in the day, as crowds can dampen the experience! One of the best Everglades tours from Miami, your guide will cover a lot of ground.

Tours operate seven days a week! Boats leave from the park every 20 minutes from 9 AM – 4 PM. Adult tickets cost $35, children’s tickets cost $20, and kids two years and under ride for free!

Shurr Adventures Everglades

If you really want to get the blood pumping, then this three-hour kayak tour of the mangroves of the Everglades is for you! You can spot orchids, birds, and of course alligators as you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels!

You’ll be led by patient, experienced guides who take the time to educate guests about the ecosystem. Tours depart every day at sunrise, 7:30 and 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and sunset. Tickets are $109 for adults and $99 for children.

Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers full-day tours of the mangrove tunnels. You can also take a motorboat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands, among other options.

11 Best Things To Do In The Everglades

Lucky cole’s speakeasy.

The last thing you think about in the Everglades is a bar or restaurant. But for weary travelers willing to do into the depths of the swamps, Lucky Cole is waiting to greet you with open arms.

One of the best things to do in the Everglades, stop by Lucky Cole’s personal home. Off of US 41, about 40 miles from Miami, you’ll eventually see a red mailbox next to old motorcycles and a Lucky Strike sign. You have arrived.

A famed Florida photographer, Cole photographs women with the Everglades as the exotic backdrop. All shoots are directed by his loving wife of many years, Maureen. Together, they advocate women’s empowerment by creating glamorous and sensual photographs of everyday women in various states of undress.

When you visit Lucky Cole and Maureen, expect to be greeted with a smile. You’ll be welcomed with astonishing hospitality, serving cheep beer and homemade venison chili.

Their guests range from locals, Everglades lifers, and anybody that dares to venture this deep into the swamps. Be warned, Lucky only welcomes guests on the weekends. Check his Facebook page to make sure he and Maureen aren’t out on a photoshoot!

Shark Valley

Off of the Tamiami Trail, Shark Valley is one of the best things to do in the Everglades! In the very heart of the Everglades freshwater marks, this is one of the best places to observe Florida wildlife in its natural habitat.

To get there, start at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Here you’ll find educational displays, a park video, and you can pick up an informational brochure. Inside you’ll find what plants and animals you’re most likely to see!

Next door, you will also find a gift shop where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs. We recommend grabbing bug spray before you head to Shark Valley, and then visiting upon your return. That way you don’t have to lug your souvenirs as you hike!

From the Visitor Center, you can walk or bike along a 15-mile loop trail that leads into Shark River Slough. Halfway up the loop trail is a 65-foot high observation tower!

From the concrete observation tower, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sawgrass marsh. See the untouched grounds as it appeared to natives over 300 years ago.

Make sure to bring your binoculars. If you look down, you’ll be sure to see baby alligators learning to walk as well as Red-bellied Turtles! Keep your eyes to the skies to catch glimpses of Red-winged Blackbirds and Double Crested Cormorants.

Wilderness Waterway

Calling all kayakers! If you want a paddling challenge, then the Wilderness Waterway is for you, one of the best things to do in the Everglades!

Over 99 miles long, in Wilderness Waterway, you’ll find a navigable recreational waterway, also known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness. With many interconnecting creeks, rivers, lakes, and inner bays, only the most experienced paddlers should tread these waters.

There are many shallow waterways that are only passable at high tide. One pass known as “the Nightmare” is especially difficult to navigate without damaging submerged natural features.

While difficult, the Wilderness Waterway has its merits. You can see shell mounds build by the Calusa people! You can also see Nauti Buoy Chickee, the last remaining private property within the park.

A full trip along the Wilderness Waterway takes an experienced paddler around eight days to complete. Travelers can however use additional route options to extend or shorten their trip.

Around the banks of the waterway, you’ll find beach, ground, and chickee campsites. Permits are required and may be obtained at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

Because many hurricanes have passed through the Everglades in recent years, you should always talk with an experienced ranger before embarking on a trip. They will have the most up-to-date information about best routes for your paddling skill level!

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

When you first arrive at the Everglades, you may become overwhelmed by your options. Instead of embarking blindly into the park, make your first stop at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, one of the best things to do in the Everglades to orient yourself.

Here you’ll get an overview of the extensive offerings in the park. Check the map to get a detailed look at what to do and where to go! A wildlife chronology details the native Florida animals you may see that day.

Inside you’ll find educational displays and informational brochures. Special collections by local artists are usually on display. Don’t forget to stay for River of Life, a 15-minute documentary detailing the ecosystems of the park.

Next door you’ll find the bookstore and a small gift shop to pick up essentials and souvenirs! Here you can buy books, guides, camera film, postcards, and of course, insect repellent.

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center also provides guided tours by park rangers. Your guides will have a deep understanding of science and a love of the South Florida area. A ranger’s expertise of the animals, birds, and trees will become the highlight of your trip!

Anhinga Trail

For most visitors, the Anhinga Trail is one of the first glimpses they’ll get of the Everglades National Park. Very close to the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the Anhinga Trail is one of the Everglades’ best attractions.

Just short of a mile, the Anhinga Trail is one of the most accessible in the Everglades, even for novice hikers. Children and dogs are permitted, but parents are encouraged to keep a close eye as predators are nearby.

The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see wild alligators . A haven for all Everglades wildlife, you’ll find cormorants, egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills along the stone wall and trees.

Look for odd-looking clusters of trees! These are pond apple trees that bear fruit. Don’t eat the apples though. They taste like turpentine. If you visit during the summer months, you might see sprays of orchids in the branches.

The path will eventually turn into a boardwalk and later into a larger observation area over the slough. You’ll see alligators drifting through the inky water as well as miles of sawgrass prairies.

Flamingo Visitor Center

At the southern tip of the Everglades, you’ll find a wide asymmetrical building featuring a long breezeway. This breezeway connects two buildings that overlook the Florida Bay.

This is the Flamingo Visitor Center, one of the best things to do when traveling from Miami to the Everglades. Next door, you’ll find a marina. Here you’ll find a great place to see wild manatees playing and sleeping in the water.

If you’re more of the adventurous sort, you can also rent kayaks and boats here. Spray on your bug spray and take to the water!

Open daily from mid-November through mid-April, you can find rangers to provide you with maps and advice should you need it. This is also where you can obtain camping permits as well.

The center itself is currently under construction due to extensive hurricane damage. When the Flamingo Visitor Center reopens completely, you’ll find updated exhibits and even a new restaurant and lodging!

Ten Thousand Islands

One of Florida’s hidden gems , the Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets that can be found near Naples between Cape Romano and the mouth of the Lostman’s River.

Here you’ll find over 230 square miles at the northwest-most corner of the Everglades National Park. With endless swimming and kayaking, a visit to the Ten Thousand Islands is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

One of the world’s largest mangrove systems, this national wildlife refuge is a paradise for those seeking some peace and quiet. Perfect for experienced paddlers and easy-going tourists, there’s something to do for everyone!

Take a narrated boat tour at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn the islands’ unique environment. The guides will direct your attention to wildlife like bald eagles, hawks, and dolphins playing in the water.

If you love the great outdoors, plan an overnight kayak trip. Choose between Tiger Key or Picnic Key for a view of the brilliant night sky from your own private beach! Sites at the island are limited and must be reserved in advance.

For a more relaxed approach, check out Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, one of the best beaches in Naples. From here, you’ll get a great view of Sand Dollar Island to spy on terns, black skimmers, and sand pipers.

Eat Stone Crabs at Everglades City

At the northwest tip of Everglades National Park, you’ll find a small town of only 500 people. Congratulations, you’ve stumbled across Everglades City, one of the great Florida oddities.

Everglades City was once a popular hub in the late 1970s as part of the marijuana trade. Over the years, after nearly the entire town was indicted in court, the town has found a new item to peddle.

Everglades City is proudly now the Stone Crab Fishing Capital of the world, a much more legitimate way to make a living. Instead of spending a pretty penny on Claws at expensive restaurants in Miami , head to Everglades City for a more casual and authentic experience.

At Grimm’s Stone Crab or Triad Seafood Market, you’ll get stone crabs freshly-fished out of the water. As you dine with the waterfront views of the Everglades, strike up a conversation with a local. We promise you’ll get a great old Florida story.

Especially if you’re visiting the Everglades from the northwest part of Florida, stop off at Everglades City. This is one of the best things to do in the Everglades, especially if you want an authentic meal!

Big Cypress National Preserve

During the rainy season, an expansive canopy of Big Cypress trees covers the Tamiami Trail. This will be the most scenic highlight of your drive through the park! The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

For those that don’t want to get hot and sticky in the swamp and avoid mosquito bites, you’re in luck. The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best places to see the Everglades National Park from the comfort of your own vehicle.

As you drive, you’re likely to see egrets and herons soaring through the sky. Completely untouched, you’ll drive through an old Florida wonderland, seeing firsthand what indigenous people who made there home here once saw.

To get a closer look at the flora and fauna, stop at the Big Cypress Visitor Center. On a boardwalk along a large canal, you’ll see gators sunning and birds flying overhead. Remember never to feed the alligators, lest you want to lose a limb!

Snake Bight Trail

For a true walk on the wild side, brave the Snake Bight Trail. Don’t let the name fool you, while snakes like Burmese pythons and poisonous trees are found in this area, you will be safe as long as you stick to the trail.

We’re warning you now, the five mile trip from Main Park Road to Snake Bight has the worst mosquitos in the park. So make sure to wear lots of bug spray. We warned you!

But no risk, no reward, right? To get there drive north from the Flamingo Visitor Center to park on the grass after the “Rowdy Bend Road” sign. Start at the trailhead to walk or bike through a lush tropical forest.

The trail is very tight as it travels through a tunnel of Cypress trees. Don’t veer from the path as there are poisonous manchineel trees and Burmese pythons lurking in the forest nearby.

The air smells salty from the coast as the path changes into a boardwalk. Look out for the Bromeliads clinging to the buttonwoods!

After two miles, you’ll have reached your destination and reward. At the observation platform, you’ll have a sweeping view of all of Snake Bight and the Florida Bay. If you look closely, you’ll see flamingos perching in the mud if you visit during winter.

Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower

To truly get up close and personal with the marshy ecosystem, try the very accessible trail at Pa-Hay-Okee. Named after the Seminole word for River of Grass, you’ll find a short boardwalk leading to a tall observation tower.

To get there, follow Main Park Road from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for 21 miles. Enjoy the scenic drive before turning right at the sign for Mahogany Hammock to reach the trailhead.

