9 Must-Do Adventures in the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades is a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else on Earth. This massive wetland stretches across southern Florida, creating a paradise for wildlife and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill seeker, or just looking to experience Florida beyond the theme parks, the Everglades offers unforgettable experiences that connect you with one of America’s most precious natural treasures.

1. Airboat Ride Through the Marshes

Nothing says ‘Everglades adventure’ quite like the roar of an airboat engine as you zip across the water’s surface. These flat-bottomed vessels with giant propellers can navigate the shallowest waters, taking you deep into areas unreachable by conventional boats.

Alligators often sun themselves along the banks, barely stirring as boats approach. The experienced captains know exactly where to find wildlife and will slow down for perfect photo opportunities.

Many tours last about an hour, though longer excursions are available for serious explorers. For the full experience, book an early morning tour when animals are most active and the golden light makes the sawgrass prairie shimmer.

2. Kayaking or Canoeing the Wilderness Waterways

Gliding silently through the water in a kayak or canoe offers an intimate Everglades experience that motorized tours simply can’t match. The quiet approach means wildlife doesn’t scatter at your arrival – instead, you become part of the environment.

Mangrove tunnels create natural pathways where tree branches form green canopies overhead. Paddlers often spot manatees, river otters, and countless bird species at close range.

Beginners should stick to marked trails or hire a guide, while experienced paddlers might tackle portions of the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway. Rentals are available at several park locations, and rangers can recommend routes based on your skill level and available time.

3. Wildlife Watching at Shark Valley

Despite its name, you won’t find sharks at Shark Valley – but you will discover one of the best wildlife viewing spots in the entire park. A 15-mile paved loop trail creates perfect habitat edges where alligators, turtles, and birds congregate in impressive numbers.

Halfway along the loop stands a 65-foot observation tower offering panoramic views across the River of Grass. From this vantage point, you might spot the distinctive shapes of alligators dotting the landscape or the graceful flight of herons and egrets.

Visitors can walk the trail, rent bicycles, or hop aboard the two-hour tram tour with a naturalist guide who explains the complex ecology. Morning visits increase your chances of active wildlife sightings.

4. Hiking the Anhinga Trail

Named after the snake-like water bird that frequents its waters, the Anhinga Trail offers the easiest and most rewarding wildlife viewing opportunity for visitors with limited time. This accessible boardwalk trail loops through a sawgrass marsh teeming with life.

Alligators often bask along the banks within feet of the path, while anhingas spread their wings to dry in the sun after fishing dives. The raised boardwalk provides safe viewing opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Early morning visitors might catch otters playing in the water or turtles stacked on logs. Photographers love this trail for its unobstructed views and abundant wildlife that seems completely unbothered by human observers.

5. Visiting the Big Cypress National Preserve

Adjacent to Everglades National Park lies this massive preserve protecting over 720,000 acres of swamp forest. Big Cypress offers a different landscape than the open marshes – here, ancient cypress trees create mysterious domes and strands where filtered light dapples the water below.

The Loop Road provides a 24-mile scenic drive through some of the most beautiful sections. Keep your windows down to hear the chorus of frogs and birds, and drive slowly to spot wildlife like deer, black bears, and panthers that call this wilderness home.

Rangers at the Oasis Visitor Center can help plan your visit and point out recent wildlife sightings. The preserve’s boardwalks and hiking trails range from short strolls to challenging backcountry adventures.

6. Camping Under the Stars

The symphony of night sounds in the Everglades creates an unforgettable camping experience. As darkness falls, the chorus of frogs, insects, and night birds reaches a crescendo unlike anywhere else.

Frontcountry campgrounds at Long Pine Key and Flamingo offer facilities like restrooms and fresh water, perfect for families or first-time Everglades campers. More adventurous souls can secure permits for backcountry sites accessible only by boat – including beach camping on islands and elevated chickees built over the water.

The Everglades boasts some of Florida’s darkest skies, making stargazing spectacular. Winter camping (November through April) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer insects, though reservations are essential during this popular season.

7. Fishing for Florida’s Freshwater Species

The waters of the Everglades hold some of Florida’s most prized gamefish. Anglers cast for largemouth bass, peaceful bluegill, and the mighty tarpon that can reach over 100 pounds.

Fishing from shorelines and canals requires minimal equipment, making it accessible for beginners. Serious fishermen often hire guides with shallow-draft boats that can navigate the backcountry waters where the biggest fish hide.

Florida fishing regulations apply throughout the park, and a valid fishing license is required. Catch-and-release is encouraged to maintain healthy fish populations. The Flamingo Marina offers equipment rentals, bait, and local knowledge for those looking to land the big one without bringing their own gear.

8. Birdwatching at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Bird enthusiasts flock to this Audubon-managed sanctuary just north of the Everglades. A 2.25-mile boardwalk winds through an ancient cypress forest where some trees have stood for over 500 years, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.

Over 200 bird species have been documented here, including the magnificent wood stork and the colorful painted bunting. Patient observers might spot the elusive limpkin probing for apple snails or catch a glimpse of a swallow-tailed kite soaring overhead.

The boardwalk features covered viewing areas with benches where visitors can sit quietly and wait for wildlife to appear. Binoculars and a field guide enhance the experience, though the sanctuary rents equipment if you don’t have your own.

9. Taking a Sunset Cruise

As the day winds down, the Everglades transforms into a painter’s palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. Sunset cruises capitalize on this magical time when the water reflects the colorful sky and wildlife becomes active during the cooler evening hours.

Captains navigate through mangrove islands where birds return to roost for the night. The atmosphere becomes hushed and reverent as passengers watch dolphins playing in the boat’s wake or manatees surfacing for air.

Most tours last about two hours and depart from marinas along the western edge of the Everglades. Bring a light jacket as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, and don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking colors reflected in the still waters.