About 1 hour by car from Miami upon Florida”south end, Everglades National Park It offers 1.5 million acres of natural wonder.covers an area the size of rhode islandthis complex and important ecosystem of wetlands, marshes, mangroves and forests North AmericaIt is the largest protected subtropical wilderness reserve in the
Home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees, birds and other wildlife, the park features hiking and biking trails, dotted campgrounds and waterways navigable by kayaks, canoes and boats. At any given time, you can hear the sound of airboats, the splash of birds in the water, and fishing rods fluttering in the wind. In the quieter, calmer corners of the park, you likely won’t hear anything.
But in awe, there are many ways to make the most of your trip here. He’s lived nearby for nearly a decade and his experience guiding friends and family deep into the Everglades has given me some do’s and don’ts, tricks and tips. . Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Everglades National Park.
1. Avoid crowds during “snowbird season”
In South Florida, there’s a joke that from fall to early spring (October to March), the leaves don’t change, but car license plates change color.that’s the rest eastern US Although it’s freezing cold, Florida is still warm, so travelers (known locally as snowbirds) move here during the cooler months. Expect the Everglades National Park to be particularly busy at this time of year.
The best way to avoid the crowds in the Everglades is to get up early and visit in the morning during the summer months (June-August). Be aware that by noon the park is often muggy, with temperatures regularly reaching at least 90°F (32°C).
2. There are four entrances to the park, so find the one that best suits your trip
Everglades 4 entrancesTwo are in Homestead. The Flamingo Visitor Center is your gateway to an extensive network of canoeing facilities. and the Royal Palm, perfect for walking adventures. The latter also has some well-packed, paved dirt trails nearby.
Two other entry points are west of Miami. Shark Valley is the busiest and known for its 15 miles of alligator-lined bike trails. Everglades City’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center, on the other hand, is less crowded. It is primarily a gateway for exploring and exploring a series of nearby mangrove islands by boat. Depending on your Florida departure location and traffic, driving between each park entrance can take hours, so plan wisely.
3. You need an airboat to access most of the Everglades
Airboats – flat-bottomed boats with giant fan propellers in the back – are not kitschy tourist rides to stare at the Gator. It’s practically essential for delicately navigating wet prairies in terms of protecting vegetation and avoiding debris that can damage fishing boats. If you would like to plan an excursion, there are three licensed airboat businesses that service the park itself. Coopertown Airboat, Everglades Safari Park When Gator Park.
4. If you want to fish alone, please obtain permission in advance
The Everglades is a mix of saltwater and freshwater landscapes that equates to a fishing utopia. Both saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses are required for individual fishing. This is what gets him two separate permits in Florida. Florida Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation CommissionMobile phone service within the park is very limited, so registering the proper license online before your visit can save you a lot of headaches. For charter trips, the captain should have a license, but check in advance.
5. Support and book excursions with local tribes
The Khalsa, Tequesta, Seminole, and Miccosukee tribes all have deep roots in the Everglades region. Many Miccosukee destinations are visible along the Tamiami Trail (US Highway 41). Miccosukee Casino & Resort similarly Miccosukee Village and Airboat RideThe village has a museum where you can learn more about the tribe and see exhibits of early clothing, tools and beadwork.
6. Don’t bring pets
what is popular Otter Cave Hammock Trail, Lodi Bend Trail When Gumbo Limbo Trail What do they have in common other than great names? Pets are not allowed…and are not allowed on any of the trails within the Everglades National Park. Besides, it probably won’t go well with camouflaged alligators.
7. Choose an ethical animal sanctuary
There are many wildlife sanctuaries in the Everglades, but not all are animal friendly, so do your research before visiting. Apart from finding gray herons in their natural environment along the river, Anhinga Trail or a manatee florida bayIf you want an up-close encounter, the Everglades Outpost is an ethical optionThis nonprofit rehabilitates injured alligators, reptiles and more from nearby land before returning them to the environment.
8. Give Wild Animals Space
If you encounter a manatee in the open sea or a crocodile lurking quietly in the mangroves, leave it alone. Please refrain from feeding animals. Walk lightly if there are visibly sick or young creatures with a parent nearby, as defense mechanisms may be activated. In addition, nests of birds such as storks and herons are common. Let them too.
9. The Everglades are vital for the entire state.
In addition to being home to endangered species such as the Florida panther and West Indian manatee, the Everglades provide drinking water for over 8 million Floridians. When visiting, remember that your actions, and what you may leave behind, have a lasting impact.
If you want to support the vitality of the park, Florida National Parks Alliance Donations are accepted to support youth environmental education programs, ranger guided tours, habitat conservation programs and more.
10. Yes, there is a Cold War Missile Site that you can visit within the park.
Built after the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s, HM69 Nike Missile Base It was once a hub for defending the United States against possible Soviet attacks. The site currently has three missile barns, an assembly building, barracks, and two missiles.of Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Tours are held from December to March.
11. Please bring sunscreen and sunscreen
Every year too many tourists and locals let their guard down.They forget about sunscreen and shade and end up looking like a painfully ripe tomato for the next few days. Pack protective gear such as , and set a timer for reapplying sunscreen. flamingo district or bird watching Paulotis Pond,You will need.
12. Do not swim in the water, keep your hands and feet in the boat
Avoiding contact with wildlife is the same in any national park. That concept manifests itself in many ways in Everglades National Park. During the scorching summer months, you might be tempted to take a dip in the seemingly calm waters, but remember that the waters can harbor alligators, alligators, snakes, reptiles and more. Likewise, keep those limbs in the airboat, as the guides say. Wildlife will generally leave you alone as long as it is reciprocal.
