Everglades National Park is one of the best known natural parks for its variety of wildlife and for being home to endangered species such as the American crocodile, the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. In 1934, Everglades Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve, Wetland of International Importance and World Heritage Site.
Best time to visit the Everglades?
The park's extension is more than 6,000 km2 of subtropical environment, so it is important to know that the Everglades has different seasons: the wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season
The dry season runs from late November through April. Lower water levels make wildlife viewing easier because animals are attracted to the remaining water in the park. These colder months also attract more people, so you will need reservations for field trips.
Wet season
The wet season (May till late November) has noticeably fewer people but more mosquitoes and rain. However, visitors during these months see the Everglades in all its splendor, with its many subtropical plants in bloom. Before heading out, call to make sure the area you want to visit is open, as visitor centers or sections of the park may be closed after a heavy rain.
How to get to the Everglades?
The national park is located in southern Florida and, due to its large protected area, has different entrances: the entrance from Homestead, the one from Miami and the one closest to Naples and Everglades City.
The entrance from Homestead is located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034. The nearest visitor centers are Ernest F. Coe, Royal Palm and Flamingo. The Miami entrance is at 36000 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33194. The visitor center for this area of the park is the Shark Valley Visitor Center. From Naples or Everglades City the entrance is at 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139 and the nearest visitor center is the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
Entrance to the park can be by car, walking or biking. By car it costs $25 per vehicle and lasts for 7 days from the first visit. If you visit the park on foot or by bicycle, the fee is $8 per person; this fee is free for people under 16 years of age and is also valid for 7 days.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
This information point is located near the entrance from Homestead (we entered the park through this visitor center). Here you can find a very useful environmental interpretive center; it offers educational exhibits, films on the flora and fauna of the area, and informational brochures. A number of hiking trails in the area begin near the building. This center is open 365 days a year: from mid-April to December from 9:00am to 5:00pm and from December to mid-April from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
What to visit and do in the Everglades National Park?
Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail is a circular circuit of approximately 1km where you will be able to see a great variety of wildlife such as alligators, herons & turtles.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Time: 1hr max
Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower
A 0.2 miles trail to an observation platform to view the Everglades wilderness.
Time: 20 minutes max
Mahogany Hammock Trail
Mahogany Hammock is also a shorter loop trail and is noted for having the largest mahogany trees in the USA.
Distance: 0.4 miles
Time: 35 minutos max
West Lake Trail
This trail is known to be full of branches and supporting roots from the mangroves. Thanks to the boardwalk we can appreciate the lake, which had to be rebuilt due to Hurricane Irma in 2018.
Distance: 0.4 miles
Time: 30 mins max
Flamingo Visitor Center
If you follow the path, you will end up in Flamingo Visitor Center. At this center you will find educational information and nearby facilities such as bike, canoe and kayak rentals.
This is where we stopped for lunch as there was nothing to eat all the way. A recommendation is to take the food to the park and eat at one of the stops as they have tables to enjoy a picnic. This stop disappointed us a little because it only had a souvenir store where you could buy food but of poor quality and quite expensive. The visitor center is under construction due to a hurricane that hit in 2018.
Airboat ride
One of the most outstanding activities in the park is to take a tour in hydrofoils through the swampy areas. There are companies, such as Gator Park, that offer these rides through the park's waters.
Recommendations
Mosquito repellent is a must in the wet season (also during the dry season).
It is usually very hot so be careful and always bring with you water, sun cream and a hat.
Bring your own food
Be careful when you are driving and always keep an eye in case you see alligators or other wildlife.
Check the weather before coming to the park.