Because the entire trail is aboardwalk, Pa-Hay-Okee is very kid-friendly. While the mosquito situation isn’t as bad as other areas like Snake Bight, you’re still going to want to protect yourself. As you walk down the boardwalk, you’ll walk over the gorgeous sawgrass prarie.

When you climb the staircase to the Observation Tower, you’ll ascend past Cypress trees on a small island. From your shaded perch, you will be able to see the incredible vistas across the prarie.

If you look down, you’ll see the only water source for much of the wildlife in the dry season. To get back to your car, simply follow the boardwalk ramp through the Cypress canopy down to the forest floor.

Did You Find This Post Helpful?

If so, we would love to keep in touch! We enjoy seeing photos and comments about your experiences in Florida! You can follow us on Instagram and we will repost your photos on our feed and comment too! Just tag us at @floridatrippers and hashtag #floridatrippers. We can’t wait to see your travels!

Everglades National Park: 2024 tips for visitors

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2024

Everglades National Park reveals its magic and beauty when you experience it up close. It doesn’t look like much from a car windshield.

This Everglades National Park visitor guide is designed for the first-time visitor and suggests ways you can get to know the Everglades and see some of its famous wildlife.

It is based on four decades of visits by a South Florida resident who loves this land and these waters. I’ve paddled every trail in Everglades National Park and hiked nearly every trail. (Some feature shoe-sucking mud and even the park rangers don’t recommend them!)

We’ve updated for the 2024 season , and there are some significant changes — admission is up to $35 for vehicle (from $30) and the Flamingo area has a terrific new visitor center and lodge, making it an even more appealing destination.

Which part of the Everglades should you visit?

Your first decision in visiting the Everglades National Park is which entrance to use — there are three, they are hours apart and you cannot drive through the Everglades from one to the other.

The essential experience in this 1.5 million acre World Heritage Site is the opportunity to observe Everglades wildlife up close and appreciate the vastness and diversity of this river of grass. You can do this at either Shark Valley or the Homestead national park entrance.

The Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park is off the Tamiami Trail (US 41) directly west of downtown Miami. Here’s a good look at how to walk, bicycle or take the tram on the 15 mile Shark Valley trail. We highly recommend the experience of biking in Shark Valley. In recent years, the bird and alligator sightings have actually been better along Shark Valley than from the Homestead entrance.

Shark Valley is an easy day-trip from Miami or Broward County. It makes a great Everglades outing, and if you have time to go only here, don’t feel you’ve missed out by not visiting the Homestead entrance.

If you have time and want to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands area off the Gulf Coast at Everglades City, this area is a great place to kayak. But this entrance to the park offers a different experience from the other two. (If you have time, do them all.)

If you go to the Gulf Coast , one of the most popular experiences is taking the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour . Until fall of 2024, it will be launching from a temporary location two miles north of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center because of reconstruction of the visitor center. (The launch site is on DuPont Street, which you reach on the right as you are coming to town before your cross the bridge into Everglades City, but do book ahead.)

The site of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center and its kayak launch will close to the public April 1 and is expected to open by the end of the eyar. Alternate kayak launch sites in Everglades City and Chokoloskee are available at the Rod and Gun Club, Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee and the Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina. Visitors should contact these sites directly for parking and launch fees.

Homestead entrance at Everglades National Park

The Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park is half-way between downtown Miami and the Florida Keys. It’s a route into the interior of the park with many more options to stop and explore. It’s easy to spend more time here than Shark Valley because there are more areas to explore, trails and waterways.

If you choose the Homestead route, pack a picnic lunch (there will be no food service in the park until your reach Flamingo 38 miles away) and plan to spend the day — or two or three.

For an in-depth visit to the Everglades, you’ll need to either camp in the park, stay in an eco-tent in Flamingo (a “glamping” experience where you don’t need camping gear) or stay in the new Flamingo Lodge.

Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park

The first stop, even before entering the Everglades park and paying your $35 per car admission (good for seven days), should be the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center , because it offers well-designed interactive exhibits that help you appreciate what you are about to see. There’s a very good 15-minute film “River of Life” in the theater.

Be sure to get maps here and ask any questions you have about planning your visit. We’ve found the Everglades park staff and volunteers here extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Be sure to check the schedule of ranger-guided programs . From mid-December to the end of March, these range from 50 minute walks through interesting sites where you’ll have an expert to identify plants, birds and animals to bike rides, canoe trips and slogs through the slough. This is a good way for first-time visitors to learn about this unique environment and these experiences may end up being your Everglades favorites.

Because of the size of the park, there are separate schedules for ranger programs at the Coe Visitor Center (where you enter the park) and at the visitor center at Flamingo.

Some highlights of ranger programs at the Coe Visitor Center:

• At 2 p.m. daily, a ranger leads a free Wet Walk through the river of grass. You need reservations, plus the right clothes to get wet — lace up shoes, socks, long pants, all of which will get wet and muddy. Kids must be at least 12. You also need reservations. Call ahead 305-242-7700 or register at the visitor center. (Size is limited.)
• At 2 p.m. daily, a ranger leads a guided tour of the historic Nike Missile Site. (More on this below.)
• Here’s a list of 2024 programs at the Coe Visitor Center, Dec. 15, 2023 – March 31, 2024.

The Anhinga Trail: Your ‘must do’ in Everglades National Park

Four miles after entering the park you come to the one “must do” of the Everglades visit — the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm . This is most reliable place to see alligators and Everglades wading birds surprisingly close within the Everglades. (Note: Mid-winter to spring is the best time to see a profusion of wildlife.)

Before it became a national park in 1947, this was Royal Palm State Park and it was this remarkable site teeming with wildlife that grabbed the attention of the women (and it WAS women) who led the way to Everglades preservation.

The Anhinga Trail is an easy .8 mile paved and boardwalk trail. I have visited many times in winter and have never failed to see at least one alligator clearly and close, and sometimes a few dozen.

A range of Everglades birds — great blue herons, snowy egrets, cormorants, anhingas, moorhen, coot, wood storks — are often visible. During spring, anhingas nest in trees right next to the boardwalk.

Some may think this trail is a little too Disney-like, because it requires so little effort and the animals seem almost tame. You will see families, strollers and wheelchairs, photographers with huge long lenses and you’ll hear more people speaking other languages than English.

To me, the accessibility of this spot is beautiful; it guarantees a large number of people will have the Everglades experience and be convinced it’s worth preserving. And the animals here really are wild!

A ranger in the visitor center made an interesting observation on a recent visit: Sightings of wildlife along the Anhinga Trail have not been as profuse in recent years as Everglades restoration has brought more water into the glades, he said. He used to count 40 or 50 alligators along the trail; now he’s more likely to see a half dozen.

The concentrated wildlife was a function of animals seeking rare pockets of water during the dry season; those pockets of water are a less rare, thanks to restoration work — a good thing for wildlife!

At Royal Palm, there is another short trail, the Gumbo Limbo Trail. While a pleasant walk through a vegetation typical of a dryer part of the Everglades, for first time visitors, I’d recommend skipping this one and driving down the main road a bit.

Tip : I always take visitors on the Anhinga Trail. In fact, my recipe for “one day in the Everglades” includes these ingredients: a fruit milkshake at Robert is Here on the way into the park, a stop at the visitor center, a walk on the Anhinga Trail and then a walk on two or three short trails along the road described below. (These trails are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.)

Stops along the main road in Everglades National Park

Along the main Everglades road, there are a series of stops with short walks that round out your experience. Most people don’t have time to do it all, so I would recommend you choose perhaps two or three of these: 

The Pinelands Trail is a half-mile walk, this time through another environment, a typical Florida pine forest. A longer trail is nearby, starting near the Long Pine Key picnic area (which is very nice place for stop for the picnic you packed.)

The Pa-hay-okee Overlook . The observation tower here gives you a chance to appreciate the grand sweep of the Everglades and dwarf bald cypress trees. It is beautiful in late afternoon light.

The Mahogany Hammock Trail . This half-mile boardwalk takes you through the sort of jungly Tarzan-movie setting that many people come expecting at the Everglades. It’s a good way to see what a difference a few inches of elevation makes. (A hammock is a tree island where slightly higher ground leads to a profusion of trees.)

Look and listen: We’ve seen a barred owl here on several occasions. It’s a shady trail; good for warm days. That mahogany tree? It’s the largest living mahogany specimen anywhere!

West Lake: This is a good stop if you want a place to picnic . It’s 30 miles beyond the Homestead entrance. It reopened in early 2022, better than ever now that 2017 hurricane damage has been repaired. This stop has only a few covered picnic tables and a restroom.

There is also a boardwalk a quarter mile through the mangroves to an overlook at the lake’s shoreline, where you see trees damaged by that 2017 storm. (This trail can be buggy, so be prepared.) There is also a boat ramp, which is the launch site for the West Lake Canoe Trail, which hugs the southern shore of the big lake and is eight miles long one way.

The end of the road: Flamingo 

The road continues to Flamingo, where it ends at Florida Bay .

Should you drive all the way to Flamingo? You can have a great Everglades visit without it and it is far — 38 miles from the park entrance.

If you have the time, though, Flamingo has some unique offerings, specifically, reliably good opportunities for observing wildlife you won’t see elsewhere in the park and a terrific new visitor center.

The wildlife here is remarkable. A dozen manatees make the marina basin their place to hang out and are frequently seen. Crocodiles — rarer and more endangered than alligators — are often present in the waters around the marina. The bird life is extensive. An osprey builds a nest right in the middle of the busy marina every year where visitors see mom, dad and chicks living their osprey lives perhaps 20 feet away.

Newly opened just in time for the 2024 season is the beautifully restored 1957 pink mid-century modern Guy Bradley Visitor Center. The excellent exhibits help you understand and appreciate the animals and ecology of the Everglades. But the best part are the huge picture windows overlooking Florida Bay. Try to visit at low tide because the mud flats visible from here fill up with all sorts of birds and the free high-powered binoculars make it easy to view them.

When you’re in the Flamingo area or on your way there, check for birds at West Lake , Mrazek Pond and Eco Pond. (At Eco Pond, you can take a very nice short walk around the pond and gain various vantage points. When birds are present, wildlife photographers abound.)

The Flamingo area has its own schedule of ranger programs. Highlights of the witner programs, include:

• Every day at 8:30 a.m. a ranger leads a free birding walk at a nearby location where something interesting has been seen.
• At 8:30 a.m., every day but Thursday, a ranger leads a three-hour kayak trip into Florida Bay. It’s free and kayaks are provided.
• Here’s the schedule of Flamingo ranger programs offered Dec. 15, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Staying at Flamingo in Everglades National Park

Accommodations and marina activities at Flamingo are managed by the concessionaire Flamingo Adventures , with whom you can book boat tours and rent kayaks, skiffs and bikes. You can even rent houseboats . While expensive, we loved our houseboat experience; read about it here.

