Discover the wild beauty of the Florida Everglades — from thrilling airboat rides to spotting alligators and rare wildlife. In this guide, you’ll find the best experiences, tips, and must-see spots to make the most of your adventure in this iconic national park.
1. Take an Airboat Ride
1. Take an Airboat RideNo trip to the Everglades is complete without the quintessential airboat tour. Zooming across the shallow marshes on a fan-powered boat is thrilling, and it gives you a chance to spot:
- Alligators sunning themselves on the banks
- Turtles, frogs, and otters
- Egrets, herons, ibises, and roseate spoonbills
- Sometimes even manatees or American crocodiles!
Book a top-rated airboat tour:
Popular airboat spots include:
- Everglades Safari Park
- Gator Park
- Coopertown Airboats
- Sawgrass Recreation Park
2. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
2. Go Kayaking or CanoeingFor a quieter, more eco-friendly experience, paddle a kayak or canoe through the mangrove tunnels and open water. This lets you observe wildlife up-close — without the engine noise.
Popular kayak trails include:
- Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
- Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail
- Turner River Paddling Trail (in Big Cypress)
Kayak rentals and guided tours are available at Everglades National Park
3. Wildlife Viewing & Photography
3. Wildlife Viewing & PhotographyThe Everglades is one of the best places in the U.S. for wildlife photography and birdwatching. Depending on the season, you may spot:
- American alligators
- West Indian manatees
- Bald eagles
- Florida panthers (rare, but possible)
- Bobcats
- Dozens of species of wading birds
Best viewing spots:
- Anhinga Trail (one of the top birding trails in the park)
- Shark Valley Observation Tower
- Eco Pond
- Mahogany Hammock
Tip: Visit in winter (November–April) for the best wildlife viewing — when water levels are lower, animals congregate around deeper water sources.
4. Explore Shark Valley by Bike
4. Explore Shark Valley by BikeOne of the most popular parts of Everglades National Park is Shark Valley, located just west of Miami.
Here, you can:
- Bike a 15-mile loop trail through sawgrass prairie
- Climb the 65-foot Shark Valley Tower for panoramic views
- Spot alligators sunning along the trail
- See turtles, herons, and egrets up-close
Bikes can be rented at Shark Valley Visitor Center — or bring your own.
5. Hike Scenic Nature Trails
5. Hike Scenic Nature TrailsThere are miles of boardwalks and hiking trails that let you explore different ecosystems of the Everglades.
Some favorites:
- Anhinga Trail (easy, family-friendly, lots of wildlife)
- Gumbo Limbo Trail (tropical hardwood hammock)
- Mahogany Hammock Trail (majestic mahogany trees)
- Pinelands Trail (pine rocklands habitat)
For serious hikers, the Florida Trail runs for more than 1,000 miles — with a major segment passing through Big Cypress.
6. Explore Ten Thousand Islands
6. Explore Ten Thousand IslandsThe Ten Thousand Islands region of southwest Everglades is a maze of mangrove islets — perfect for boat tours, kayaking, and fishing.
Launch from Everglades City, Chokoloskee, or Goodland.
Tours often include:
- Dolphin and manatee spotting
- Island hopping
- Birdwatching (osprey, pelicans, herons)
- Remote beaches and sandbars
Book a guided boat tour via get your guide:
7. Go Fishing in the Everglades
7. Go Fishing in the EvergladesThe Everglades is world-famous for sport fishing — both freshwater and saltwater. Top catches include:
- Largemouth bass
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Redfish
- Sea trout
You can book fishing charters from Everglades City, Flamingo, or Chokoloskee.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Dry Season: November to April
- Best for wildlife
- Cooler temperatures
- Fewer mosquitoes
- Easier paddling and hiking
Wet Season: May to October
- Lush green landscapes
- More mosquitoes
- Hotter, humid conditions
- Afternoon thunderstorms common
Tip: Most visitors plan trips in the dry season for comfort and better wildlife viewing.
Where to Stay for Visiting the Everglades
While there’s limited lodging inside Everglades National Park, there are great options nearby:
Miami / Homestead (good for eastern Everglades access)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South
- Courtyard by Marriott Homestead
- Airbnb options in Homestead area
Everglades City / Chokoloskee (for Ten Thousand Islands & western Everglades)
- Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel
- Everglades City Motel
- Outdoor resorts and RV parks
Camping inside the park:
- Long Pine Key Campground
- Flamingo Campground (also has eco-tents available!)
Compare hotels with Booking.com or check for Everglades package tours via GetYourGuide.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring bug spray — mosquitoes can be intense in summer
- Sunscreen and hat — even in winter
- Binoculars and camera — for wildlife spotting
- Plenty of water — it gets hot!
- Snacks or picnic — limited food options inside the park
- Book tours early in high season (Dec–March)
Conservation & Responsible Tourism
The Everglades faces major challenges:
- Water pollution
- Invasive species (like Burmese pythons)
- Climate change impacts
- Habitat loss
As a visitor:
Stay on marked trails
Never feed or harass wildlife
Follow “leave no trace” principles
Support eco-friendly tour operators
Final Thoughts — Why the Everglades Belongs on Your Bucket List
From up-close alligator encounters to scenic paddling through mangrove tunnels, a visit to the Florida Everglades is unlike any other experience in the USA.
It’s wild. It’s beautiful. It’s fragile — and it deserves to be explored with care and respect.
Whether you choose an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride, a peaceful kayak tour, or a wildlife photography adventure — the Everglades will leave you with unforgettable memories.
So if you’re planning a Florida trip — whether you’re heading to Miami, the Keys, or Naples — be sure to save time for this unique, irreplaceable ecosystem.
Want to book your Everglades adventure?
Find top-rated airboat rides, kayak tours, and eco-experiences at GetYourGuide!
Browse more incredible U.S. National Parks and Wildlife Experiences on our site — and start planning your next bucket list adventure.
