Florida Everglades Tours

Everglades National Park has been voted #1 by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) for the second year in a row!

It will come as no surprise to many of you that The Everglades National Park was once again voted #1 out of 100 family-friendly places to fish and boat across the United States. Voters took a variety of elements into consideration when making a decision including accessibility, family-friendliness and great fishing.

Check out how the rest of the country fared, with Florida taking all four of the top spots.

Many have discovered what we here at Everglades Adventure have known for quite some time: that the Everglades is THE place to be for family fun and sporting activity. Our tours take you into the Everglades area and we are proud to be part of the great educational and conserving element of South Florida. Our added convenience of picking you up in our comfortable tour bus and whisking you from Fort Myers Beach to the Everglades will prove to be an adventure of a lifetime. With all kinds of wildlife at hand for you to view and some to touch we offer not only education but a thrill a minute in airboat and swamp buggy rides. And of course alligators are guaranteed!

Our experienced tour guides will point out any marine life, including fish that we may come across. If you are interested in a fishing tour, consider booking a private fishing charter with our sister company Good Time Charters that will take you through the fish-filled waters of Fort Myers Beach and Southwest Florida.

We are happy that the Everglades National Park has been honored with this status and hope that you will find your way to us for a fun Everglades experience!

The Everglades is a sanctuary for hundreds and thousands of delicate species of plants and animals that continually fight to survive in our modern world. But as you may imagine, there are constant threats that jeopardize the lives of our beloved animals in the Everglades. For example, the development of state lands is still one of the most highly debated subjects in the state of Florida today—mainly because of it’s impact on the plants and animals that inhabit the Florida Everglades.

Over the years there have been animals that have fell victim to extinction as a result of development, poaching etc. Though there are many laws that prohibit the destruction of these lands we hold so dearly to us, there are still battles that need to be fought to ensure that all of the life that has been established in the Everglades for hundreds of years remains just as they are for hundreds of years to come.

Florida has unfortunately seen a number of plant and animal species go extinct. A few of the most recent extinct animals include the South Florida Rainbow Snake and the Florida Fairy Shrimp and the Dusky Seaside Sparrow.

Though not all of these species were “Everglades” animals, the loss of these creatures should be used as an example and eye opening experience to promote conservation. As the largest areas in the state for wildlife, protection of the Everglades is vital to maintaining and restoring the ecosystems that make our beautiful landscapes function as they should.

Extinction can be prevented by conservation. Groups such as The Conservation Trust of Florida has dedicated their cause to preserving the Florida Everglades, and other natural areas of Florida for generations upon generations. This group provides recommendations for those who want to assist in conservation efforts by way of a donation or by volunteering.

Dinosaurs have been a focus of fascination for many of us during our lifetimes. We always look below our feet and wonder what is hiding under the many yards of dirt and stone. The question is, are there dinosaur bones in South Florida under the waters of the Everglades just waiting to be discovered? Unfortunately, no.

How can this be? We have the american alligator which is a living dinosaur, right?

Although alligators are most likely the closest living creature that resemble the dinosaur, they are only 37 million years old, which surprisingly does not reach far enough back in history to the time of the dinosaurs. 37 million years ago all of Florida was underwater and not able to support those well known dino species such as the t-rex or brontosaurus.

One thing we do have is an abundance of fossils indicating that we had quite a mix of ancient wildlife including the mastodon, mammoth, sloths, jaguars, saber cats, giant armadillos and even camels. These would be found in the Pleistocene era. The large bodies of water at the time would have been stocked with the sea giants, Great White Shark, Megalodon, and huge crocodiles and alligators.

With the coming of the Eocene Era we see the first fossils in Florida. The state was covered by the sea and we can find the invertebrates, whales and Basilosaurus. During the Miocene era the state became dry again and the coral reefs were starting to form down in the Florida Keys, moving on to the Pliocene era we see the dugongs, porpoises, sharks in the waters and dogs, camels and elephants on land. This brings us back to the aforementioned Pleistocene era, the richest time period for finding evidence of our wildlife past.

As we stand in the Everglades today we can only imagine the constantly, if slow, changing landscapes and wildlife that lived in this space and whose fossil evidence is just beneath our feet.

Exploring the Everglades Biome

If you are unfamiliar with the term Biome, it can be defined as “a major ecological community, extending over a large area and usually characterized by a dominant vegetation.” The Florida Everglades is unique because it is home two biomes that come together to create a unique ecological landscape—and we’re here to help you explore all of them!

The first biome found in the Florida everglades is Aquatic. The aquatic biome refers to the many miles of wetland swamps and marshes that are characteristic of the Glades. In reality, the Glades are a shallow, slow moving “River of Grass”. Critters that call the aquatic biome home include turtles, fish and the American Alligator.

