The Everglades is huge – more than 800 square miles in fact. Because of its size, the Park has multiple entrances and visitor centers. For this article, we wanted to focus on the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
The visitor center is located at 815 Oyster Bar Lane in Everglades City, which is five miles south of Highway 41.
The visitor center is open mid-November through mid-April from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mid-April to mid-November.
Unfortunately, in 2017, the visitor center was destroyed by Hurricane Irma and is undergoing repairs. In the meantime, there is a temporary visitor contact station. At this station, you are provided with information about the Ten Thousand Islands, which stretch from Flamingo and Florida Bay. The center has education displays for viewing and has backcountry permits available.
From the visitor center, you can leave on boat tours that explore the Ten Thousand Islands. The tours are daily, year-round. You can purchase boat tour tickets at 905 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City. The tours leave from the Gulf Coat Marina, across from where you bought the tickets.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes. There are porta-potties available as restrooms.
When visiting this area, it is advised you bring your own water and snacks.
Explore the Everglades on An Airboat
About 10 minutes away from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center is Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours! After you are done exploring the visitor center and Ten Thousand Islands, drive up to catch an airboat ride. You won’t be disappointed! An airboat ride is a thrilling adventure where you get to see lots of wildlife, plants, and learn about the Park.
Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours is located at 30999 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114. Captain Mitch is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an airboat tour or learn more, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page.