The Flamingo Lodge , which opened in November 2023, has four buildings with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all featuring kitchenettes, balconies, and fabulous views of Florida Bay.

These buildings and a new restaurant are constructed of repurposed shipping containers on stilts. The lodge is located between the visitor center and the campground. It’s not cheap; national parks never are. Rates begin at $159 for the studio in the “low season” in summer and $259 in the winter. There are 24 rooms and four are ADA accessible. Here’s our review of Flamingo Lodge.

Note: During the winter season, the Flamingo lodge has a two-night minimum.

The eco-tents are a cross between tents and cabins. Guests share a central bathroom facility, like at a campground, but stay in a cabin-like structure with electricity, beds and linens. Here’s our review of the eco-tents in Flamingo.  Rates for the eco-tents vary by season. They are $95 a night in winter 2023 and we had no trouble getting a last-minute spot on a weekday in January 2023. Without furnishings, the screen-enclosed tents are rented for half price off season.

For all lodge, camping, eco-tents, houseboats and boat rentals, go to Flamingo Adventures .

Here’s our guide of things to do in the Flamingo area , including kayaking into Florida Bay and hiking trails.

Tip : As you head out of the Everglades at day’s end, if you have time, stop back at the Anhinga Trail. The alligators that look dead in the noon sun become active at dusk, and it’s a thrill to see them silently glide through the water with only their tail gently moving to propel them. Also, the walk is quieter and less crowded. On Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in winter, a ranger leads a guided walk at 7:30 p.m. at the Anhinga Trail.

More in-depth Everglades National Park experiences

Since the Everglades National Park admission is $35 for seven days, a multi-day visit is economical. Here are ideas for things you might do if you have additional time. 

The non-profit Everglades National Park Institute offers several activities for a fee, including cypress dome wet walks, a Florida Bay kayak outing, an all-day guided tour of the Everglades and more.

Historic Cold War Nike base. This is a popular tour for history lovers and draws a different group of visitors to the park. Prompted by the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S Army built a base here with nuclear missiles and featuring high security. The decommissioned base is well-preserved and includes a refurbished 1960 Nike Hercules missile. Here’s my report on the fascinating tour, offered at 2 p.m. every day during the winter season.

Best Everglades canoe and kayak trails: Bring your canoe or kayak or rent at the marina at Flamingo or from Nine Mile Pond, a five mile loop through a vast shallow sawgrass marsh dotted with mangrove and tree islands. (You can reduce this loop to 3.5 miles by taking a shortcut noted in the article.) The Everglades National Park Institute also offers a guided tour of Nine Mile Pond.

If you’re on your own and it’s not too windy, you can kayak along the shore of Florida Bay by bringing your own or renting kayaks at the Flamingo Marina. Details are in our Flamingo guide.

For a more adventurous kayak-camping trip that doesn’t require reservations far in advance, I’d recommend canoe-camping Flamingo to Cape Sable . It’s 11 miles and you camp on a wilderness beach. (But no swimming: Crocodiles!)

The ultimate Everglades adventure — not for everyone — is paddling the Wilderness Waterway. This is a multi-day camping trail that requires you to arrange livery service to drive you back to your starting place and car. Here’s the park service’s brochure on the trail.

Boat tours at Flamingo : The marina at Flamingo offers two boat tours — one into the inland back country and one into Florida Bay ($40 adults; $20 kids). Both include naturalist guides who point out and identify wildlife. Details .

Free admission to Everglades National Park via the Homestead National Park Trolley

FREE admission to the park is available on winter weekends if you take the Homestead national parks trolley system. It’s a really good deal.

If you arrive by trolley, you will have limited options within the park, but it brings you to some of the real highlights. If you arrive by trolley, you should stop at the visitor center and look at the exhibits and watch the video.

Then, take the next trolley to Royal Palm, where you can walk two trails: the famous wildlife-filled Anhinga Trail and, if you have time, the jungly Gumbo Limbo Trail. Bring lunch or a snack.

The trolley also makes a 20-minute stop at Robert is Here, so it’s a good chance to buy a yummy fresh-fruit milkshake to sustain you. Here are details of the trolley system.

Planning your visit to the Everglades

• Admission to Everglades National Park to $35 per car with a pass good for seven days. As soon as you turn 62, get a senior pass. For $80, it offers lifetime admission to all national parks. Also: Take advantage of these free days in national parks .
• Do not rely on cell phones for critical communication while visiting the park. This is a large wilderness area and most cell phones won’t have service, even along the main roads. AT&T has a tower at Flamingo and service is good for their customers.
• The Everglades National Park website
• Camping in the Everglades
• Everglades National Park map . (Be sure to check for updates and closed areas.)
• The Anhinga Trail
• Shark Valley entrance,  with its 15 mile trail and trams ride
• Robert is Here , the funky fruit stand near the Homestead entrance. I consider it an integral part of the “visit the Everglades experience,” and the free trolley does make a 20-minute stop here.
• If you are spending time in the Everglades, the rural area around the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park is full of interesting places to visit and tasty experiences, including Fruit and Spice Park, Schnebly Redland’s Winery plus strawberry farms and a historic railroad village. This is a guide to  visiting the Redland region .  This includes the extremely popular Knauss Berry Farm , for strawberry milks shakes and Florida’s best cinnamon rolls, open only fall to spring.

When to visit Everglades National Park? Not summer

There are few places in Florida as inhospitable in summer as Everglades National Park. It is unbearably hot and mosquitos and no see ums are miserable. With water everywhere, the wildlife is not as visible. (The best concentrations of birds require the Everglades to be drying out, which generally occurs later in the winter.)

All the programming in Everglades National Park is built around the winter season, mid-December through Easter. You can have good experiences, however, in the fall — mid- to late-October if you check the weather for good days — and in the spring through the end of April. Both October and April are likely to be in 80s and pretty humid.

Frequently asked questions about Everglades National Park

Can you drive through Everglades National Park?

Yes, at the Homestead entrance to the park, you can drive on the main park road 38 miles from the visitor center to Flamingo. But the best experience in the Everglades will involve getting closer to nature, walking the short trails, kayaking on the waterways or taking a boat tour.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Everglades?

You’ll see the most wildlife when the Everglades dries out mid-winter. When water is less plentiful, wildlife concentrates around the remaining ponds. Depending on rainfall, that can begin in December or January and continue until late spring.

For visitors, the most pleasant weather is December to March. Days in November and April can be pleasant, but they also can hot and humid. June to October are invariably hot, humid and often buggy.

Is it hard to see alligators in the Everglades?

Not at all. The common figure is that the Everglades are home to some 200,000 alligators. Except at the wettest time of year, most visitors will see alligators along the Shark Valley path or the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park. But you don’t have to go to the Everglades to see alligators in Florida. Most freshwater rivers and lakes in Florida outside urban areas will have some alligators. They’re also easy to see along the Tamiami Trail in Big Cypress Preserve , adjacent to Everglades National Park. It has no admission price.

Is it dangerous to see alligators in Everglades National Park?

No. One thing that amazes visitors to the Everglades in winter is that you often see alligators right next to or actually on paved pathways and trails. The park advises that you stay 15 feet away from a gator. Alligator attacks are extremely rare, however.

How many days do I need to see the Everglades?

You could spend a lifetime exploring this wilderness. But most visitors will have a day or two.

• If you have only a few hours, visit Shark Valley and take a walk, bike ride or tram tour.
• If you have one day, go to either Shark Valley and also take a drive on Loop Road OR enter at Homestead and explore the stops along the main park road described in the article above.
• If you have two days, start in Homestead and stay overnight in Flamingo, at either the lodge or eco-tents. OR, if it fits your larger itinerary better, go to Shark Valley and stay in Everglades City . On day two, either arrange a kayak trip on the Turner River or take a hike at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park .

More Everglades experiences from Florida Rambler

Big Cypress National Preserve

Florida Rambler guide to campgrounds in the Everglades

Driving across the Everglades on the Tamiami Trail

Driving across the Everglades on Alligator Alley

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law.

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The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Saturday 16th of September 2023

This is an excellent article — thank you so much! My girlfriend and I are planning to fly to Miami on Christmas Day and staying until either New Year’s Day or the 4th of January, spending most of that time in the park and the rest exploring the Florida Keys and AirBnB-hopping. We like to kayak, bike, and hike. We’re concerned about the lack of kayaking this year due to the redevelopment you mentioned above, but I can’t find much about it when I googled. Can you advise if there will be any/enough kayaking to still spend 4-5 nights at the park? Would you suggest we delay this trip until next year? Just looking for your opinion.

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

@Bonnie Gross, Thanks a million!!!

Bonnie Gross

Maybe I should be clearer in the article. There are three entrances to Everglades National Park and they do not connect -- Homestead, Shark Valley and the Gulf Coast. There are vast wild areas between and around the national park, including Big Cypress National Preserve. The construction is at the Gulf Coast headquarters of Everglales National Park. But there is still excellent kayaking in that area -- my favorite Everglades trip, in fact, the Turner River. https://www.floridarambler.com/kayaking-in-florida/turner-river-kayak-trail-everglades/ It will not be affected by the construction at the Gulf Coast.

Shark Valley is terrific stop, particularly to rent bikes or take the tram. There's no kayaking there, but it is very close to the Turner River, and there are several other kayaking options in the area.

Homestead has several kayaking options, including a few from Flamingo ant the most popular, Nine Mile Pond.

Wednesday 31st of May 2023

Overnight Kayak Camping Tours

Come kayak, explore and truly experience the REAL Everglades! We offer fully outfitted and guided 3-5-8-day overnight kayak camping tours in the backcountry of Everglades National Park. You can find complete details at www.floutdooradventures.com. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Dave K. Florida Outdoor Adventures, Everglades Kayak Tours http://www.floutdooradventures.com [email protected] 386-295-1850

Randy Welch

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

Bonnie - my wife and I have recently retired and have always wanted to visit the Keys and Everglades. I am excited to finally be doing so in October. After reading several of your wonderful articles we are revising our plans to better maximize our sightseeing opportunities. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for for what you do and the wonderful help you are to visitors to the southern Florida area. Now I can't wait to try the Key Lime milkshake at Robert Is Here!!

