I'm headed down to Miami for work. Not been to Florida before. I want to head to the Everglades for three days afterwards. Any recommendations regarding the best way to experience the national park? I'm an active 40-year old, so am willing to kayak, canoe, etc. I'm also willing to spend a decent amount on a guide if needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Where to go? How to see it? etc.

AuNBearkeley;842285275 said:

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I'm headed down to Miami for work. Not been to Florida before. I want to head to the Everglades for three days afterwards. Any recommendations regarding the best way to experience the national park? I'm an active 40-year old, so am willing to kayak, canoe, etc. I'm also willing to spend a decent amount on a guide if needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Where to go? How to see it? etc.

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Check out the Mikosukee reservation. It's about half way between Miami and Naples. They have a casino, gator wrestling and the usual, but they also have guided tours and guides. Take an airboat ride in the mangroves if you have time (the best is run by the Totch Brown family out of Everglades City).

The Glades are surprisingly diverse, ecologically, so you may have to make some choices about what you want to see.

The Park no doubt has guides, too. Check their website.

I am not from Florida but have been there a few times.

I would recommend doing the fan boat tours though. Those are always a lot of fun.

I worked for the research branch of the Park Service in Everglades NP many years ago. I am sure much has changed but basically most of the Park is essentially wilderness. It is a fascinating place with ecological conditions found no where else in the world ( a "river of grass"). There is basically one road the goes from the Park entrance to a place called Flamingo that is on Florida Bay. There is a harbor there and a restaurant. Look for the high spot on that road about half way down, the sign says "Rock Reef Pass, Elevation 3 feet." You can also access part of the northern part of the Park from the Tamiami Trail by driving down Shark Valley Road. The rest of the park is inaccessible except by boat (kayak, canoe) Go to their web site (http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm) ther eis much to find there about visiting the park. I suspect there are many concessionaires that provide kayak tours, boats tours in Florida Bay, fishing, etc. Start with the web site and go from there. Enjoy!