Protecting more than 1.5 million acres of primeval wetland, Florida‘s Everglades is a place like no other, with its natural diversity attracting both wildlife and tourists. Established in 1947, it was declared a World Heritage Site to safeguard the homes of thousands of plants, bird, animal, and reptile species. Made up of mangrove swamps, coastal estuaries, sawgrass marshes, and Rockland forests, the Everglades is also the largest wetland in the Western Hemisphere.
If there’s one place in the world where you can connect with nature and travel to relax the mind taking time out from your usual routine, Florida’s Everglades is the ideal location for some soul searching.
Covering the basics
In order to fully immerse yourself with the natural terrain, it’s preferable to time your visit during the dry season, from December to March, when you’re less likely to be pestered by mosquitoes. Additionally, wildlife is more plentiful in comparison to the less popular wet season between April and November. There are plenty of accommodation options located outside the park’s three entry points, so whether you’re on a short stopover from the airport or Port Everglades, or are planning for a longer break, there’ll be somewhere to stay to suit most budgets. Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave, there are two campsites in the park where you can sleep under the stars amongst the magic of the natural surroundings.
Be part of wildlife watching
It’s a privilege to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and spend time in the tranquility of Florida’s Everglades environment, so it’s important to show respect by not getting up too close and alarming the animals, disturbing nests, or feeding them. If it’s the park’s alligators you wish to see, then take the Shark Valley tour or the Anhinga Trail, the latter of which is an easily accessible trek suitable for all abilities. It’s one of the most wildlife-populated routes, so the chances of you meeting deer, vultures, great blue herons, and other forms of birdlife amongst the dense seagrass are extremely high.
Escaping into the wild of Florida’s everglades
When you want to embrace the natural beauty, visit the Fruit and Spice Park, the only park like it in the United States. Here you can spot more than 500 varieties of tropical vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs from different parts of the world. A good opportunity for contemplation is to spend some time sitting under the shady banana grove. Similarly, the quietness of Ten Thousand Islands with its maze of mangrove trees that rise out of shallow creeks, oyster beds, and coral reefs is a perfect setting to look out for sea turtles, manatees, or endangered birds such as wood storks or shorebirds. Alternatively, go fishing, kayaking, or take a boat trip to connect deeper with this undeveloped landscape, where the only sounds you will hear are the lapping of water and the sounds of natural habitat.
While certain sections of Florida’s Everglades are likely to be busy with visitors during the high season, there won’t be any cell phones or traffic jams to disturb you; only the appeal of natural diversity to be mindful of.