Randy: Definitely stop at Robert Is Here. Be aware: the Key Lime milk shake is actually pretty tart. My son-in-law got one on a visit with me and he was not a fan. Other flavors are awesome, however. Also: Be prepared for it to still be hot. Fall weather doesn't get her until the end of the month or even November these days. Good luck!

Rachele Kelley

Thursday 24th of March 2022

I wish you could cover the Copeland area of the Everglades. I grew up at fire tower on Jane's Scenic Drive. Do they still have camping?

Rachele A Kelley

Very good info for folks thx

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Everglades National Park

Here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to Everglades National Park.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

• Planning Your Visit

How to Get There

• Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Must-see wildlife and natural features, where to stay, where to eat.

Visit Florida

Those who associate wide-open wilderness areas with the Western United States likely haven’t been to Everglades National Park. The Florida park stretches across 1.5 million acres and protects the largest designated wilderness area east of the Rocky Mountains. In the Everglades, alligators and crocodiles coexist (and are seen regularly), and the flora and fauna are so robust that this national park was the first set aside purely for its biodiversity.

“Everglades is not only a national park, but also a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty,” explained Allyson Gantt, chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . "I love sharing the complexities and beauty of this park with visitors.”

Meet the Expert

Allyson Gantt has been a National Park Service ranger for over 25 years, currently serving as the chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Gantt knows first-hand what makes Everglades National Park a special place — along with the ins and outs of what first-timers should know and what not to miss.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Planning Your Visit 

Everglades National Park is massive, so Gantt says it is vital to show up with a plan for what you will do and see. “Because of the geographic spread of the park, visitors may want to focus on one area if they only have a few hours or one day.”

The park is open year-round but offers two very different experiences based on when you visit. The dry season (December to April) is busier, with better weather, more wildlife, and fewer mosquitos, while the wet season (May to November) is quieter. Visitors can buy a park pass in person at the Homestead or Shark Valley entrances to the park or at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at the Everglades City entrance. If you’re visiting during the busy dry season, especially on a weekend, buy your park pass online through Recreation.gov to avoid waiting in long lines at the entrance gate. A pass for a single vehicle or vessel is $35 and is valid for seven days. 

Even if you do buy a park pass in advance, the Homestead and Shark Valley entrances are notoriously congested with limited parking during the busy winter season. The park website says , “It is recommended to visit these areas on weekdays, arrive early in the day (before 10 a.m.), and carpool to the park if possible.”

Due to its size, Everglades National Park has three entrances in three different cities. A car is a must because the park has no public transportation and the three entrances are at least an hour from each other.

The southern section of the park is best accessed from the Homestead entrance, which is the park’s primary entrance. The Homestead entrance is outside Homestead, Florida and has the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo). Homestead also provides access to the neighboring Royal Palm State Park . 

The northern section of the park is best accessed from the Miami or Everglades City entrances. The closest entrance to Miami is Shark Valley, which has the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The entrance closest to Naples is the Everglades City entrance, which has the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

lucky-photographer/Getty Images

Best Time to Visit 

As we mentioned, there are two very distinct seasons in Everglades National Park: dry season and wet season. If you come between December and April, you’ll experience the dry season, which comes with cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitos. The dry season’s preferable climate aligns with the park’s busy season — and it's also when most of the wading birds (and their predators) can be seen.

The wet season in the Everglades typically runs from May to November, and it's rainy with lots of mosquitoes. The weather and bugs that come along with South Florida summers lead to fewer visitors — which can be a major plus.

“The wetter summer season offers incredible cloud formations and calmer waters for boating and fishing,” Gantt adds. “The shoulder seasons, especially November/early December and late April into May, can be less busy times to visit, but still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the park has to offer.”

It’s impossible to feel bored during a visit to Everglades National Park. The expansive park has more than its fair share of interesting ecosystems and wildlife. There are marine and estuary topographies, cypresses and mangroves. There’s a lot to see and do, but for a first-time visitor, Gantt has a few specific recommendations.

Drive the Homestead Entrance Road and hike.

“The Homestead entrance has a 38-mile road with multiple stops with short trails through a variety of the park habitats,” said Gantt, who notes that this is a good way to get acquainted with the southern section of the park.

She specifically recommended the Anhinga Trail , a short route that is wheelchair accessible and starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center. Alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets are often seen along this trail.

Join a tram tour for wildlife sightings.

Near the Shark Valley entrance is a paved 15-mile loop that goes along the Shark River Slough, where alligators, turtles, and many bird species are often found. The trail is great for walking, but if you want to do the full 15 miles, your best bet is to rent a bike or hop on the tram — both of which are available through Shark Valley Tram Tours . There’s also an observation tower in the Shark Valley area with a viewing deck that overlooks alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. 

Gantt notes that at this part of the park, “Visitation is higher and parking can be challenging on busy weekends and holidays.” 

Take an airboat tour.

There are three airboat companies that operate in the park, and Gantt says cruising through the Everglades on a flat-bottomed boat is a must during your visit. The three operators with permission to operate in the park are Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.

Visit the mangroves and Florida Bay.

From the Homestead entrance you can get to the Flamingo area, which is considered the gateway to Florida Bay. The bay and the mangrove-lined waterways that feed into it are home to much of the park’s marine life. 

“At Flamingo, we offer narrated boat tours through the mangroves and also on the open water of Florida Bay. There are several great trails in the area for paddling as well as the open area of Florida Bay. Manatees, crocodiles, and osprey are frequently seen around the marina,” said Gantt. 

Beyond the marina, which has a small store and a gas station, the Flamingo area of the park has a campground and kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals (through Flamingo Adventures ).

Cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands along the Gulf.

If you want to play along the watery landscape of the Gulf Coast, head to the Everglades City entrance near Naples. This area is the gateway for expeditions to the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands that are only accessible by boat. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by a hurricane in 2017 and is being rebuilt, but you can still book a boat tour to the Ten Thousand Islands with Everglades National Park Adventures . The two-hour tour takes place on a 49-passenger pontoon boat with a trained guide and occasionally an Everglades park ranger. 

Troy Harrison/Getty Images

The Everglades is essentially a giant wetland that consists of sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and coastal mangroves. The boggy wilderness is both beautiful and daunting, especially when you consider that it’s home to a huge number of animals, including the Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, and the endangered leatherback turtle. 

But no creatures are as synonymous with the Everglades as the alligators and crocodiles. Gantt notes that “South Florida is the only place in the world where [alligators and crocodiles] coexist thanks to the combination of freshwater and saltwater areas.”

Beyond frequent sightings of the large reptiles, Gantt says the park has a huge number of birds, and it's “on the migratory path for a number of species, thus offering fantastic birding opportunities, especially in the winter.”

Animals aside, Everglades National Park has a large number of plants, trees, and landscapes, from coastal mangroves to hardwood forests. Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.

Flamingo Lodge

There is only one hotel within Everglades National Park, and it just opened in late 2023. The Flamingo Lodge is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula and can be reached via the Homestead entrance. The lodge has 24 rooms including eight two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people. The highlight of each room is the east-facing balcony that provides sunrise and sunset views over Florida Bay.

Flamingo Glamping Tents and Houseboats

Beyond the new Flamingo Lodge, the Flamingo area of the park has two “glamping” options — one on land and one on water. Visitors can rent one of the safari-style glamping tents , which have a fan and electricity. You will need to bring your own sleeping pad and bag.

For a unique lodging option, book one of the 42-foot houseboats , which have kitchens, bathrooms, linens, and air conditioning. The houseboats can sleep up to six people and can be taken out on the water. 

Related: Best Places to Go Glamping in Florida

Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds

The only other in-park lodging options are the Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds . Both campgrounds have RV and tent sites and can be driven to. The Long Pine Key Campground is the most accessible and is located near the Homestead entrance, while the Flamingo Campground is set deeper inside the park in the Flamingo area. Both campgrounds offer great stargazing and easy access to the Flamingo Marina, a popular launch site for fishing trips. 

Boogich/Getty Images

The new Flamingo Restaurant is adjacent to the Flamingo Lodge and is the only full-service restaurant in the park. 

“The new Flamingo Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a full-service bar,” said Gantt. “Anglers heading out on the water with a licensed fishing guide can also try the restaurant's Cook Your Catch offering, bringing back their fresh fish to be prepared by the restaurant.”

There are plenty of dining options in cities surrounding the park — Miami, Naples, and Homestead — but most visitors bring their own food and drinks into the park. There are picnic tables at Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds.

For grab-and-go snacks and drinks, Gantt says you can find a limited selection at the park’s visitor centers (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center, and Shark Valley Visitor Center) and at the Flamingo marina shop.

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The Ultimate Everglades National Park Travel Guide

Here’s how to make the most out of a visit to one of the wildest places in the U.S., from kayaking to birding to fishing and so much more

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I first saw the Everglades more than 30 years ago, as a kid from Chicago dragged along by my parents. Buggy, hot, and flat, what I laid eyes on then was a sodden grassland, and I wasn’t much impressed. But there’s a reason the Glades remained wild well after the continent had been “conquered,” why the migrant Seminoles were able to hide so long in its redoubts from the U.S. Army. Even today, this national park is massive. Its 1.5 million mostly inaccessible acres make it the third-largest national park in the lower 48 after Death Valley and Yellowstone. Now, after living on its doorstep for 20 years, I’ve become enthralled with its untamed nature.

A catch-all term for many different ecosystems, the Everglades once stretched more than 200 miles, from the Kissimmee River in Orlando, south past Lake Okeechobee, to the state’s southernmost tip and the Gulf of Mexico. Today the national park preserves just 20 percent of that, and cities, suburbs, and agricultural land abut its very edges. But the preserved Glades are as wild as it gets. Crocodiles and alligators, the Florida panther, manatees, and a vast number of flora, fauna, and invasive species of all sorts call the place home. Fragile and always changing, this Unesco World Heritage site is under threat of real inundation as sea levels rise, as well as from red tide and blue-green algae blooms (possibly caused by agricultural runoff), which have been devastating in recent years. The Glades are also a premier dark-sky zone, a sanctuary for migratory birds and raptors, and a refuge to get absolutely lost and forget the modern world exists at all. Here’s our guide to the Everglades on how to do just that.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Everglades National Park

There are two main seasons in the Everglades: the wet and the dry. From April to October, it is so hot and humid that even short excursions can be draining, and some park facilities, such as the remote Flamingo Visitor Center, are staffed only intermittently. I’ve found myself wiping masses of mosquitos off my bloody arms in summer, and the no-see-ums can be even worse, driving the stoutest of hearts bonkers. The upshot is that there are fewer crowds during these months. The dry season, which runs November through March, can be idyllic and mild. But whatever the season, pack bug repellent or netting, and be prepared for drenching rain.

