Everglades National Park attracts millions of people every year. It is such a cool place to visit. Not only to see the alligators but also to see how life once was in this swampy Everglades National Park, Florida.
Overview of Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is one of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. It covers over 1.5 million acres of land in South Florida, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. From its diverse wildlife to its rare plants and trees, this national park is truly a sight to behold. Here you can explore wetlands, mangroves, and sawgrass marshes while enjoying the beauty of nature all around you. Join us as we take a closer look at this incredible park and discover why it’s such an important part of our planet’s history.
Where to go when visiting Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park offers many attractions for visitors. Some popular places to visit include the Anhinga Trail, where you can spot abundant wildlife such as turtles, herons, and alligators. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is also a great starting point for your visit. Other recommended spots include Shark Valley’s observation tower, Mahogany Hammock, Paurotis Pond, and Flamingo. If you’re in a rush to hit the park and don’t care about the scenic route, the southern entrance via Homestead & Florida City is your best bet.
t’s important to note that there are two main seasons in the Everglades: the wet and the dry season.
Best trails to spotting wildlife
Everglades National Park is a great place to spot wildlife. The Anhinga Trail is considered the best trail for spotting wildlife, including turtles, herons, and alligators. Gumbo Limbo Trail is also recommended for bird watching.
Other popular trails include Shark Valley, Mahogany Hammock Area, Nine Mile Pond, Snake Bight Trail, Flamingo Marina, Eco Pond and Big Cypress National Preserve.
Best trail for seeing alligators
The Anhinga Trail is considered the best trail for seeing alligators in Everglades National Park. It is located at Royal Palm, four miles after entering the park. it’s a short and easy walk, perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of this unique ecosystem. The trail is lined with lush vegetation and crystal clear water, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with wildlife such as alligators, turtles, birds, and other animals. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for an adventure, this trail will not disappoint! The trail offers a reliable place to see alligators and Everglades wading birds surprisingly close within the Everglades.
The best time to see alligators
The best time to see alligators in the Everglades is during the rainy season, which typically runs from May to November.
During this time, alligators are more active due to prime environmental conditions and love the hotter, wetter times of year. However, some sources suggest that the dry season from winter through spring can also be a good time for alligator sightings. If you want to see alligators on a cloudy day, they seem to like it best when the sun is out but not blaring down on them.
More cool things to do in Everglades
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you explore trails, go on airboat tours, and spot rare birds! Everglades Airboat Tours.
One of the best ways to explore the Everglades is by airboat. As your boat floats along, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the wetlands and see all the wildlife that call it home. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of Florida’s rarest native birds: an American crocodile!
- Mangrove kayak tunnel eco tours are a popular activity in the Everglades National Park and Naples area. These tours take visitors through the largest mangrove forest in the northern hemisphere, where they can see alligators, native birds, orchids, fish, and reptiles. The tours are guided by naturalists and are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Reservations are important to secure a spot on these leisurely and relaxed tours.
- Wet Walk Tour in Everglades might NOT be for everyone! Take a wet walk with a biologist guide to explore areas few tourists tread and spot dolphins, pelicans, and more on a boat tour of the islands. A wet walk tour in the Everglades is a guided walking tour through shallow, swamp-like bodies of water that appear to be stagnant but actually flow slowly, known as sloughs. These tours are led by experienced guides who provide information about the plants and animals in the area. Take a spectacular guided 60-minute boat tour of the 10,000 islands in the Everglades National Park with a boat captain guide. See pods of dolphins, manatees, sawfish, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, and more. Visit a historic trading post along with other surprise eco stops.
- Everglades Full-Day Tour with 2 Boat Trips and Lunch. This might be the most popular tour. I remember when I was working in Florida, this tour sold out fast. You’ll get picked up at a pick up point and travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus to the boats. First ride is about an hour and you’ll see a lot of wildlife inculcating birds, manatees and dolphins. Travel to a native island village and experience the life from the water. There is hiking and of course a lunch will be served.
- 3-Day Everglades Back country Camping Trip with Guide. This tour is more for the experienced hiker and adventurer. Spend 3 days exploring the backcountry of Everglades National Park on this guided multi-day trip from Flamingo. Sail to distant beach campgrounds within the largest wilderness on the East Coast. All meals, tents and air mattresses are included in the trip.
- The Ultimate Pak: Everglades & Key West Snorkel & Speedboat. This is something everyone can enjoy. Speedboating watching Miami Skyline, snorkel and learn about marine life in Key West and jump on an Airboat in Everglades. This is an action packed deal. Perfect if you are travelling by car.
