A day in the spectacular & protected Everglades NP

1 day itinerary

Head west of Miami for the day to explore one of the largest subtropical wetlands in the world! Home to over 10,000 different species split amongst trees, fish, bugs and mammals, this biodiversity hotspot is recognised by UNESCO, as both a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve. It is also classified by the Ramsar Convention, as a Wetlands of International Importance. Only three locations on Earth share this rare triple status!

---

Our website relies on donations and affiliate links. If you click a link taking you to another website, and make a purchase, we may gain a small commission - at absolutely no cost to you. This helps us expand the website, so we can continue doing what we love!

---

Drive about one hour from Miami head towards the main park entrance where the Ernest Coe Visitor Centre is located. Start your adventures off by exploring by water, where an airboat is a standard mode of transport in this part of the world! A few companies are licensed to enter the park but the experience will be virtually the same no matter where you go, with very similar surroundings on the park borders. Skim across the water courtesy of an expert pilot, providing a perfect opportunity to observe many of the animals in their natural habitat, including anhingas, frogs, fish and plenty of alligators!

Afterwards, your first stop inside the park will be for the Anhinga trail! A very popular and easy to access trail, it starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Centre. The boardwalk is 0.4 miles each way, and provides a slower wildlife experience compared to the airboat!

As you'll quickly see once you arrive, Mangrove trees line the waterfronts of this park and are essential for the ecosystem of many of the worlds wetlands, Everglades included. Drive through to the Guy Bradley Visitor Centre at Flamingo for a bite to eat as well as more activities and boat tours. There are food trucks located at the Flamingo Marina through November to April, the main visiting season as the temperatures are more bearable than the humid and stormy summer.

There are two boat tours offered near the visitor centre, the Flamingo area both depart from the Marina. Both include a naturalist or park ranger to guide you through each 90-minute journey. Tickets can be purchased at the Activities Booth near the Marina fuel pumps. You can also reserve tickets online. Alternatively, consider hiring bicycles, kayaks or canoes from the booth - just bear in mind how hot the Florida weather is, especially in summer. Bring plenty of water and keep the sunblock topped up!

End this short tropical adventure with a stunning Floridian sunset, with panoramic views and reflections of the water are moments you do not want to miss. Once the sun has set, move back to your car quickly - it doesn't take long for all the small insects to come out at dusk!

You may well fall quickly in love with this wilderness wonder and won't be ready to leave yet! Wilderness Camping is permitted, with shops and camping amenities available at the Flamingo Marina! There are also eco-tents that can be reserved in advance. If you do fancy a longer trip to fully explore everything Everglades NP has to offer, including Shark Valley & Thousand Islands, then check out our 3 day itinerary!

Or incorporate this into a custom itinerary where you can explore all of the amazing wildlife and scenery of South Florida. Biscayne & Dry Tortugas await! Feel free to get in touch if you'd like us to build you a personalised itinerary!