The other biome found in the Florida Everglades is “Terrestrial.” Unique natural features rise out of the swamp and create dry land environments aside from the swamps and marshes that are inhabited by non-aquatic wildlife. Hardwood hammocks, made up of forests of flowering trees and shrubs, create shelter for creatures such as bald eagles and the endangered Florida Panther. Pineland scrub habitats also create habitable areas for non-aquatic animals.

On our tour, we will explore both the aquatic and terrestrial biomes. Travel atop the swamps and marshes on our swamp buggy and meet a few of our terrestrial critters at the wildlife encounter. Remember… the adventure is yours!

Rainy Season in The Everglades

The winds of change are running through the Glades. It’s the time of year when the swampy landscape transitions into the “Wet Season”. Running May through November, this is when the Glades experience the most humid and hot temperatures of the year along with the highest percentages of rainfall. Average temperatures hit the 90s (whew!) and humidity rests in the 90-percentile range.

The Wet Season brings big changes to the landscape, and to the wildlife that call the River of Grass home. Water levels rise, making traversing certain areas of Everglades National Park inaccessible to hikers. The Wet Season also causes the animals of the Glades to disperse and find hospitable areas for shelter and feeding.

During the summer months, the area also enters  “Hurricane Season”, a prime time for tropical storms and hurricanes to form.  Though these storms may pose a considerable threat if they are expected to make landfall in South Florida, the NOAA is extremely successful at tracking the storms and getting residents prepared. South Florida has not seen a major hurricane for over 10 years!

The Wet Season provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the Glades in solitude. Winter crowds clear out leaving the Glades waiting just for you. With fewer disturbances by visitors, animals are free to roam as they please.

Come along with us and explore the Glades, rain or shine!

Happy 100th Birthday to the National Parks System!

Chances are you are familiar, or at least have heard of Everglades National Park. Yes, you know it is a big grassy swamp in South Florida that hosts a bounty of wildlife, specifically the Florida Alligator. But what is it about this vast natural land that has provided it the opportunity to become designated an official “National Park”? Let’s travel back in time to learn a little bit more about the National Park System as a whole.

Interestingly enough, the National Park System began because of art. In the mid-1800s, an artist by the name of George Catlin began a movement to protect the subjects he enjoyed to paint which included native americans and sweeping landscapes of the American West.

As time progressed, so did American expansion which eventually began to degrade the stunning landscapes that spread across the Nation. Yosemite Valley was one of the first sights to show wear and was also one of the first locations that nature advocates fought to protect. President Abraham Lincoln signed a decree that stated that this area “be used and preserved for the benefit of mankind” on the condition that the land would “be held for public use, resort, and recreation… inalienable for all time.” It was officially designated a National Park in October 1890.

It was when President Theodore Roosevelt took office in the early 1900s that the National Park System was developed. Roosevelt named 18 national “natural” monuments by the end of his term which also became national parks. The National Park System was officially established and recognized in 1916.

The Florida Everglades joined the list of beloved National Parks on December 6, 1947 after a string of South Florida Political controversy and disagreement. Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, who we have discussed in previous blog posts, published “River of Grass” in 1947 and this book is credited with assisting to secure the area for preservation, along with efforts from many other area activists.

We would like to congratulate the National Parks System on its 100th birthday this year! Our nation would not be the same without the beautifully preserved areas visited by millions across the country every year. Wish the National Parks System a Happy Birthday right here.

At Everglades Adventure, we encourage you to get out and explore our nation’s national parks, they were preserved for your enjoyment. And as always, let us be your trusty guide when delving into the Glades!

Secret Civilization in the Florida Everglades?

Many come to the Everglades for the wildlife, natural beauty and adventure, but there have been individuals who have come to truly “explore”. It was only a few years ago that two journalists came across turn of the century diagrams, hidden in the depths of a Miami museum, referencing “Pyramids in the Everglades”.

Taken aback, these journalists began scouring over every document and clue they could find that would aid them in the discovery of more information, or the pyramids themselves.

After a handful of months, the names J. Manson Valentine and L. Frank Hudson were uncovered as the Indiana Jones-like characters on a quest to document these supposed pyramids in the late 1970s. Valentine was known as “Miami’s foremost gentleman explorer” who wore a variety of hats including scientist, historian, world traveler and an expert on Atlantis, the lost city. Hudson was an eccentric Florida character who had published a number of books regarding lost shipwrecks and buried treasure. Hudson contacted Valentine with his claim that he had visited a stone pyramid structure inside of Big Cypress Swamp.

It should be noted that though Florida was home to a number of native tribes, there is no evidence of an extremely advanced civilization such as the Inca or Maya, though this what Valentine and Hudson were suggesting with their discovery.

