The Everglades is the topic for part III of my series on Southwest Florida. If you’re visiting the Fort Myers vicinity, you may want to take a day trip to see some gators.

There are many ways to visit the Everglades: by motor boat, airboat, plane, or tour bus, but we opted to drive. We were fortunate to have a resident tour guide — our uncle lives in Naples and was more than happy to show us around this nature-rich area of Florida. If you decide to fly into Florida during peak season, be sure to book your airline tickets early as Florida can get busy during the winter months. Fort Myers and Naples both have airports to get you into the heart of Southwest Florida.

Big Cypress Bend is just a short drive from Naples, and highway 41 offers several spots to park and watch the wildlife. It’s even possible to view alligators and other wildlife from the highway, so it’s smart to remain watchful. We saw this Spanish moss from Kirby Shorter boardwalk, as we walked a mile or so back on boardwalks built through the Cypress trees.

We visited during early January, which is the dormant season, but we were still thankful for the boardwalks that kept us safely above the vegetation and, er… wildlife.

This boardwalk led to swamps with alligators, egrets and blue herons in their natural habitat. At this wayside, rangers were available to explain the wildlife, especially the gators.

Our voyage to the Everglades was an afternoon well-spent and educational. I recommend it for any nature-conscious family.

TIPS

* The Everglades can get pretty remote, and although some waysides and lookouts provide modern facilities, others provide only portable toilets, or nothing at all. Use the restroom in your hotel before you go!

* For the same reason above, bring plenty of water and pack a lunch. Depending upon the season you visit, you may get pretty thirsty on your hike, and in the Everglades, you won’t find much to quench it.

* Prepare your kids for the wildlife you’ll find in the Everglades. Explain the importance of remaining on the boardwalks, and out of the grass. The discoveries can be exciting, but you don’t a melt-down at the first sight of a gator in the middle of a Cypress swamp.

* Be camera-ready! You’ll be sure to experience must-snap photo opportunities!

Florida Series:
Disney World
Sanibel Island
Fort Myers Beach
Everglades

Affordable Family Travel Series:

Creativity and Flexibility
Renting Condos and Timeshares

More great tips at We Are THAT Family.