Everglades Fish Profile: The Gulf Toadfish 

Did you know there are about 300 different species of fish in the Everglades’ waters? For this article, we wanted to share information with you about the Gulf Toadfish, which is a fish that looks like it’s straight from pre-historic times. 

Gulf toadfish are anything but quiet. Wait, fish make sounds? Well, the Gulf toadfish is one of the few fish that can make a sound that humans can actually hear. Cool, right? 

Here are some more fun and interesting facts on this Gulf toadfish: 

  • The fish gets its name because the sounds it makes are toad-like grunts. 
  • This fish makenoises to attract a mate. 
  • These fish are in abundant quantities in the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades because it is not considered a game fish and known to be poor quality when it comes to eating. It has a slimy outside that can be toxic, so people avoid eating it. 
  • They are brown fish and they spend a lot of their time hiding in sand and seaweed.  
  • They prefer shallow waters. 
  • They are known to be a sluggish fish. They can live as deep as 820 feet in the water. 
  • They dart out from seaweed to attack prey. 
  • They can stay alive out of water for a decent amount of time. 
  • They lack scales. 
  • They can grow up to 12.8 inches in length and weigh up to one to three pounds. 
  • They are a bottom feeder fish feeding on crustaceans, annelids, mollusks, and gobies. 
  • Their slimy coating on their body can cause physical irritation to humans. 
  • This fish also goes by the names dogfish, mudfish, and oysterdog. 

Fishing is popular in the Everglades, but you must acquire the proper license and follow the fishing regulations in order to fish legally as not all fish can be caught.  

Take a ride through the Everglades on an airboat and see if you can spot any fish in the water. An airboat ride gives visitors an up-close look at the Everglades; visitors have the chance to spot many different animals, replies, fish, amphibians, flowers, and more. B 

Book an airboat tour with Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours today by calling 800-368-0065 or clicking our Everglades Airboat Tours page.  

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private  Airboat Tours are the best Everglades airboat tours and are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). Check out our Facebook page or website for coupons, discounts, and promotions on airboat tours. 

Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

 

What to Wear and Bring During an Airboat Tour 

airboat tourCaptain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours are fun-filled airboat tour rides for adults and children. Since these rides are through the Everglades, it’s important to come prepared, so you have an enjoyable, comfortable trip and ride with us.  

Our airboat tours are year-round, which means we ride through different types of weather and environments. It can be hot, buggy, rainy, etc. Airboat tours are a lot of fun, no matter what time of year you decide to go.  

If you plan on taking an airboat tour in the spring, it can get pretty hot with temperatures in the 80s. It’s a good idea to wear shorts, tank tops, and sleeveless clothing. You may want to bring a light jacket or cardigan if the wind makes you cold.  

The summer is very hot and humid down here, so it’s a good idea to wear light clothing during the summer months. It can rain a lot in the summer, so you may want to bring a rain jacket and sneakers with you to keep dry.  

The fall is cooler than summer but there are still plenty of warm days. You may decide to wear longer sleeves or pants depending on the day but try to choose clothing that won’t make you too hot or too cold.  

Winter isn’t cold in the Everglades, but it is a lot more comfortable. You may want to bring heavier clothing to keep warm from the wind on the ride.  

Other things to bring on an airboat tour: 

  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Water 
  • Bug spray  
  • Poncho 
  • Umbrella 
  • Snacks (for before or after the airboat ride).  

It’s important to pay attention to the weather on the day of your trip so you can come better prepared. If you have more questions on what to wear or what to bring on one our our airboat tours, give us a call at 800-368-0065. 

To book an airboat tour with Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours, call 800-368-0065 or visit our Everglades Airboat Tours page. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private  Airboat Tours are the best Everglades airboat tours and are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). Check out our Facebook page or website for coupons, discounts, and promotions on airboat tours. 

 

 

Everglades Bird Profile: The Smooth-Billed Ani 

smooth-billed aniThe Everglades is home to more than 360 species of birds. The area draws birdwatchers from all over as it attracts many different types of birds for thousands of years.  

A smooth-billed ani is a tropical bird only found in south Florida in America, as well as South America and the West Indies. It becomes to the same bird family as roadrunners and cuckoos due to its slender body and long tail.  

The ani can make a skrill “weu-ik” sound. In other areas, this bird is called “black witch,” “black bird,” and “tick bird.” It is nicknamed a “tick bird” because it is known to eat ticks that infest cattle.  

This bird eats mostly insects, including the Great Southern White Butterfly, but it also eats snails, lizards, berries, and seeds. They have been known to follow cattle and eat up any insects the cattle stir up.  