Regardless, the journalists have recently headed deep into the Glades to explore the areas found on the papers penned by Valentine and Hudson. After exploring areas all across the Glades, they have come to the conclusion that what the explorers likely discovered were ancient shell mounds left behind by native Floridian tribes.

In the end, there is no conclusive evidence that ancient civilizations once called The Florida Everglades home, but there is also no proof that Valentine and Hudson’s paperwork is not true. As for now, only time will tell…

Strange Creatures in The Everglades

With thousands of square miles of natural, preserved land, it can only be expected that a few strange creatures have made their homes in their Everglades. Forget the Skunk Ape, forget the strange noises that go bump—these are real creatures we may just come across during our adventure deep into one of Florida’s greatest natural wonder, The Florida Everglades.

Bullseye Snakehead/Frankenfish

This non-native invader, scientifically known as Channa marulius, has arrived in the waters of our Everglades via South Florida canals. Though it is unknown how they reached the area from their native home of Asia, the Frankenfish has sure made a name for itself in the 20 years since it was discovered in Florida. These fish can grow up to 3 feet long; lay thousands of eggs at a time and love to feast on the eggs of bass. This red-eyed ambush predator has a flat head and dark, torpedo body. It’s claim to fame is that Frankenfish can breath air and even potentially walk on land (which has been disproven).

Portuguese Man-O-War

Found on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, where the sawgrass meets the sand, is the strange Man-O-War. These bright blue, gelatinous sea creatures frequently wash up with the waves. Though similar to a jellyfish, these creatures are actually a colony of independent life forms that combined to create a single entity. Characterized by its striking “bladder”, this feature allows the Man-O-War to float freely atop the water’s surface. Be careful, underneath the bladder is up to 30 feet of poisonous tentacles!

Anole

It’s hard to miss these little guys when you’re down in any part of southwest Florida—especially during the summertime. You will likely find them in most outdoor spaces lounging in the sun, scurrying across branches or doing their “push ups” (used to woo the female anoles during mating season). Florida is home to exactly 4 species of anole including: the green anole, brown anole, bark anole, and the Cuban knight anole. At the bottom of the food chain compared to birds, cats and other outdoor carnivores, the anole is an infamous escape artist. Anole’s have developed a tail that breaks off when their attacker attempts to capture them.

16 Reasons to Explore the Florida Everglades in 2016

Though we are already a few months into 2016, it doesn’t mean you can’t make time to visit The Florida Everglades, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The River of Grass will draw you in and truly never leave you after a visit. Make 2016 the year you delve into the adventure of a lifetime.

1. WITNESS SOMETHING MAGICAL–There are 36 protected species that live inside the park, including the American crocodile, snail kite, West Indian manatee, Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Florida panther and four varieties of sea turtles.
2. SPRECHEN SIE DEUTSCH?– We’ve got a wonderful German-speaking guide just for you.
3. TRAVEL BACK IN TIME– Calusa Indians inhabited South Florida as early as 1000 B.C.
4. WELL-KNOWN FOR A REASON— The Everglades is a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Significance.
5. YOU’LL DEFINITELY SEE AN ALLIGATOR— There are over 200,000 alligators in the Everglades.
6. AND MAYBE EVEN A CROCODILE– The Glades is the only place in the world where you can see Alligators and American Crocodiles.
7. 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE—We have been offering excursions to the Everglades since 1996!
8. EXPERIENCE A THRILL—Have you ever been on airboat or swamp buggy? Feel the wind through your hair as you enjoy these high-energy activities.
9. SPREAD YOUR WINGS—The Glades is one of the largest habitats utilized as a breeding ground for tropical wading birds.
10. FLORIDA IS MORE THAN JUST THEME PARKS—Our natural areas can be more thrilling and magical than anywhere in Orlando.
11. IT’S CLOSE TO THE BEACH— It’s a short ride from sand of Fort Myers Beach to the saw grass of the Everglades, plus we have a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
12. SAMPLE LOCAL FLAVOR—Get a taste of the unique food that makes up traditional Southwest Florida flavors including fresh seafood, alligator and frog legs!
13. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE LOCALS—At the interactive animal experience, touch and hold a number of birds, snakes and reptiles.
14. IT’S FUN & EDUCATIONAL— Learn something on your vacation! Taking a tour is not tedious and you can walk away filled with knowledge.
15. TAKE HOME AMAZING PHOTOS—Bring your camera, your smartphone or GoPro, the Glades is beautiful.
16. IT’S THE HEART AND SOUL OF SOUTH FLORIDA— You can’t truly appreciate the natural beauty and delicate nature of the South Florida environment until you visit The Florida Everglades.