Everglades National Park is a large national reserve located in the southern part of Florida and covers 1.5 million acres of this unique and diverse ecosystem with more than 5,000 years of existence, known as the Everglades.
Founded on December 6, 1947, the park is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because it is a biosphere reserve and ecological zone of international importance.
As the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, it has an abundance of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species such as the American Alligator, Florida Panther, and Manatee.
It is a perfect tour for those who enjoy being in contact with nature, as it allows you to carry out various outdoor activities, such as:
Hiking: There are several trails inside the reserve, both long and short, allowing visitors to experience unique landscapes and enjoy wildlife. One of the most popular is the Anhinga Trail.
Bicycle: For those who enjoy cycling, the best airlines to practice this sport in the park are Shark Valley and Snake Night Trail.
Boat: If you enjoy river rides, you’ll be delighted to know that much of the park is only accessible by water, making this activity quite popular in the Everglades. Here, you can choose between taking your own boat or renting one with or without guided tours.
Birdwatching: The Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, and Great Gray Heron are just a few of the many species of birds that can be found in Everglades National Park and observed by visitors on guided tours or while exploring the area independently.
Camping: There are several areas for those who want to spend the night in nature. The most famous campsites are at Long Pine Key and Flamingo, which include places for tents and trailers, drinking water, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms. It is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season.
Fishing: It is a popular spot for freshwater and saltwater fishing, with species such as snapper, sea trout, and bass. However, you must have a Florida fishing license.
Ranger-led Programs: There are several ranger-led activities that provide visitors with a more complete understanding of the park and its environment through walks, talks, and boat rides.
Wildlife Viewing: Alligators, manatees, and panthers are just a few of the many animals to be seen at Everglades National Park, both on tours and boat trips.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
There are only two seasons in the Everglades, dry and wet. In general, the dry season starts in December and lasts until April, while the rainy season lasts from May to November.
The dry season is the busiest, as the milder winter attracts a greater diversity of birds and their predators.
On the other hand, during the rainy season, the region becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes! What reduces the flow of people and, as a consequence, the flow of activities, many programs controlled by forest guards are unavailable at this season.
Therefore, it is recommended that before traveling, you visit the park’s website to see the schedule of tours with rangers and check if what you want to do will be available.
In addition, it is good to check on the website if there is any interruption on the road or adversity caused by the weather, thus avoiding unforeseen events or lost trips.
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRY FEE?
The answer is: It depends!
Entrance fee, without overnight stay and valid for 7 consecutive days:
- Private vehicle or vessel: $30.00.
- Motorcycle: $25.00.
- Bicycle/Walking: $15.00.
For those who enter a commercial tour, a fee is charged based on the vehicle’s seating capacity and the validity of 7 consecutive days remains:
- Car (26 or more passengers): $200.00.
- Minibus (16 – 25 passengers): R$ 100.00.
- Van (7 – 15 passengers): R$75.00.
- Sedan (1 – 6 passengers): $25.00 plus $15 per customer.
For non-commercial groups, for example, religious or scouts, traveling in vehicles with a capacity for 16 or more passengers, the fee is $15.00/person.
To learn more about other ticket types, seasonal fees, possible discounts, and free admission, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/fees.htm
HOW TO REACH EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK?
If you want to rent a car to make your trip to the Everglades National Park more practical, faster, and more comfortable, I advise you to choose one of the more than 150 vehicles at AZ.
Here, there are several categories of vehicles such as compacts, SUVs, minivans, vans, and convertibles. All are in excellent condition, safe and clean, because I prioritize the safety and comfort of your family.
AZ is a company that has come to redefine the car rental market, combining technology and a high level of customer service to bring more agility, satisfaction, and efficiency.
To book a car with AZ, you just need to click on “BOOK NOW”, choose the city to pick up the car, and fill in your information. The entire booking process, contract signing, and payment are ONLINE!
MIAMI -> EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 35 miles.
Average Time: 45 min.
Collecting your AZ car at Miami International Airport, take FL-836 W, then UD-41W West Miami, and follow signs to the Shark Valley Visitor Center entrance.
TAMPA -> EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 212 miles.
Average time: 3 hours.
Rent your car in AZ and pick it up at Tampa International Airport, from there, you should drive south on I-75 S and then take the Florida Turnpike to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Park Entrance).
ORLANDO -> EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 260 miles.
Average time: 4 hours.
Pick up your AZ car from Orlando International Airport, drive south on the Florida Turnpike, and then take one of the park’s main entrances, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.