Surrounding the park, especially its western parameters, are small, interesting towns like Everglades City, which some of the fabled Gladesmen—non-native people who managed to decipher the mysteries of the swamp and carve out frontier lives for themselves—still call home. The Everglades City area was so lawless in the recent past that bales of cocaine and marijuana were alleged to have regularly washed up on the shore. In 2017, Hurricane Irma tore through the area, and the people who live there are still recovering.

Finally, there’s no better way to prepare for a journey to the park than to pick up a copy of The Everglades: River of Grass , by the late journalist and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas . A seminal work on South Florida’s unique ecology, the book was published in 1947, the same year the Glades were designated a national park. The ecosystem was not seen as something worth saving by the many developers who drained and ditched this region all through the 20th century. That a significant part of the Everglades remains is due in large part to Douglas’s activism.

How to Get There

The Glades are so expansive that seven airports serve as access points. Though some require longer drives than others, none are more than four hours away (and most much less). So it’s best to pair your arrival city with other things you might like to do: Orlando has theme parks; Tampa and Miami, nightlife and museums; Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples, fine dining, golf, and charter fishing; and Key West, Hemingway kitsch, history, and endless margaritas.

Once you choose your airport, there are three main entrances and four visitor centers, as well as an information station in the park. The Shark Valley and Ernest F. Cole Visitor Centers and the Royal Palm Information Station and Bookstore—all easily accessed from Miami—are close to civilization on the park’s east side and offer ranger-led programs. Shark Valley’s 45-foot-tall, 360-degree observation tower is a popular stop. On the park’s west side, in Everglades City, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center is easily accessed from Naples and is the best entry point for the coastal Ten Thousand Islands region, a birding, fishing, and kayaking paradise. There’s also the Flamingo Visitor Center on Florida Bay, on the park’s far southern tip, accessible   by car from Miami or by boat from the state’s east and west coasts.

Road access is straightforward. On the west side, U.S. Route 41 is the only road in from Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, or Naples. From Miami, U.S. Route 41 and Florida State Road 9336, which turns into Main Park Road, are the main points of entry. From Orlando, either side is equally convenient. But no matter where you’re coming from, if you want to explore the west coast, where the river of grass meets the sea, it’s easiest to bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one in Everglades City at the Ivey House . Beware: the waters are shallow, and the underwater environment is fragile. If you get stuck in the mud, you’ll have to get out of your boat and push, which tears up the underwater seagrass habitat. Depth finders should be used, and knowledge of tides and nautical maps and an awareness of vulnerable manatees are also essential.

Where to Stay In or Near the Everglades

Despite the park’s massive size, traditional front-country camping and RV services are limited to just two sites inside the park. Long Pine Key Campground, near the Royal Palm Information Station, is only open November through May ($30 per night, no electric hookups available), while Flamingo Campground is open all year ($30 per night, $45 for electric hookups) and offers watercraft rentals. Reservations are recommended during the dry season.

There’s plenty of Gulf of Mexico beach camping on the park’s west coast, and much of the park is only accessible by canoe, kayak, or flatboat, so backcountry campers will be rewarded with solitude like few other places left in the U.S. But you must take trip planning seriously and pack your canoe or kayak with enough food and water for the length of your excursion. You’ll also need to know how to orient yourself with GPS and nautical maps—it’s easy to get lost in this landscape of repetitive landmarks. Backcountry camping permits are only issued on a first-come, first-served basis in person at the Flamingo and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers ($21 fee, plus $2 per day).

If you like a bed and shower, Everglades City is a great base camp. The town has a museum, restaurants, and an eclectic assortment of hardy inhabitants. Places to stay include Ivey House Everglades Adventure Hotel (from $129) and the cottages at the turn-of-the-century Rod and Gun Club (from $125). Longer-stay self-catering options include the Captain’s Table Hotel (from $109), great for large groups, and the waterfront one- and two-bedroom cabins at River Wilderness (from $130). You can also rent kayaks and gear at Ivey House, take swamp-buggy tours, and hire park-approved fishing charters and guides to lead you into the Glades.

The Best Adventures in Everglades National Park

Most of the park’s one million annual visitors don’t penetrate much farther than a visitor-center walking tour, but the Glades offer myriad activities for those willing to brave the maze-like waters, tall grasses, and mangrove isles. Whatever activities you choose, they’ll all have at least one thing in common: you’re probably going to get wet.

Bird-Watching  

If you’re a birder, there is no better place in the country to check off your life list than the Everglades, which boasts more than 360 of the winged species. Just pick a bird on your list—for me it is always the skittish and pink-hued roseate spoonbill—and in the Glades you know you are going to see it. Snowy egrets and wood storks are everywhere, osprey—and the bald eagles that steal their fish—circle overhead, and if you find a lucky spot in the mangroves, flock after flock of curved-beaked ibis will zip over your head as they head home to roost in the evenings. Keep an eye out for black skimmers, a shorebird that is making a rebound; you’ll know them as the seagull-like birds with an incredible underbite that seem to have no eyes at all because of their black and white coloration. Reserve tickets online for the Shark Valley tram to see wading birds, like limpkins. Kayakers can turn a corner in the islands and mangroves and happen upon a rookery that’s filled shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of birds: ibis, herons, egrets, wood storks, anhingas, and cormorants galore, and the spring- and fall-migration periods will offer you dozens of species a day without any struggle. Even if you never leave your car, you’ll see birds. That’s the charm of the Glades.

Launch your canoe or kayak at either the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers for a day trip or a two-week expedition. Between the two points are 100 miles of interconnected, watery wilderness, backcountry campsites, and a few marked canoe trails to help keep you from getting lost. The 5.2-mile loop through the grass marshes and mangrove islands around Nine Mile Pond is a favorite for day-trippers. Still, those who lose their way keep park rangers busy with regular rescues. If you want an expert to lead you, Tour The Glades, based in Everglades City, offers excellent, private ecotours.

The water is murky and full of creatures that will splash near your craft. Don’t worry, the usual cause of commotion is not alligators but mullet, a fish that schools here and is an important part of the food chain. For some reason that scientists still don’t understand, the foot-long, thick-bodied fish loves to leap out of the water, and it happens all day long. You will see gators, but they’ll leave you alone. That said, I keep my distance from any reptile longer than I am tall. If you camp on the beach, don’t tread on sea turtle nests, and if you paddle or boat along the coast, you will at some point be accompanied by dolphins.

Fishing Trip

There are nearly 300 species of fish here, and the first step to landing them is to get a license online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website  (the park itself has some special regulations  outlined here ). Light tackle is fine for freshwater areas. I use crawlers and land plenty of panfish, catfish, and bass. Unfortunately, you’re also likely encounter the invasive Southeast Asian walking catfish, a creature that can “walk” on its front fins overland to infest ever more bodies of water. If you catch one, you can release it. But if you decide to keep one, by law it must be killed.

In the brackish water of the mangroves, anything can happen, and you never know what you’ll hook, from the delicious and gorgeous black-lined snook to equally delicious sheepshead and snapper. I use live shrimp for bait both here as well as out in the saltwater. If you want to land a tarpon, one of the region’s premier saltwater game fish, heavier tackle and wire leaders are musts, and it’s better to go out with a guide. They have the local knowledge and all the expensive gear that will improve your chance of tight lines.

One of the great joys of my life was learning to throw a ten-foot, lead-skirted net for mullet. It isn’t easy, but all the local guides can offer lessons for the determined and interested. These fish will not take a hook, but if you have the shoulder and core strength to throw the net, it’s a true South Florida experience, and you can haul in a biblical bounty of these delicious silver beauties.

Everglades City remains a fishing paradise, as it was not hit by the red tide that ravaged the state in 2018. Fishing guides of note include  Jimmy Wheeler and  Jesse Hill , though as Kathy Brock, publisher of Everglades City’s newspaper, The Mullet Rapper , notes, “All our guides here are good. They can’t survive if they’re not.”

Hiking Trails

Short, interpretive trails are offered at all of the park’s visitor centers, but while wonderful and easy, they won’t satisfy those looking for a demanding, all-day trek. For that, head to the Old Ingraham Highway —accessed from Royal Palm—for a 20-mile round-trip trek in absolute solitude on what was once a paved road but has long since fallen into wild decay. The Coastal Prairie Trail —accessed from Flamingo—is a 15-mile round-trip that offers backcountry camping at Clubhouse Beach. The campsite requires a permit obtained at the Flamingo Visitor Center.

If you’re pressed for time or want a better understanding of the Glades’ ecosystem, sign up for a guided airboat tour. On the park’s northern edge, just off U.S. 41, three park-approved airboat companies— Coopertown ,  Everglades Safari Park , and  Gator Park —will take you into areas adjacent to the park (airboats are not allowed in the park itself due to the risk of damaging fragile submerged flora), schooling you on the region’s unique environments as you go.

Where to Eat and Drink Near the Everglades

Shop around in Everglades City, and find a menu that offers smoked mullet. It tastes like a moist, jerky delicacy. Restaurants include the year-round City Seafood, Island Café, Havana Cafe, and Camellia Street Grill, as well as the seasonal Triad Seafood Market (closed in summer). Also look for any menu that offers wild hog. The first Spanish explorers to Florida brought domesticated Iberian pigs with them as walking meat lockers. Some escaped, and now more than half a million feral hogs call Florida home. In Spain, these animals were raised on acorns and are to this day considered the highest-quality meat in that country. Here on this peninsula, they roam free in the Everglades, tearing up the environment with their bulldozer-like snouts, which means their meat is both delicious and good for the environment.

Stone crab season runs October to May. After taking just one claw from these thick-shelled crustaceans, fishermen throw the living crabs back into the water, where they will regenerate the missing claw over three years. All the local restaurants feature them.

Speaking of crab, I prefer the blue variety, which you can catch in the mangroves. Don’t bother with a trap (though you can set up to five if you insist). Just cast out any hunk of meat on a hook, and as soon as your line goes tight, reel it in very slowly: the crabs are so greedy that they won’t let go. All you’ll need is a dip net. Sex them on capture, and release any females. Males have a thin, narrow “apron” on their undersides, while females’ aprons are wide and triangular. There’s no special permit required and no better backcountry meal. They’re delicious boiled live in a pot.

If you can, plan your trip for early February when Everglades City hosts its annual Everglades Seafood Festival. Its post-Irma resilience was on full display in 2018 as more than 60,000 people descended to show their support and eat local seafood of every variety while enjoying the live local music.

