It’s December, which falls during the dry season in the Everglades. The dry season is best time to head down to the Everglades to view an array of different wildlife species. Not only to many species migrate down for the winter, but there’s less chance of rain and thunderstorms. Plus, the weather is less humid. During this time of year, the good weather and low water levels create the perfect environment for animals and birds to congregate near bodies of water.
Some great spots in the Everglades to view wildlife include: Shark Valley, the Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm), Eco Pond (a mile past the Flamingo Visitor Center), Snake Bight (near Flamingo), and Chokoloskee Bay (Gulf Coast).
In these spots, visitors can see alligators, wading birds, freshwater wildlife, and a few other land creatures. Since the animals are wild, visitors should be respectful to both the animals and the environment in which they call home.
We’ve shared a few rules and tips on viewing the animals in the Park to keep yourself and the animals safe.
- Keep your space from animals and birds. Do not disturb them (do not pick up or chase) in their home or anywhere in the Park. You can get a better view of wildlife with binoculars without bothering or spooking them.
- Walk away from animals if you feel you have disturbed them and leave the area. Animals and birds may feel threatened, and start to act strangely (excessive flapping, pacing, muscle tension, staring, screaming/making frequent noises) or can be dangerous when they feel threatened.
- Stay away from nesting or den areas. Stick to the trails to avoid running into one of these breeding grounds. You don’t want to scare away the parents, who leave the offspring behind who cannot yet survive on their own.
- If you see a potentially sick/hurt/abandoned animal, leave it be or notify a ranger; it’s family could be nearby.
- Pets are not allowed on trails or the wilderness areas of the Park.
- Do not feed the animals. The Park does not want the animals to become reliant on being fed, unnaturally, by humans. The Everglades is a real-life habitat for animals, not a zoo.
- Follow all safety signs and warning signals in the park.
- Do not harass animals in the Park in any way.
When you visit the Everglades, you are visiting something’s’ home, whether it’s a bird or an alligator. The Park asks that you respect all animals in the Park. Please refrain from feeding, touching, yelling, throwing things, or interacting with wildlife. It’s best to admire them from afar.
If you’re looking for a way to see wildlife in the Everglades, an airboat tour is a great way to view animals and birds without worrying about bothering them or putting yourself in a dangerous situation. 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).
