There are many incredible things to see in Everglades National Park, which is located in southern Florida. I am a big of Manatees , they are my second favorite animal, the first are meercats 🙂 . So, I was really exited to learn that its possible to see manatees in the wild in Everglades park is you are lucky. Well, we were not lucky, there was not manatees. In a matter of fact, there were no alligators either, we just saw birds a lot of them. I guess, we will be back to this park at some point to try our luck again. Here is the list of things you can do in Everglades National park besides looking for manatees.
How to get to Everglades National Park
The easiest way to get to Everglades National Park arrive by car. The park has three main entrances: the Shark Valley entrance in the north, the Gulf Coast entrance in the northwest, and the main entrance in the southeast. The park is easily accessible from Miami and other cities in southern Florida via major highways.
You can also take a bus or shuttle from Miami. There are several bus and shuttle services that provide transportation to Everglades National Park from Miami and other nearby cities. Some of these services include Gray Line Miami, Miami Tour Company, and Everglades Safari Park.
Things to do in Everglades National park
Wildlife watching
The Everglades are known for their diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of birds. Visitors can take guided tours to see these animals up close, or explore the park’s many trails and waterways on their own.
Hike Anhinga Trail
This popular trail is known for its abundant wildlife sightings, including alligators, turtles, and wading birds. The trail is easy to navigate and features boardwalks that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore Shark Valley
This area of the park offers a 15-mile loop trail that can be biked or hiked, with an observation tower providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. You can also take guided tram tours to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystem.
Visit Big Cypress National Preserve
This adjacent preserve offers additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping, as well as a scenic drive along the Tamiami Trail.
Ranger-led Programs
Everglades National Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, canoe trips, and educational programs about the park’s unique ecosystem and cultural history.
My unsuccessful attempt finding Manatees
Manatees are usually found in the park’s coastal areas, particularly in Florida Bay and around the Gulf Coast entrance. We got to Florida Bay in afternoon, spend couple of hours there with no luck and headed Gulf coast, spend about an hour looking for manatees, but had no luck there too.
Here are some tips that might help you increase your chances of spotting manatees during your next visit:
- Timing: Manatees are most commonly seen in Everglades National Park during the winter months, when they gather in warmer waters. However, they can also be spotted at other times of the year, particularly in areas where freshwater sources meet the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Location: As mentioned, manatees are often found in the coastal areas of the park, particularly in shallow waters where seagrass beds are abundant. The Gulf Coast entrance and the Flamingo area are two of the best places to look for manatees.
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Manatees are more active in the early morning or late afternoon, so consider planning your visit during these times.
- Patience: Even with the best planning and timing, seeing manatees in the wild can be unpredictable. Be patient, and enjoy the other natural wonders of the park while keeping an eye out for these gentle giants.
- Take a guided tour.
If you are line heading to Everglades National park hoping to see Manatees , just remember that seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is never guaranteed, but with a little patience and persistence, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of these amazing creatures during your next visit to Everglades National Park. Hopefully your experience will be better 🙂
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Everglades National Park besides looking for manatees. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, scenic vistas, or cultural history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing park.
