Tips for Air Boating Across Alligator Infested Florida Waters

Bucket List #2: Airboat Across an Alligator Infested Swamp  ((Completed in May of 2018 at the Everglades National Park in Florida))

The Everglades National Park is the third largest national park in the US at 2,500 square miles. This national park is an alligator-infested slow-moving swamp that is 60 miles wide. Below are tips for air boating across alligator infested Florida waters.

My Experience:

I completed this bucket list item in May 2018 as I adventured through the Everglades by airboat. The everglades contained thick green plants, hidden alligators, and a variety of other wildlife within its swamp. Our guide truly made this a unique and unforgettable experience, as he described fun facts about the history of the Everglades and helped point out alligators that would have otherwise gone unnoticed in a humorous way. I saw thirteen alligators basking in the sun or taking a swim. Yes, I counted. I am grateful I saw the fascinating creatures so close at a safe distance. 

Book your tour here!

Tips:

1. Prepare for the Tour! Do research before the tour to learn about the wildlife and ecosystem within the Everglades. This tour is truly the best way to see natural, untouched beauty that you won’t see while exploring the city and beaches of Miami. Alligators are incredible at blending in with their surroundings; however, if you know where to look, spotting them in the wild is extremely rewarding!
   1. The Everglades is a subtropical wetland ecosystem.
   2. 360 bird species
   3. A few birds that Everglades is known for are the white and glossy ibises, roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, and wood storks.
   4. 27 different types of snakes
   5. A harmful invasive species within the Everglades is known as the Burmese python. The python might have escaped into the park when hurricanes destroyed the captive breeding facilities. These snakes have nearly wiped out most small mammals and are known to prey on alligators.
   6. The Everglades’ most endangered mammal is the Florida Panther because fewer than 100 survive today
   7. Other Everglades’ Mammals: West Indian manatee and the Bottlenose dolphin
   8. Diverse Plants: Plants range from salt-loving sawgrass and bladderwort to cypress and mangrove trees. 
   9. The Everglades is also home to a high diversity of beautiful orchids.

2. What to Bring?! The most obvious answer is a camera! Not only can you get a photo with a baby alligator, but you get to save the memories and fun that you had on your airboat tour. You will also need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and earplugs. 

1. 1. 1. SUMMER ATTIRE: Wear sneakers, shorts, and a tank top or t-shirt. It rains during the summer, so if you have a poncho bring that!
      2. WINTER ATTIRE: In the winter wear jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Don’t forget about your earplugs.

We list tips for airboating across alligator-infested waters. Have you ever been to the Everglades National Park? Please comment down below about your experience.

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