If You Have Time for a Detour

If you fly into Orlando, stop by Eatonville, a town founded by African Americans at the turn of the 19th century and now consumed by Orlando’s sprawl. It’s the site of the writer Zora Neale Hurston’s acclaimed novel Their Eyes Were Watching God , which has many scenes set in the Everglades and chronicles the 1928 hurricane, during which the banks of Lake Okeechobee overflowed into the Glades, killing 2,500 Floridians, including many poor African Americans. Like Stoneman’s The Everglades , Hurston’s novel should be read in advance of any visit to the Glades. Popular attractions include the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts and, in late January, the popular  Zora Festival , which has been celebrated for more than 30 years.

Those who find themselves in the Keys should be sure to hike the trails of the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. In ecological terms, a hammock is a type of habitat found in the region’s higher, drier elevations, and this park is home to one of the largest remaining West Indian tropical-hardwood hammocks in the world. In Key West, hop on the Yankee Freedom III for a ride over to Garden Key and Dry Tortugas National Park. Explore imposing Fort Jefferson before paddling a rental kayak to Loggerhead Key to camp on the island or dive the Windjammer , a 19th-century shipwreck. And off the coast of Summerland Key is Looe Key Reef, my favorite place to dive in the Keys. Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this is a special sanctuary preservation area. Corals are under threat all across the region due to climate change and ocean acidification, but Looe Key teems with corals and fish and reminds us of how things once were.

The Tamiami Trail, a 60-mile stretch of U.S. 41 that cuts right across Florida from east to west along the northern edge of the Everglades, offers campgrounds and RV parks. You’ll also find many federally recognized Miccosukee Indian villages, recognizable by their thatched homes and security gates. At Miccosukee Indian Village and Airboats, you can watch demonstrations of wood carving, beadwork, basket weaving, and doll making as well as taste unique dishes like fry and pumpkin breads and frog legs or witness alligator demonstrations. During the last week of December, the Miccosukee also host the Indian Arts and Crafts Festival.

The trail is also home to  Clyde Butcher ’s Big Cypress Gallery. Known as the Ansel Adams of the Everglades, the storied photographer—who is a friend of mine and many other South Florida environmentalists—struggled to support his family and make a living most of his life. But following the death of his 17-year-old son, in 1986, Butcher stepped into the Everglades to heal and produced his now iconic black and white photographs of the region’s wild places. Today even Queen Elizabeth owns one of his prints. His gallery, located almost halfway between Naples and Miami, offers guest stays and walking tours. If you’re lucky, Butcher will be there during your visit. In failing health, he’s still a library of information about the history of the conservation work that made the preservation of the Everglades possible.

Editor’s Note: We frequently update this National Parks guide, which was originally published on May 13, 2019.

• Conservation
• Environment
• Hiking and Backpacking
• National Parks

10 Best Ways To Experience The Florida Everglades

When visiting Florida, the stunning and colossal Everglades (including the National Park) is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the Sunshine State's unique geography. The largest subtropical wilderness area in the United States and a World Heritage Site, the Florida Everglades has swamps, rivers, wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This article looks at the 10 best ways to experience the Everglades. 

Visit Chokoloskee Bay

A favorite spot for anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike, the 16-kilometer-long Chokoloskee Bay has long been a popular destination. A beautiful Everglades ecosystem full of wildlife, swamps, and pristine waters, visitors to the community of Chokoloskee and its Bay will always have unique opportunities for adventure. Try kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or a boat tour for great personal views of nature. Near the Gulf of Mexico, a short trip to Everglades City is another neat way to enjoy the area, especially at the Ernest Hamilton Observation Tower, where the view truly cannot be beaten.

Camp At Long Pine Key

The Long Pine Key Campground is a must for anyone in the Everglades who loves to spend time outdoors. With trails galore, perfect for hiking, biking, and even casual strolls through wooded areas, Long Pine Key is a quiet and peaceful setting optimal for camping and sleeping under the stars. Visit the Long Pine Key Nature Trail for some stunning views of nature and wildlife, while the nearby Rockland Forest is a majestic place to set one's tent up.

Visit Flamingo

With hot summers and warm winters, Flamingo is a bonafide year-round paradise and a must-stop for those in the Everglades. It serves as the southernmost headquarters of the Everglades National Park. Tourists at the Flamingo Visitor Centre can find an assortment of hiking trails (including Rowdy Bend and Snake Bight Trails), opportunities to explore the water through swimming or sailing (by renting canoes and kayaks), guided tours, and even elaborate mangrove mazes. Flamingo is also known for its high-quality dark skies, where star gazers and amateur astronomers can view truly breathtaking scenes of the cosmos. 

Visit Big Cypress National Preserve

Around 72 kilometers from Miami, the Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP) is an expansive and stunning place, showcasing some of the best of the Everglades. Covering an area of nearly 720,000 acres, BCNP was established in 1974 and continues to offer visitors unique and thrilling encounters with Florida's wildlife. Here, tourists can take a tour led by a park ranger and view wildlife like alligators, snakes, and migratory birds, or pitch up their tent or RV for an overnight stay at any of the numerous campgrounds. Indeed, as home to a list of endangered species, Big Cypress National Preserve is an immersive experience where the raw beauty of nature is allowed to shine. 

Go To Sawgrass Recreation Park

Those in the Fort Lauderdale area will certainly not want to miss a day trip to Sawgrass Recreation Park, which is just a short 25-minute drive away; despite its proximity to the city, once in the Park, total wilderness is to be found. Perfect for fishing and camping, visitors can also take an airboat ride and experience the shallow waters of the swamps and wetlands. Choose a daytime trip or try a unique voyage at night for amazing views of nocturnal wildlife. Sawgrass Recreation Park is a nice little snapshot of the Everglades ecosystem, all within driving distance of a major metropolis. 

Go To Shark Valley

A part of Everglades National Park, the Shark Valley is a geological depression that empties into the Shark River. Featuring a visitor center with displays, videos, and even an underwater camera that captures all the goings on in this unique marsh area, Shark Valley is also a great place to spot some wildlife. From alligators to storks and even wild raccoons, there is an assortment of animals to be seen here, while a stroll on the Bobcat Boardwalk is simply a beautiful vista. Or perhaps go to the top of the Observation Tower for stunning panoramic views of the water, the wetlands, and maybe even a gator or two. 

Hike The Gumbo Limbo Trail

Within the Everglades National Park, hikers will find a treasure trove of trails perfect for all speeds. Amongst them is the Gumbo Limbo Trail, which runs for nearly 2 kilometers and gives visitors an up-close view of some of the Everglades' most distinct ecological features. Running through a hardwood hammock canopy, hikers can see such plant life as strangler figs, royals palms, and gumbo limbo trees, all in their natural raw setting. Enjoy some shade, unique flora, and maybe even the sight of an alligator at this charming little trail. 

Visit Royal Palm State Park

Established in 1916 and now a part of the Everglades National Park, Royal Palm State Park is another stunning destination for incredible views of nature and the remarkable wetlands ecosystem that is the Everglades. Go hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, boating (kayaks and canoes are always popular), bird watching, and even horseback riding at this beautiful compound. An expansive area covering some 4,000 acres, the Royal Palm State Park is a great way to enjoy the unique ecology and atmosphere that only the Everglades can provide.  

Go To Ernest Coe Visitor Centre

The Ernest Coe Visitor Centre is within Royal Palm State Park and is open 365 days a year, where visitors can find various exhibitions, guided tours, and friendly Park Rangers always ready to lend a helping hand. Situated right at the Homestead entrance of the Royal Palm State Park, the Visitor Centre is an informative spot to learn more about the wetlands ecosystem that defines the Everglades and also serves as a place of rest after a day out in the sun. Inside, one can rent a houseboat and prepare for the next adventure in the great outdoors.

Hike The Mahogany Hammock Trail

The 800 meters long Mahogany Hammock Trail allows one to witness the stunning beauty of the Everglades up close and personal. Near the Ernest Coe Visitor Centre, this self-guided boardwalk trail is the site of the largest Mahogany tree in all of America. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, gumbo limbo trees, and air plants. Wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate, this small yet charming trail is a nice place to visit before heading on to the greater offerings of the Everglades National Park.

With its rich biodiversity, beautiful wetland habitats, and plenty of outdoor activities, the Florida Everglades offers its visitors an experience of a lifetime in the heart of nature. It is a place every American must visit at least once in their lifetime.

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The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

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If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

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Why you should visit the Everglades (and our top tips for a memorable adventure)

Get a taste of everglades national park on loop road.

Deep in the heart of Southern Florida runs US 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. This engineering marvel runs through the swamp, creating the northern border of Everglades National Park, home to many natural areas that feature a variety of outdoor sports including hiking, canoeing, boating, fishing, backpacking, and trail running. The Everglades is an emerald-green natural wonder filled with beauty and wildlife that makes it one of the most iconic places to visit in Florida. 

Ways to explore Loop Road

• What you’ll see in Everglades National Park

How to stay safe on your Florida Everglades adventure

Visit loop road for some everglades fun.

Located right in the middle, 40 miles west of Miami (ending at the appropriately named Fortymile Bend), is Loop Road, a 20-mile scenic trail that is sure to whet the appetite of any outdoorsman who travels it. Most of the road is unpaved and undeveloped, surrounded on both sides by a sea of green that is home to diverse wildlife. It is a great way to get a taste of the Florida Everglades or start a serious trek into the swamp.

Loop Road is host to a variety of activities so that almost anyone can explore it somehow, as long as you can get there. The nearest gas station is in Carnesville, which is roughly 15 miles away and very small (Loop Road bears an address in the rural town of Ochopee). Naples is 50 miles west and Miami is 40 miles east, meaning you need a ride to get to Monroe Station, which marks the head of the trail. From there, the adventure begins.

Airboat tours

At the start of Loop Road are a few airboat tour companies that can take passengers through the wetlands, and even more can be found along US 41. These guided tours can be fun for the family and a great way to get to know Everglades National Park in the most controlled environment possible. For the guides, the Florida Everglades is home, so newcomers can learn a lot from their knowledge of one of the most famous places to visit in Florida .

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Motor vehicles

Loop Road is primarily a scenic drive, which means you can take your own vehicle down the road. The speed limit is only 20 miles per hour, and drivers will stop often to take in the natural beauty of the environment and wildlife. Driving through Loop Road is a more independent way to take the entire family to see the Florida Everglades, even those who can’t participate in outdoor sports. You can also bring motorcycles and off-road vehicles because, in addition to Loop Road, there are numerous off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and smaller scenic drives that originate from the main drive.