You can spot an ani in an open field, pastureland, and near water. They are usually in groups/flocks of six to 20 birds. For the past several years, anis have nested near Eco Pond.  

Smooth-billed anis have a black plumage, long body, long tail, short wings, and a parrot-like, high bill.  

They have been known to work together to build a nest. Female anis can lay four to five eggs at a time. Many anis will take turns incubating and protecting the eggs during the two-week development period. They tend to share nests as well, and females have been known to toss a few eggs (not their own) from the nest. 

Love birds? Get yourself down to the Everglades and you may just spot a smooth-billed ani on an airboat tour. If not, there’s hundreds of other birds to watch! 

To book an airboat tour with Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours, call 800-368-0065 or visit our Everglades Airboat Tours page. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private  Airboat Tours are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). Check out our Facebook page or website for coupons, discounts, and promotions on airboat tours.  

 

Insects, Spiders, and Other Bugs in the Everglades 

grasshoppersIt’s summertime in the Everglades, which means there’s a lot of bugs out there. When visiting the Everglades for an airboat tour, it’s best you come prepared with bug spray (or put it on ahead of time), as well as proper clothing to keep your skin protected from bugs.  

Thousands upon thousands of insects, spiders, centipedes and millipedes call the Everglades “home.” From mosquitos and flies to butterflies and golden silk orb weaver, there are seemingly endless species of these “pests” living in the Everglades. We may clarify them as pests, but they are critical to the ecosystem as many are food sources for other animals, mammals, and birdsSpiders, for example, feed on insects and other “pests,” as well. Not ever bug species is beautiful and charming like a ladybug or butterfly, but they are play their part to the ecosystem 

When it comes to insects, they represent about 90 percent of all life forms on Earth – that’s a lot of bugs! Throughout the world, more than one million insect species have been identified, but it is believed there may be more than 10 million species out there. As you can see, it’s a nearly impossible task to count how many bugs are in the Everglades, and no park-wide inventory has been done; however, the South Florida Collections Management Center currently curates more than 5,000 insect specimens from the Everglades.  

Insects don’t have a backbone and they are a type of invertebrate. They have a hard-exterior body covering caused an exoskeleton. They are cold blooded and do not have lungs.   

Arachnids, which are spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, pseudoscorpions, and whip scorpions can all be found in the Everglades. 

Centipedes are long, thin arthropods and have fewer than 20 legs or as much as 300 legs despite the “centi” in their name. They live in the Everglades, but usually aren’t seen because they are mostly nocturnal. 

Millipedes are commonly seen in the Everglades and they do not bite or sting. They are longer and thinner than centipedes and they can have anywhere from 36 to 400 legs. They are slower than centipedes. 

If you stick to paths and sit on an airboat, you won’t be bothered by too many bugs, but it’s always important to come prepared with bug spray. If you’re a lover of spiders, insects, and other creepy crawly creatures, come out on an airboat tour and see if you can spot any bugs crawling or flying around.  

While on an airboat tour, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of bugs (and not even know it) during your adventure. 

To book an airboat tour with Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours, call 800-368-0065  or visit our Everglades Airboat Tours page. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

 

Going on an Airboat Tour in the Everglades During the Wet Season 

airboat tourIt’s June right now, which means we are in the middle of the wet season in Florida and the Everglades. The summer wet season stretches from May to November. 

Before heading out into the Everglades on an airboat tourit’s good to be prepared in knowing what to expect of the Everglades and environment during this wet season. 

  • Average temperatures can be as high at 90 degrees. 
  • Humidity can be over 90 percent. 
  • Heat index can be over 100 degrees. 
  • On most days, you can expect an afternoon thunderstorm. These storms usually pass by quickly. 
  • Weather can be unpredictable (more than usual) due to torrential rain and thunderstorms – it’s hard to say when they’ll arrive and for how long. They can appear out of nowhere on the radar! 
  • It’s harder to see wildlife during this time of year because of the wetter conditions, higher water levels, and high temperatures. 
  • Insects are in high numbers, including mosquitoes, so it’s best you come equipped with bug spray or clothing to minimize the amount of exposed skin. 
  • Some facilities and areas in the Everglades may be closed or partially closed during this season. 
  • Less people visit the Everglades during this time of year, which makes it easier to explore and it is quieter. 
  • The end of the wet season is also hurricane season.  

Explore the Everglades by Airboat During the Wet Season 

Come out and explore the Everglades during the wet season. It’s a great way to cool down as you feel the breeze on your face as you glide across the waters.  

