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The Everglades: About this one-of-a-kind wilderness
EvergladesAbout
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Book Everglades tours
Inside the Everglades: A guide to the wilderness
Everglades National Park
The crown jewel of Florida’s wilderness, Everglades National Park is the most authentic way to experience the ecosystem in its natural form. It spans over 1.5 million acres of preserved wetlands, with no theme-park-style setups, just wild landscapes, quiet boardwalks, kayaking trails, and roaming wildlife. If you’re here for untouched nature, this is it.
Nearest city: Miami
Recommended tickets:
- Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
- From Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
Everglades Safari Park
What sets Everglades Safari Park apart is its location inside Everglades National Park. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want the full package including high-speed airboat tours, close-up alligator encounters, and access to one of the only walking trails within the park.
Nearest city: Miami
Recommended tickets:
- From Miami: Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour
Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Holiday Park is known for its connection to the popular Gator Boys as featured on Animal Planet. This park delivers dramatic, high-speed airboat rides and exciting live gator shows. The airboats are covered, making it a popular pick for families and year-round comfort.
Nearest city: Fort Lauderdale
Recommended tickets:
- From Miami: Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Smaller and more intimate, Sawgrass Recreation Park is perfect if you're looking for a quieter, more personalized airboat tour. This park also has a rescued animal exhibit that includes panthers, reptiles, and baby gators. It’s great for families with kids who want something hands-on and approachable.
Nearest city: Fort Lauderdale
Recommended tickets:
- Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit
- Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits
- Everglades Airboat Night Tour
- Everglades Private Airboat Tour
Cultural legacy & pop culture: The Everglades in the spotlight
Movies & TV
With its misty marshes and untamed wildlife, the Everglades has long captured the attention of filmmakers. It has served as the moody backdrop for crime dramas like CSI: Miami, Dexter, and The Glades. Action scenes and tense standoffs in the swamp have also appeared in films like Out of Sight, Wild Things, and Adaptation. The setting’s mysterious atmosphere makes it perfect for thrillers and environmental stories alike.
Literature
The literary legacy of the Everglades begins with Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ landmark 1947 book, The Everglades: River of Grass. Her writing helped the world see the area as a vital ecosystem rather than a wasteland, spurring public support for its protection. The Everglades has since appeared in countless nature essays, travel memoirs, and environmental novels, continuing to inspire writers and conservationists today.
Pop culture icons
You can’t talk about the Everglades without mentioning the Gator Boys. Their alligator wrestling stunts and wildlife rescue work, showcased on Animal Planet, turned Everglades Holiday Park into a pop culture hotspot. The park itself became famous almost overnight, putting real-life swamp adventures into the global spotlight. The Everglades has even made its way into video games and songs, proving its wild charm knows no bounds.
Explore more nearby
Zoo Miami
Get up close to over 3,000 animals at Zoo Miami, one of the most popular open-air, cage-free zoos in the US. It’s perfect for families and wildlife lovers who want a global safari without leaving Florida.
Miami Boat Tours
See the Magic City from the water with a breezy boat tour past celebrity homes, glittering skylines, and hidden islands. It’s one of the most relaxing (and Instagram-worthy) ways to explore Miami.
Bimini Ferry
Hop on a high-speed ferry and be in the Bahamas in just two hours. The Bimini Ferry makes for an unforgettable day trip with turquoise waters, white sands, and serious island vibes.
Frequently asked questions about the Everglades
How big are the Everglades?
The Everglades covers a whopping 1.5 million acres, that's bigger than entire countries like Luxembourg, Mauritius, or even Jamaica!. It’s the third-largest national park in the continental US.
What’s the best way to experience the Everglades for the first time?
Hop on an airboat tour. It’s exhilarating, and lets you skim across the water while guides point out hidden wildlife and share fascinating facts about this unique ecosystem.
When’s the best time to visit the Everglades?
The dry season, from November to April, is prime time. Expect cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and excellent wildlife visibility. But the Everglades is a year-round wonder and each season offers something special.
Can I visit the Everglades from Miami in half a day?
Yes, many tours offer half-day experiences with transport included. It’s a perfect quick getaway from city life to immerse yourself in Florida’s wild side.
Is the Everglades wheelchair accessible?
While the natural terrain has limitations, some tour operators provide accessible facilities and airboats.
Can I spot alligators year-round?
Yes. Alligators are Everglades residents 24/7, 365 days a year. Your chances of spotting them are excellent, especially on a guided tour with experienced wildlife experts.
Are the Everglades a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes! The Everglades National Park has UNESCO status, is a Wetland of International Importance, and an International Biosphere Reserve.
How old is the Everglades ecosystem?
The Everglades formed around 5,000 years ago, shaped by rising sea levels. It's a living, breathing landscape that’s been evolving ever since.
Is it true that the Everglades isn’t a swamp?
While parts of it look swampy, most of the Everglades is actually a slow-moving river. Swamps have stagnant water, this "river" flows, albeit very slowly.
What types of animals live in the Everglades?
The Everglades is teeming with life. Expect to see alligators, crocodiles, turtles, manatees, otters, deer, snakes, and over 360 species of birds. It’s a wildlife photographer’s dream.
What’s the most famous animal in the Everglades?
The American alligator steals the show, they’re everywhere. But keep an eye out for rare sights like roseate spoonbills, panthers, or endangered wood storks.