Everglades National Park

Only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles share habitat. One of the prime reasons why it is visited by approximately one million people yearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the park entry fee cost?

For a whole week from the day on which the pass was purchased, you will only need to pay $20. Do keep in mind that Everglades National Park does not have a database for passes, so be sure to bring your passes with you, as you will have to buy them again otherwise.

What are the park’s operating hours?

Miami’s Shark Valley Entrance and Homestead’s Main Entrance are open all the time. Visitors can enter and leave whenever they want.

Have the park’s alligators ever hurt anyone?

No documented cases have occurred within the last decade. The park’s gators are not fed by humans and so, do not consider humans to be food.

How are alligators and crocodiles different?

Crocodile habitats are in brackish or salt water bodies, while alligator habitats are freshwater bodies. Crocodiles are of a green-grey color while alligators range from dark grey in color to black.

How large can crocodiles and alligators become?

Crocodiles grow to become a little larger than alligators, the largest being around 13 feet, while alligators can grow to a maximum of 12 feet, although there aren’t that many of that size in the park.

Are Crocodiles likely to get more aggressive than alligators?

Although it is true that alligators come more in contact with humans than crocodiles, they are, perhaps, more likely to become aggressive. And so, always stay at least 20 feet away from them, and don’t touch or feed it.

Are pets allowed in the park?

Pets are only allowed in certain places such as the campground or the aboard boats, but they’re not allowed in the wilderness areas or on the trails.

Is fishing allowed in the park?

Yes, but you will need a Florida fishing license, which you can get at Flamingo Marina, at tackle and bait shops in town, or at Wal-Mart. You could also get one online as well.

Can I swim in the park?

No, swimming and snorkeling is prohibited in all areas.

Why does the park not have any airboats?

Approximately the entire Everglades National Park is a wilderness area, which is why airboats are prohibited here, as well as in Florida Bay.

Description

Established in 1934, the park came into existence in an attempt to protect the rapidly decreasing Everglades and was dedicated in 1947 to canal building projects that were massive. Since human activity has severely damaged the ecosystems in the Everglades National Park, its restoration is something that has been focused on by the government.

Facts About Everglades National Park

  • This National Park located in Florida protects 20% of the original southern Everglades.
  • This national park is also the 3rd largest right after Yellowstone and Death Valley in the lower states.
  • Unlike other national parks in the US that preserve geographic features that are unique, Everglades National Park protects an entire ecosystem.
  • In the west, it currently houses the biggest mangrove ecosystem and is also home to as many as 36 different protected and threatened species of various kinds, such as the American crocodile and the Florida Panther.
  • The most prominent breeding grounds for wading birds in northern America, it also contains 350 different bird species, 40 different species of mammals, 300 saltwater and freshwater fish species, and 50 reptile species.

Hiking Trails:

Perhaps the most active times of year for tourists is from December to March, when the mosquitoes are the least of a hindrance and the temperatures are the lowest, allowing for a smooth visit to the park. There are 4 visitor centers in the park, and there are various activities that one can engage in in all of them. Hiking, for instance, is a popular activity, and one can start from the road. You can also spend a memorable day on the canoe trail that stretches for 160 km and extends to one of the centers. Additionally, you could also walk on the trails if you don’t want to hike or ride a canoe.

The various hiking trails cross through a variety of different sceneries, such as freshwater sloughs, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks. There are also self-guided trails available which will allow you to come into contact with a wide range of flora and fauna in the region. You can also camp at the park. There are some services available for that all year round, although you might require permits for certain areas, such as the campsites near the Gulf Coast sites, Wilderness Waterway, and many others. The great biodiversity of birds in the park also makes this an excellent place for bird photography and bird watching.