If you want to be on the safe side, book an airboat tour in the morning to avoid storms and the hottest weather.  

Remember to come prepared with bug spray, hats, sunglasses, and water, so you can have a comfortable trip.  

Unfortunately, you may not see as much wildlife as you would during the dry season, but they’re still plenty of creatures around and it’s not surprising to see alligators and birds 

It’s a great time of year to experience the Everglades without big crowds. 

Whether it’s the wet or dry season, Captain Mitch’s airboats are out on the water!  

Come enjoy a fun trip out on the water exploring the Everglades. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours  is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

To book an airboat trip in the Everglades, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377 or click Everglades airboat tour page. 

 

 

Everglades City: A Little Background on the City Where Captain Mitch Grew Up

everglades cityCaptain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours is located in Everglades City, Florida. Our tours take people on a magical trip through the Everglades. For this article, we wanted to share with you a little bit about Everglades City.  

Everglades City is a small community in southern Florida. Actually, it is a small island and one of the Ten Thousand Islands (10,000 islands) in the Everglades National Park. This small city was the founding county seat of Collier County.  

Collier county, Florida, was created by Barron Gift Collier when he bought part of Lee county and part of Monroe county for penny’s an acre as wetlands. Collier was an American advertising entrepreneur who became the largest landowner and developer in Florida.  

The land he bought is now some of the most wanted lands on the Gulf Coast side of Florida. Between the Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve, world-class fishing, hunting, and of course, airboat tours and rides, Everglades City is a great place to explore, visit, and relax! 

Everglades City and Captain Mitch is nearby to Marco Island, Naples, and Fort Myers.  

Captain Mitch himself is from Everglades City. He is a born and raised southern Floridian. 

As an airboat tour owner, Captain Mitch has been giving private airboat tours in Everglades City in the tourist industry for more than 30 years.  

Your time on Captain Mitch tour will be one of your greatest memories of the Everglades and Everglades City, whether you are visiting or a year-round resident. We hope to see you soon! 

Come enjoy a fun trip out on the water exploring the Everglades on an airboat tour that leaves from Everglades City.. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours  is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

To book an airboat trip in the Everglades, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377 or click Everglades airboat tour page. 

 

Reasons You Must Experience a Captain Mitch Airboat Tour in the Everglades 

airboat tourAirboats are iconic in the Everglades, and if you’ve never experienced a ride on an airboat tour, we highly recommend you do – it is an experience like no others.  Airboat tours are fun for all ages and give you an amazing view of the Everglades. 

For this article, we wanted to share with you some reasons you should go on a Captain Mitch airboat tour the next time you’re in Florida or in the Everglades. 

  • Any age can enjoy these rides. 
  • You’ll learn a lot about wildlife, plant life, and the Everglades from the airboat captain. 
  • You will see wildlife and plants that don’t live or grow anywhere else in the world.  
  • You’ll get close to alligators.  
  • You get a lot of bang for your buck! It’s $40 ($20 for a child) for a full hour of exploring and learning about the Everglades up close and personal.  
  • The airboat is safely equipped in case of any emergency. Life jackets and ear protection are provided. 
  • You will never feel too hot from the breeze as you glide on through the waters.  
  • You can make a reservation beforehand, so you don’t have to wait in long lines like at an amusement park.  
  • Airboats are properly maintained and inspected throughout the year, so they are working properly and safe.  
  • You get the chance to possibly see alligators, birds, turtles, fish, and other wildlife. 
  • You get to go fast on the water. 
  • You will have breathtaking views of the Everglades. 
  • You get views of the Everglades you can’t get anywhere else. 
  • You get a private tour. 
  • Airboats can go in places big boats cannot go. 
  • You can enjoy this experience with family and friends. 
  • You will see different things each time you go out on an airboat. 

Explore the Everglades by Private Airboat with Captain Mitch  

Captain Mitch giving airboat tours for more than 30 years in the Everglades. Captain Mitch and his team have an extensive knowledge of the area – you will learn so much while having fun exploring the Everglades’ ecosystem. Whether this is your first time on an airboat or your 100th  time, we know you’ll have a memorable experience. 

  Come check out the Everglades with Captain Mitch. We have the best airboat tours around! To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. 

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours  is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

 

 

Everglades Mammals: Florida Bonneted Bat 

habitatsThe Florida Bonneted bat is one of many bat species living in the Everglades. Unfortunately, in 2013, this bat was classified as endangered.  

This species of bat is found only in southern Florida and has one of the most restricted ranges as this bat is non-migratory.  

