Want to take a trip to the Everglades? It’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. On an airboat tour with Captain Mitch, you’ll be able to get up-close views of the beautiful surroundings, along with the opportunity for many wildlife sightings. However, people often have many questions before entering the Everglades. The National Park Service has many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on its website to help people be better prepared for their trip to the Everglades. Below, we wanted to share some of these questions with you, so you can have a great time and feel comforted knowing as much as possible before you jump on a tour and explore the wetland.
Q: What time does the park close?
A: The Park’s main entrance in Homestead and Shark Valley entrance in Miami are open every day, all day and night. It is not staffed after 6 p.m. No one will get locked in the park during the night, and you can enter or exit at any time.
Q: Does it cost to enter the Park?
A: Fees vary. For a pedestrian and cyclist, it cost $8 to enter the park (at all park entrances). Children 16 or younger get in for free. A motorcycle cost $20 to enter and a car cost $25 to enter. Annual passes cost $40.
Q: Are there places to eat in the Park?
A: The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center bookstore, the Royal Palm Visitor Center bookstore, the Flamingo marina store, and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center has snack foods and beverages. The Buttonwood Café in Flamingo is open from November 15 to April 15. It is recommended by the Park that people bring their own food and drinks during their trip.
Q: Are the crocodiles and alligators aggressive?
A: Alligators and crocodiles are unpredictable; crocodiles are known to be a bit more aggressive than alligators when provoked. It’s best to keep a safe distance (15 to 20 feet) when viewing any wildlife. The Park tells visitors to NOT feed wild animals; it is a criminal offense to do so. Since 1990, two people have received injurie from alligator attackers after swimming/splashing in the alligator’s habitat.
Q: Are Pets Allowed?
A: Pets are allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, boats, maintained ground of a public facility, on public roadways, and on roadside campgrounds and picnic areas. They are not allowed on trails or wilderness areas. They must be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet).
Explore the Everglades
An airboat tour is a wonderful way to experience the Everglades. Book a tour with Captain Mitch today. Captain Mitch has been giving tours in the Everglades for more than 30 years. To schedule a tour, click here to call 800-368-0065.