Mountain bikers and long-distance cyclists can get a picturesque workout riding Loop Road. Since the speed limit is so low for motor vehicles, it provides a safe place to cycle and take in the scenery as a bonus. You can ride Tamiami Trail with caution because traffic traveling the highway is usually there for the scenery and therefore maintains mild speeds.

There are numerous campgrounds on almost all of Loop Road and the nearby section on Tamiami Trail, making it great for both day hikes and overnight visits. Visitors can experience the Florida Everglades firsthand on many short hikes that start on the road and lead into the swamp. The former southern terminus of the Florida Trail still cuts from the road and runs 8 miles to the Oasis Visitor Center at Big Cypress Swamp on Tamiami Trail. The Florida Trail is one of 11 national trails that include the famous Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide, and the Pacific Northwest Trail. Loop Road can offer hikers a glimpse of what to expect from the southern parts of this trek up the Florida peninsula.

What you’ll see in Everglades National Park

The swamp is a sea of green grass that has a lot of small streams, depending on the season. The west side of Loop Road from Monroe Station has the best of both worlds, with a stream to the right and prairie to the left. While these are both part of the same environment, they each have their own distinctive features. The wildlife avails from all of it, because it is all interconnected.

Cypress strands

Cypress trees are a signature of swamp life, and thrive throughout the Florida Everglades, creating a canopy over Loop Road as well as along the swamp’s perennial streams. These distinctive trees evolved to survive in very wet conditions and are known for their “knees” that protrude from the water. Much of the wildlife in the Florida Everglades relies on these trees for both food and shelter, especially from the swamp’s most famous predators. 

Saw grass prairies

Swamps are associated with water and flooding, but they do have dry seasons, and the saw grass prairies grow lushly in this environment due to being slightly higher in elevation. Saw grass is a tough, sharp sedge rather than what you might find on a lawn or in a meadow, so trekking into it on foot or while driving an OHV means following the trail to avoid injury. Periodic cypress strands dot the landscape in dips in the elevation that retain pools of standing water, looking like domes of green.

Gators gators gators

Alligators are all over Florida, frequently seen in the many wetlands habitats around the state. They famously inhabit Everglades National Park, floating in the water in the cypress strands and watching around them for prey, such as insects, birds, lizards, and amphibians. Alligators can range in length from 8 to 15 feet, but the ones in the Florida Everglades are smaller than average. The gators are an important part of the Everglades ecosystem because the nests females make for their eggs become watering holes for other wildlife once they are vacated. Turtles and birds also use these alligator holes to lay their own eggs.

Great blue heron

Standing at around 4 feet tall, the great blue heron is a formidable fowl. They are bold enough that many of them can be seen standing at the side of Loop Road or gliding down it with their 6-foot wingspan. Great blue herons can be seen all over the U.S., but they reside in the Florida Everglades year-round since the wet habitat of the swamp, as well as the brackish Rookery Bay to the west, are prime habitats for these majestic birds. They may be large birds, but they generally keep away from humans unless harassed.

Lots of egrets

There are at least two kinds of egrets that live in the Everglades National Park: the great egret and the snowy egret. These graceful wading birds are all white, with the larger great egret standing almost as tall as the great blue heron, with a yellow bill and long black wading legs.

At one time, great egrets were hunted for their plumage, which reduced their numbers until this practice was outlawed. The number of great egrets in the Everglades is also dwindling because of human encroachment on the swamp, including urbanization and pollution from industrial practices. The smaller snowy egret has a black bill and yellow feet, and can also be found wading in the water and fishing for food. Most of the time, these birds are solitary hunters, but they can be seen in clusters after sunrise and before sunset during mating and hatching season.

Maybe some endangered panthers

The Florida panther is a protected species with a population that has grown from a mere 20 in the 1970s to around 230 today. While the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, which includes a park dedicated to the panthers, is a few miles away on Route 29, the panthers can occasionally be seen in the Everglades and on Loop Road. They are extremely shy, so count yourself lucky if you spot one!

All that and some history, too

While the Florida Everglades is known as a natural paradise and national park, there is also some historical context along Loop Road. The town of Pinecrest was used as a base for the construction of the Tamiami Trail, which started in 1921. It was intended to be a city, with Loop Road as its main access road, but a lack of funds combined with its remoteness ensured that it would never house more than 400 residents at its peak.

It was used as a logging town and possibly a smuggling base for the famous gangster Al Capone. The Gator Hook Lodge was a historic dive bar on Loop Road that hosted “Orange Blossom Special” composer Ervin Rouse whenever he wandered in from his retirement home in the area. The bar closed in the 1970s and was subsequently torn down, but a few other buildings remain from this small swamp town.

Although it seems one could easily pack the family into the car and drive out to Loop Road, there are still some things you can do to prepare for a day trip, especially if you plan on biking or hiking down the road . Following are some tips to make a day at the Florida Everglades memorable for all the right reasons.

Make sure to hydrate

They call the state “sunny Florida” for a reason — during most of the year, Florida is hot and humid, which means the more you exert yourself, the more you will sweat. It’s important to ensure you are protected from dehydration no matter how you choose to explore Everglades National Park.

You’re not going to want to keep the windows up, so have plenty of water on hand even if you plan on driving. If engaging in more strenuous activity, you may also want to bring electrolyte drinks and plenty of carbs to make the trip. You can use a water bottle with a mister to pour over you to help you cool down.

Be ready to get some sun

Especially if your Florida Everglades adventure will be on foot, bike, or OHV, protection from the sunshine is another vital way to beat the heat. It may sound counterintuitive to wear long sleeves and pants in the hot sun, but such clothing made of light materials will prevent sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat and neckerchief or balaclava will shield your face and neck from the sunlight, as well as be soaked with water to help keep you cool. Nevertheless, carry a good sunscreen of at least SPF 30 .

Don’t feed the gators

This warning is posted everywhere in Florida because it is such an important caution. Alligators are not generally dangerous to adult humans because they are threatened by us, but if humans feed them, they lose their fear of us and are known to attack in these circumstances. It’s important not only to not deliberately feed them but to also ensure they are not accidentally fed by wandering pets or small children, both of which alligators may mistake for prey. 

Be mindful of the wildlife

Most of the animals you encounter are shy of humans and will either watch you pass by or flee when you come too close. However, animals that feel threatened may fight back in some circumstances. The large wading birds have long bills that can do a lot of damage to a human. Snakes in the Everglades may be poisonous and should be given a wide berth if encountered. Any juvenile animals should be avoided because their protective mothers are probably nearby and will not welcome your intrusion.

The locals live here

Everglades National Park was established in 1947, and Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1977. Before they became parks, people lived in small dwellings, so-called “Indian villages,” and logging and hunting settlements. Some of these dwellings still exist along Loop Road, marked often by gates and “No Trespassing” or “Posted” signs. The last few miles before Fortymile Bend has homes on the east side. As important as it is to remember to preserve the ecosystem of the Florida Everglades, it is also common courtesy to respect the privacy and property of the locals and remember that while this is your vacation spot, it is their home. 

Choose the best time of year

Many travel guides counsel tourists to visit Everglades National Park from November to December and April because this is the dry season in the swamp. However, from November through January or February, the swamp drains all the rain from the wet season and is still subject to spots of standing water that may require gaiters or other wet gear. April and May are the driest months to explore the Everglades, especially on foot. The summer and early fall are the wettest times, with the rain peaking in August, also the period of the hottest temperatures and humidity.

The Everglades is one of the most famous places to visit in Florida and can be a fun experience for the entire family. No matter how you choose to explore this amazing ecosystem, Loop Road is a great place to start your adventure.

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The reality of trying to see a sight like the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower is not what you see on an influencer's Instagram. It's overcrowded, loud, and you'll be stuck in line forever. From Barcelona to Venice, places are struggling with overtourism, but there is one particular city having a hard time reigning in the visitors, and it's going to make you pay big time if you want to go there. Amsterdam is trying to control its visiting population with a hike in its tourism tax in hopes of evening out the numbers for the locals.

The tax it takes to travel A little travel tip — the tourism tax is already a part of travel no matter where you go, from hotel fares to airline fees. The tourism tax helps the place you visit in several ways, from keeping the buildings and other structures in good condition to protecting the gorgeous environment you want to see. A few ways the tourism tax is collected

Let’s cut to the chase here — yes, I’m itching just thinking about the prospect of bedbugs, but the issue of bedbugs in Paris is one that you need to be aware of if you have travel plans to the region, so brace yourself. Bedbugs are setting up shop in hotels, the metro, theaters, and even Charles de Gaulle Airport, according to multiple reports across various news outlets, including Reuters, CNN, and CBS News. Several reports have expressed concerns over the potential consequences here in the U.S. after travelers return stateside following Paris’ Fashion Week. With the pandemic fresh on everyone’s minds, it’s hard not to think of an event like Fashion Week as a potential super spreader, if you will. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, are also on people’s minds. So, what do you need to know about this creeping menace, and how can you protect yourself from becoming their unwilling travel companion? Let's dive in.

What to know about the bedbugs in Paris, France They're something no traveler ever wants to think about, let alone encounter, but the tiny reddish-brown bugs are causing quite a stir in the City of Lights. France's recent bedbug boom is attributed to increased travel and the bugs' growing resistance to insecticides, according to reports from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).

When it comes to outdoor gear and apparel, The North Face is a name that has become synonymous with quality and performance. For years, it has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge outdoor products, and this time, The North Face has taken a bold step into the world of urban fashion with its new GORE-TEX denim collection. GORE-TEX, a waterproof and breathable fabric membrane, is no stranger to the world of outdoor wear, but The North Face has ingeniously merged it with the classic appeal of denim to create a line of stylish and highly functional techwear.

GORE-TEX is composed of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known as Teflon, which is a material renowned for its waterproof and breathable properties. It efficiently repels water while allowing water vapor to escape, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable in a wide range of conditions. While GORE-TEX is commonly used in rainwear, The North Face has leveraged its capabilities to create its new line. Urban chic meets outdoor performance with the GTX Mountain Jacket The standout piece in The North Face's GORE-TEX denim collection is the GTX Mountain Jacket. This GORE-TEX jacket is designed with the urban explorer in mind and seamlessly combines style with functionality. Here's a closer look at some of its key features:

Things to Do in Everglades City, FL - Everglades City Attractions

Things to do in everglades city, explore popular experiences, ways to tour everglades city.

Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour

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Airboat tours.

