The Everglades is a unique eco-system. Spreading over 2 million acres, it’s the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Alligators don’t digest salt, so they live in fresh water, whereas crocodiles thrive in both fresh and salt water. Here are some reasons why you should try kayaking in the Everglades, Florida.
Kayaking in the Everglades
The Everglades is known for its wetland landscape and abundance of wildlife. It can be experienced from many different angles, but one of the most exhilarating ways to explore it is by kayak.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced paddler, kayaking in the Everglades is sure to give you an exciting adventure that will provide lasting memories for years to come. Read on for more reasons why this excursion should be at the top of your bucket list!
1.An Alternative to Florida Theme Parks
Who doesn’t love a good theme park, and Florida has more of them than any other area in the world. It is easy to combine a trip there with a visit to the Paradise Coast, which has many cultural attractions and outdoor activities in Naples, or to the Everglades to get close to nature.
2.Eco-friendly Kayaking in Florida
Kayaks have the advantage of being totally silent and for that reason they’re allowed to venture fully into the Everglades National Park. Air boats are not permitted in most of the park itself, only on the outskirts due to the noise of the motors. There are many Everglades kayak tours, but Everglades Area Tours are one of the best for eco-tours, leading excursions by kayak, bicycle and on foot.
3.Everglades Wildlife
By choosing an eco-friendly Everglades National Park tour, you’re likely to see more wildlife. Our guide, Ronald, was a Florida Master Naturalist, licensed by the US Coast Guard and certified by the National Park.
He knows the area like the back of his hand and his is one of the best Florida Everglades tours. The wildlife was in abundance on the day we kayaked but there are no crocodiles in that area of the Everglades, just alligators who are perfectly safe if undisturbed. Check out our video here…
You will spot magnificent specimens like this perching in the trees.
You may also come across sea-turtles, admiring the scenery. The Great Blue Heron is another common sight in the Everglades. There are also many egrets and sea eagles to look out for.
Perhaps the biggest thrill is getting up close and personal with the alligators. The saying goes, do something that scares you every day.
We have to admit to being a bit apprehensive about kayaking among the alligators. However, we asked Ron beforehand and he reassured us that alligators, unlike crocodiles are safe if left unprovoked.
In the areas where he took us, they were young alligators that were also extremely docile. They hardly moved as we glided by, much to my relief!
4.Explore the Everglades Mangroves
The Everglades are home to the largest mangrove forest in North America and on this tour, we had the privilege of kayaking through them. Mangrove trees grow along tidal creeks and provide refuge for many birds and mammals.
In parts, the mangrove roots are so omnipresent that you can’t easily paddle. If you do an Everglades swamp tour, the solution is to use the branches to push through gently with your hands. The canopy overhead provides welcome shade and an eerie sense of stillness.
5.Get Fit in the Everglades
Whilst kayaking is a great upper body workout, thankfully it’s not too tiring. It’s actually suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The youngest person that our guide has taken kayaking was 2 years old and there have been several participants in their 80s and 90s.
We kept stopping to take pictures so didn’t work up too much of a sweat, and Ronald was happy for us to do so. In fact he pointed out many great photo opportunities.
Both Paul and I wore a shirt designed to repel mosquitoes and I’d definitely recommend that you do the same. It’s also worth applying insect repellent liberally and wearing a hat to protect you from the sun.
6.Work as a Team
The reason why kayaking in the Everglades is suitable for all ages is that you can go out on tour own or in a 2 person boat. Just be warned that it may take some time before you get in sync with your fellow paddler;-).
Our guide was extremely patient, instructing us how to work as a team. A 2 person kayak is more stable though it’s harder to get photos of the other person so next time we’d probably go separately.
7.Everglades City Stone Crab
Did you know that fishing Florida stone crabs is considered to be eco-friendly too? The reason is that only their claws are harvested, with the crab itself being returned to the water and growing new claws.
They are only fished between 15 October and 15 May. Everglades City is one of the best places to eat stone crab.
Our guide recommended Camellia Street Grill, a colourful place on the Barron River, as a good place to try Everglades stone crab.
We had also heard good things about City Seafood on Begonia Street, one of the top Everglades City restaurants. Camellia Street Grill has a quirky decor and most importantly, some delicious food. The veggie burgers are a good alternative for those who aren’t keen on seafood.
We tucked into deliciously tasty crab that came away from the shell so easily that you could tell it was at its freshest. For dessert, we savoured a lovely Key Lime Pie, a great end to our adventure, kayaking in the Everglades.
Final Thoughts on Kayaking in the Everglades
The next time you’re looking for an outdoor activity that will take you on an adventure, try kayaking in the Everglades. This region of the United States is a great ecotourism destination. You won’t be disappointed by the scenery and it’s a great workout too.
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