First and foremost, there is one thing that needs to be said. Everglades National Park is one of those places that everyone should visit. It is truly the only everglades in the world! There is something about going there and seeing the alligators and crocodiles that is simply breathtaking. In reality, what you are looking at is a modern-day dinosaur. I don’t think you could every really understand that unless you look one of these scaly beasts in the eyes. And when you do, it hits you like a ton of bricks. With that said, there are five things you really must do when you visit the park at Flamingo. In no particular order, they are:
1. Camp in the park. Honestly. Don’t just go to a hotel and stop in for day visits. You really need to get a feel of the nature there; it is really unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re not a camper, get a nice air mattress for your tent and enjoy it for a few days or even just for one night if you’re adamant about sleeping indoors, but you really must experience this.
2. Explore the trails. Even if you’re not into hiking/walking (there aren’t any mountains or anything so some might not consider it “hiking”) take a small trail or two. There are some very short walks, Eco Pond for one, that are great for a short hike/walk. There are beautiful things to be seen just on this pond; its especially nice around sunrise. Or, head up to the Royal Palm area (you can take your car) and walk the Anhinga Trail. It is a short .5 mile paved/boardwalk-ed trail where you can see TONS of alligators, turtles and beautiful birds. The list of trails is endless and you can choose as many or as few as you like, just don’t forget to try at least one!
3. Starlight Walk on the Anhinga Trail. Alligators feed at night. The best way to catch one in action is to go to the Anhinga Trail once it gets dark, bring your flashlight and take a stroll. You can go to any or all of the platformed areas above the water where the alligators feed on the fish, shine your flashlight into the water and you are in for quite a sight! I also recommend just listening for a few minutes to the alligators splash while they are catching their fish. It truly is amazing. Even just watching them glide through the water, silently stalking their meal is astonishing!
4. Take a guided bike tour. There is a ranger-led 7 mile bike ride on the Long Pine Key trails, which is a few miles from Flamingo. It is a free tour and the first ten people to join the tour are provided with bikes and helmets (optional). All tour members are provided with cold water as well. This is an awesome tour because the ranger is able to point out many of the things you would never notice if you were just biking the trail by yourself. The ranger explains the different types of terrain that make up the everglades and introduces some of the important wild life of the everglades. It is a great tour (and great exercise too!). Trust me, seven miles is nothing on a bike!
5. Canoe. Last but by no means least, take a canoe trip. Whether its on one of the lakes or along the coast, definitely rent a canoe and explore the area. It is a wonderful, relaxing and educational trip. I personally recommend canoeing down the Buttonwood Canal which is part of the longer Mud Lake canoe trail (you can canoe the whole trail if you’re feeling up to a 7 mile canoe trip). If you feel like taking a relaxing canoe trip the canal is fantastic. There are huge crocodiles sunning on the banks. These are amazing creatures and thrilling to see up close from the canoe. Canoeing down this canal is awesome; even if you have never done it, you will get the hang of it before too long and it will be well worth the effort. This is something you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Of course, there are plenty more things to do in Everglades National Park. Be sure to check out the fliers for the different activities that are going on during your stay. There are some very informative lectures, tons of great trails and plenty of things to do for people of all ages. The people are friendly and if you stay in one of the campgrounds, you are supporting the preservation of the only everglades in the world. What a great way to give back to the country/environment and have an enjoyable and educational vacation at the same time!