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Florida Seminole Tourism

3 Interesting Facts About the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades are an extraordinary feat of nature! Once you come here, it’s easy to see why people come from all over the world to take a journey through the wetlands. With unique vegetation and fantastic wildlife, the Everglades must be seen up close, and in person. But with as much attention as the ecosystem has been getting lately, there’s still much to learn about its contribution to South Florida and the people that live here.

Here are three things about the Florida Everglades that may surprise you:

The Everglades is Actually a River

The Florida Everglades is actually a river that’s constantly moving. This slow movement of a broad, shallow  river  is known as sheetflow, and gives the Everglades its nickname, River of Grass. Water leaving Lake Okeechobee may require months or years to reach its final destination, Florida Bay. This aspect has certainly been made known during the last two years of Florida’s algae problems. The Everglades form a slow-moving river that’s sixty miles wide and a hundred miles long. The Everglades “River of Grass” has shrunk over time – as much as fifty percent of the wetland habitat has been damaged by construction and related drainage projects that have been popular by the news.

8 Million Floridians Depend on Everglades for Drinking Water

As the largest subtropical wetland in North America, the health and stability of the Florida Everglades is a big deal. But aside from providing shelter and protection for scores of wildlife, the Everglades is a vital resource to people, as well and one out of every three Floridians rely on the Everglades for drinking water.

Wild Fire is common in the Everglades – and Critical to the Ecosystem

When most people think of the Everglades, they imagine swampland and wet, murky waters. While that’s true, there’s also a very distinctive dry season where weather patterns create drought like conditions that are perfect for fire. What many people don’t realize is that fire is actually an essential part of maintenance, clearing the way for a complex system of interdependent ecosystems to thrive.

The Florida Everglades are complex, but it’s this complexity that makes it so fantastic.  Not many natural environs host panthers, crocodiles and alligators together. The first two are endangered animals that the Florida Everglades ecosystem protects. But with nine distinct habitats, the Everglades is also home to over 16 species of birds, a variety of mammals, reptiles, plants and scores of unique flora. America’s wetland is truly amazing, and a fantastic learning environment for adventurous families, photographers and nature lovers. If you’re interested in learning more and a journey through the Everglades sounds like fun, a narrated tour may be the answer. Visit  Florida Seminole Tourism  to join in the fun and adventure that is the Florida Everglades!

About Florida Seminole Tourism (FST)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. FST is a top Florida Everglades adventure, learning and camping destination. We share the excitement and wonder of the Florida Everglades to visitors from around the globe. Our award-winning Everglades attractions including  Billie Swamp Safari ,   Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum , and  Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground .

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John Rosado

I wish I were there now!!

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Florida Everglades boat tour overturns in alligator-infested waters

Ten people fell into the water, with alligators in sight nearby.

News reporter @niamhielynch

Tuesday 2 April 2024 12:26, UK

A man has been arrested after a boat overturned in alligator-infested waters in the Florida Everglades. 

Nine people on an airboat tour of the area - including tourists from Puerto Rico and Canada - and the driver fell into the water when the boat made a sharp turn to see an alligator but flipped over on Friday afternoon.

The passengers were waiting to be rescued for around 10 minutes with an alligator in sight.

Pictures showed the boat partially submerged in water with some passengers standing on top waiting for help.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

One person was injured and was treated at the scene.

The boat operator was arrested for not having proof of completion of a boating safety course nor a captain's licence issued by the US Coast Guard, Sky's US partner network NBC News reported.

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Between 20 to 40 gallons of fuel also leaked into the water after the boat turned over.

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Everglades city.

Everglades City , 36 miles south of Naples on Florida’s Southwest Coast , is a small community where visitors can truly get away from it all and the perfect staging point for a family-friendly Everglades vacation or Gulf-Coast fishing getaway.

The charming waterfront city’s proximity to Everglades parks and wild Gulf islands make it an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Fish Ten Thousand Islands , kayak the Paradise Coast Blueway , check out the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park , and choose from a host of companies offering excursions to the Everglades, fishing charters, airboat tours, swamp buggy tours, and eco-tours. Some of Florida’s most iconic preserves and parks, including Big Cypress National Preserve , Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge , Picayune Strand State Forest , and Collier-Seminole State Park , are all within easy reach of Everglades City.

Culinary offerings here range from fresh-from-the-water seafood to cafe fare and Cuban-American cuisine. Everglades City is known as the “ Stone Crab Capital of the World,” and visitors can get this delicacy at local eateries and fish sellers during stone crab season, which runs from Oct. 15 until May 1. The 100-year-old Everglades Rod & Gun Club is a historic local gem where visitors can eat in the same club where several presidents have dined, stay at the resort , and dock at the marina .

Ochopee, a 10-minute drive from Everglades City, is where visitors can find Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery and see the famous black-and-white works of Florida’s best-known photographer. Quirky, family-friendly attractions, including the The smallest post office in the U.S. and Skunk Ape Research Headquarters , are also nearby. The Smallwood Store , four miles from Everglades City on Chokoloskee Island , is full of Florida pioneer history and rumored to be haunted.

Plan your trip to the Paradise Coast .

Explore the parks, spot dolphins on an eco-tour, the area’s family-friendly attractions.

• Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
• More kid-friendly experiences

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Visit the museum and local attractions.

• Museum of the Everglades
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Book a fishing charter, airboat tour, or swamp buggy tour, and explore the area’s many parks and preserves.

• Gulf Coast paddling trails
• Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
• Picayune Strand State Forest
• Collier-Seminole State Park
• Everglades National Park
• Wellness retreats and eco-tours
• Airboat tours
• Fishing, charters, and more

Take a drive to visit the beaches of Naples and Marco Island.

• Naples and Marco Island beaches

ACCESSIBILITY

Visit the area’s accessible attractions.

• Everglades National Park accessibility information
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Enjoy fresh seafood, Cuban-American cuisine, and more.

• Taverns and grills

Pick up essential supplies, gifts, and seafood to go.

• Glades Haven General Store
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PLACES TO STAY

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Jay Tusa appointed as Tourism Director for Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces the appointment of Jay Tusa as the new Tourism Director, effective 25 March 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Tusa brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Through strategic vision and a commitment to excellence, Tusa will lead destination management, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement initiatives to further enhance the region’s tourism offerings. His proven ability to drive economic growth, destination development and infrastructure improvement projects will enhance the visitor experience and guide Collier County through its next development phase.

Tusa most recently served as Assistant Airport Director, Strategy and Development at Pensacola International Airport where he was responsible for implementing strategic planning initiatives to foster economic growth and sustainable tourism practices for the region.

Prior to this role, Tusa served as the Executive Director of Visit South Walton, where he led initiatives resulting in substantial increases in visitation and spending, ensuring the support of tourism-related jobs.

Tusa’s experience also includes key leadership roles within the tourism industry. He served as Director of Marketing for Explore Asheville, as Corporate Director of Marketing for St. Joe Hospitality, as Director of Communications and Research for Louisiana Office of Tourism and as Executive Director of River Parishes Tourist Commission.

“We are pleased to welcome Jay Tusa as the newly appointed Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB,” stated Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County Manager for Collier County. “His impressive experience in elevating the visitor experience and management of critical infrastructure and beach enhancement projects will ensure Collier County’s tourism-supported initiatives will continue to drive the economic growth that supports the unique lifestyle that both visitors and residents enjoy in our community.”

Throughout his career, Tusa has been actively involved in various notable industry associations including U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International, Southeast Tourism Society, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Visit Florida. His commitment to stakeholder engagement and industry advocacy reflects his passion for advancing the travel sector.

“I’m excited to take on the role of Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades CVB. With a strong commitment to fostering sustainable growth and building vibrant communities through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, I’m looking forward to elevating our region’s tourism landscape and making lasting contributions to our community,” said Jay Tusa, CDME, CTIS, TMP, Tourism Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.

Tusa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and is recognised with designations such as Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) and Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS).

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Terrified Florida Tourists Stranded in Reptile-Infested Water After Captain Flips Boat in Everglades

"There was a crocodile in the water and our captain tried to maneuver the boat, make a U-turn almost, but he didn't succeed and he tried to make another U-turn to go back to where we were coming from and the boat just flipped," said passenger Jose Maldana

A group of tourists in Florida are recovering after a terrifying start to their holiday weekend on Friday.

Nine passengers found themselves fending for their lives in reptile-infested waters when their airboat capsized during a tour of the Everglades, according to the  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC).

Passengers later told CBS Miami that the boat took a sharp turn while trying to get close to an alligator when the boat started to take on water and then capsized, dumping all 10 people onboard into the swamp waters.

"There was a crocodile in the water and our captain tried to maneuver the boat, make a U-turn almost, but he didn't succeed and he tried to make another U-turn to go back to where we were coming from and the boat just flipped," said passenger Jose Maldanado.

The group spent about 10 minutes in the water, according to one passenger, before being rescued and treated back on dry land.

Video posted to social media shows the group trudging through the swamp water to the airboat that eventually rescued them all from the terrifying ordeal.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue examined the passengers, who suffered nothing more than a few scratches in most cases. One person did get assessed for injuries, but they were not hospitalized, according to authorities.

On Friday, police  arrested the individual who had been operating the airboat when it capsized.

"The operator of the airboat, an employee of Coopertown Airboat Rides, was arrested and transported to jail for having neither proof of completion of a boating safety course nor a captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard," the FFWCC said in a statement.

Police have not released the name of that captain.

Coopertown Airboat Rides did not respond to a request for comment.

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Standing together to keep Florida on the right track

This week, standing with more than 30 Florida Sheriffs and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, we  announced a first-of-its-kind report  outlining how to keep our state on the right track.  

Florida ranks high for population growth, business formations and tourism. This is no accident, and the new  Building Stronger Safer Cities report  outlines how some parts of the country took dangerous, unproven detours, while our leaders stayed focused on sound, commonsense criminal justice policies.

According to the new report, the result of these deliberate decisions is continued prosperity for Florida and rising crime, dwindling populations and a loss for tax revenue for some areas of the country that went in the opposite direction.

As Florida aims to become a top 10 global economy, our leaders remain committed to securing our future success by continuing to reject calls for policies that promote chaos and instability in our cities. 

We are the third largest state in the nation with approximately 23 million people, and according to the report, we expect to add 2.8 million more residents, 1.35 million new jobs, 40 million more annual visitors and approximately 2.5 million more drivers by 2030.  

Making measured, informed decisions about public safety policies and avoiding dangerous off-ramps will help ensure we achieve these lofty goals. As Florida continues on the road to prosperity, this report can serve as both a warning and a road map to Stronger, Safer cities.

Ashley Moody is attorney general of Florida.

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