Have you heard of the term “brackish water?” If you’ve been to southern Florida, you’ve likely heard it mentioned. What is it? Brackish water is a combination of saltwater and freshwater – it’s where the two types of water meet. Brackish water has a higher salinity level than fresh water, but it is not as high as sea or ocean water. The salinity of brackish water can vary, but usually, brackish water contains between 0.5 and 30 grams of salt per liter.
Brackish water can exist on its own in nature, or it was made due to human construction. When found naturally, brackish water can be found around estuaries where a river meets an ocean. Many areas of southern Florida contain brackish water and it flows into the Everglades.
Many water species can survive and live in brackish water and can go back and forth between fresh and saltwater. In brackish water, you can find trout, bull sharks, tilapia, alligators, some species of crab, shrimp, and more.
Within the Everglades ecosystem, there needs to be a proper balance of fresh and saltwater for water species and plant species to grow. In recent years, salinity levels have risen in the Everglades, which has been a problem. Restoration programs are putting freshwater into the Everglades to combat rising salinity levels.
Jump on an Everglades Tour on an Airboat
A great and safe way to see the variety of wildlife and vegetation in the Everglades’ brackish water is on a ride through the Everglades on an airboat with Captain Mitch.
Our guides know the Everglades well! Our airboat tours are fun and educational for the whole family!
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).