It is the largest of the bat species in Florida. It can grow up to 6.5 inches in size with a 21-inch wingspan. Although a larger bat, it only weighs up to 1.7 ounces. Its tail extends beyond a short tail membrane.  

The Florida bonneted bat eats beetles, flies and other insects.  

You can find this bat in wetlands and forests. These bats roost themselves in tree cavities, cliff crevices, and buildings. This bat doesn’t just live in rural and wooded areas, it can be found in residential and urban areas, as well.  

This bat’s fur can range in color from a dark gray to a gray with brown in it. These bats give birth to one baby (pup) at a time but may have more than one pup in a year. Baby bats are born usually between June and September.  

The reason the Florida bonneted bat is endangered is because of its small habitat, which is threatened by human population growth, development, agriculture, habitat loss, climate change, and more. This bat has a small population with few colonies, which means they are slow to reproduce, which makes them even more vulnerable. Other threats to this bat include: hurricanes, pesticides, human removal from urban/residential areas, species competition for roost sites, disease, and predation.  

Come explore the Florida bonneted bat’s precious habitat for yourself. An airboat ride is the best way to explore the Everglades. 

Our captains are trained, experienced, and knowledgeable on airboats and the Everglades. Ask us questions! 

Our guides and team know the Everglades well! Our airboat tours are fun and educational for the whole family! Get excited you’re in for a fun ride! 

Call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065  or visit our Everglades Airboat Tours page. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

 

Facts About Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours  

airboat toursAirboats and Everglades famously go together and there’s quite a few airboat companies out there, but we’re here to tell you Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours are the best airboat tours in town! 

Here are some reasons why you should come experience a Captain Mitch airboat tour over any other company: 

    • Captain Mitch has the oldest family in the airboat ride industry of south Florida.  
  • Captain Mitch’s family has been in the airboat tour business for more than 60 years.  
    • On these tours, you see alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and more.  
    • Captain Mitch’s great grandfather Captain Barrel Head House and Captain Doug’s grandfather built the first commercial airboat in the Everglades in 1941.  
    • Captain Mitch was born and raised in Everglades City, Fl.  
    • Captain Rick was born and raised in Everglades City, Fl.  
  • Captain Stanford was born and raised in Everglades City, Fl.  
    • Captain James lives in Plantation Island, Fl.  
    • Captain Conrad lives in Naples, Florida.  
    • Captain Jack comes from Everglades City, Fl.  
    • These tours are one hour long.  
  • We offer discounts and coupon codes throughout the year.  
    • Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours is the original small Airboat Tours in Everglades City, FL. 
    • Our tours give you the ability to experience the thrill of flying like a true Florida Everglades local across the grass land swamps. 
    •  We are in the grass area of Big Cypress national preserve and Everglades National Park.  
  • Our airboat tours are just minutes from Naples, Marco island and Fort Myers, Florida. 

Travel like a real pioneer with an old pioneer family! To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. 

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $50 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

 

 

 

 

 

All About the American Alligator in the Everglades 

wildlife in the evergladesOne of the most sought out sights in the Everglades is the American alligator, which is basically iconic to Florida. You can find this alligator in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and other small bodies of water.  

An adult male American alligator can reach up to 15 feet in length while the female can reach up to 10 feet in length. Their snouts are broad. Young alligators eat insects, small fish and frogs, while adults eat fish, turtles, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and small alligators.  

Depending where the alligator lives, it’s colors can change from olive, to gray, to brown or black with a cream-colored underside.  

Mating usually occurs in the spring and can last for several hours. A female alligator will choose a place to nest above the water level. Females stay near the nest during the 58 to 63-day incubation period. She will protect the nest from danger. The temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings. Incubation from 90 to 93 degrees produces males while 82 to 86 degrees produces females and anything in between produces both.  

Once they hatch, the female will carry eight to 10 babies in her mouth to the water. The babies will grow fast, about one foot per year for the first few years of life.  

Alligators are native to the Everglades and are an important part of the area’s ecosystem. Many other species use alligator holes/nests as a refuge and shelter.  

 For the most part, alligator attacks on humans do not occur, unless there is an illegal feeding incident. In the Everglades, it is illegal to feed, bother, or provoke alligators.  

Currently, alligators are thriving in the Everglades and Florida and have not been on the Endangered Species list since 1987; however, alligators do have a new-ish predator, the Burmese python, which can kill and eat an alligator. People are working hard to remove the pythons from the Everglades, as they are invasive and killing the native animals and hurting the local ecosystem.  

Come on out on an airboat tour and see an alligator (or many) up close!  To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. 

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). 

 

  

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