Looking for something fun to do where you can be both outside and socially distant?
Now is a great time to visit the Everglades. Just a short drive from downtown Naples, in 45 minutes you can be in one of the most unique and untouched parts of the state. Take advantage of our beautiful winter weather to get up close and personal with our wildlife. Don’t forget your camera, having just finished rainy season, the water levels are high and the inviting freshwater brings out raccoons, deer, cougars, migratory and native birds, and of course a favorite sight, our alligators.
The serene mangrove tunnels lend themselves to a beautiful backwater kayaking experience or if you prefer hiking, there are plenty of trails in the state parks. The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park allows hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Down the road a bit further, the Big Cypress National Preserve has additional camp sites, swamp buggies, biking, birding and even off-road vehicles. The Big Cypress National Preserve is a designated International Dark Sky Place which helps protect our night skies for beautiful star gazing, a perfect combination for our overnight campers.
If your party is looking for a little bit more action on the water, you must consider an airboat tour. You may know them as fanboats for their prominent rear fan propelling these boats thru shallow waters. These boats are perfect for darting thru the mangroves, spinning around in open spaces and thrilling passengers with their noise and speed.
Before you go, I recommend booking ahead of your trip as most companies are limiting their boats and passenger capacity. There are plenty of companies to choose from but I do love Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours where the fan boat drivers provide that native Floridian touch. Make sure you save enough time for the free Gator Show included with your ticket. If you want to learn more about our Everglades, tour our mangroves, or just watch someone put their head in the mouth of an alligator (and who wouldn’t?) then come on down!
www.captainjacksairboattours.com
Go to www.visitflorida.com Tour the everglades to get the most recent state park COVID polices