Everglades National Park was absolutely at the top of my National Park bucket list. I was intrigued and excited to see the “largest tropical wilderness in the United States” according to the National Park Service. My wish list was simple: (1)See an alligator, (2)See a crocodile, and (3) Take some amazing wildlife and nature photographs. I had no idea that this place would exceed every one of my expectations.

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

We started our day at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. This was a great place for us to learn about the types of wildlife and plant-life we would experience in the park. It was also nice that they had clean restrooms and a water station to fill up our water bottles. (We have really grown to appreciate these amenities, being full-time van-lifers!)

The entrance to the park–not too far from the visitor’s center–is where we showed our National Parks Annual Pass and got our map. I just want to say once again how wonderful it is to have a National Parks Pass! I can’t believe that for only $80, we have access to over 63 parks! But, I am not a spokesperson for the NPS, so I will leave it at that. But, it’s just SO cool!

We took the main park road–about 38 miles in total–from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to the Flamingo Visitor Center. There are several scenic stops and trails along the way, but we purposely skipped the first ones (Royal Palms Area) because of the kettle of vultures circling around the parking lot.

I had prepared an itinerary beforehand (obviously, because you know me and that’s what I do), so I already knew about the vultures. They have destroyed many vehicles by eating anything rubber. Since our vehicle is also our home, we thought it was too big a risk just to get some nice photographs. So, when everyone else was pulling over to park and walk the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo trails, we skipped them and moved right on down the road.

We did stop and walk around at three different places, though: (1) Pa-hay-okee Trail, (2)Mahogany Hammock Trail, and (3)Nine-Mile Pond. The trails were beautiful, easy, and less than a mile long (and vulture-free).

Nine Mile Pond

Nine-Mile Pond was where one of my big three wishes came true. The Crocodile we stumbled on–I’m guessing she (I’ll call her “she” because of her size, but it’s obviously just a guess) was around 9 foot long and around 300 pounds–was just sunning by the edge of the pond. At first, I didn’t think she was real. I’m just not used to seeing these sorts of creatures in real life!

So, I started photographing. And, naturally, I moved in closer for the better shots. And, I probably got a little closer than I should have. At some point, I saw her blink and flinch, and I backed on up outta there real fast!

You can tell she’s a crocodile and not an alligator by the color of her skin (looks grey-ish/olive to me), her pointy snout, and her visible bottom teeth. Alligators typically have dark-black skin, wide/ u-shaped snouts, and only their top teeth show when their mouths are closed.

Another key point I should make here (public safety announcement)–you should NEVER get this close to a crocodile. I also was not as close as it appears I am–because I was using a 300mm zoom lens to capture these close-ups.

This is as close as we actually got–still way too close! In case you are wondering, crocodiles are not typically friendly. They will attack and eat humans under the right (wrong….very wrong actually) circumstances. Beware!

Flamingo Visitor Center

Our next stop was Flamingo Visitor’s Center, where we parked the van and walked along the beautiful Florida Bay shoreline.

The Visitor’s Center is right at the southernmost tip of Florida, so we pulled up a map to see our location. It’s really hard to tell from the map if Texas or Florida have the southernmost point in the continental U.S. What do you think?

Inside the visitor center, we noticed the big mosquito monitor on the wall right away.

Take note that in the Everglades, there is one creature that bites more than the gators and crocs–and that is the mosquito. There are lots of warnings about this on the NPS website, and plenty of reminders to apply bug spray. And since historically mosquitos seem to love my blood (if I’m in the room, everyone else is safe), I was definitely concerned.

But, as it turned out, I didn’t get any mosquito bites in the Everglades! Phew!

Matter of fact, the park rangers told us that January is one of the best months to visit the Everglades because the mosquito counts are low and the wildlife sightings are at their highest. Score! Next time we visit, I hope it is in January!

There was also a nice marina and shop at the visitor’s center. We paused for a few minutes and ate a PB&J and an apple, before getting back into the van and making our way down the road. I was anxious to see some alligators!

And, we saw one while driving down the road! There were several people pulled over at the shoulder staring at something, so we joined them to see what they were looking at. And, WHOOMP, there it is!

Airboat Ride at Gator Park

We had reservations to take an airboat ride about 2 hours away at Gator Park. I didn’t really know what to expect because I had never taken an airboat ride before–and especially not in gator-filled waters! I was a little scared, but also very excited!

Airboats are flat on the bottom and propelled by a big propeller that is mounted above the water line. They are used in the Everglades because the waters are very shallow and full of plant-life, and a traditional motor boat would probably get stuck. Another key note–they can go very fast–from 35 to up to 130 mph!

Another key point–if you are sitting on the edge, you may get wet! Oh, and you should hold on to your hat!

The driver slowed the boat down and coasted through several spots where alligators were known to hang out. I was so glad I had my camera because we had many gator sightings there!

We learned that one major difference between alligators and crocodiles is that alligators don’t generally attack humans. It is not unheard of (I remember the tragic story of the 2 year old at Disney World), so it is still wise to keep your distance.

Especially when you can achieve a closeup like this with a telephoto lens! Don’t worry, I was at least 20 feet away!

Not all the gators were still, though. This one was moving slowly into the water for a swim. (I was thinking, “please please please stay away from our boat!)

My favorite sight was of an alligator and turtle sunbathing together in the cool grass.

The plant-life and vegetation in the water was also a stunning sight to see.

We also saw some beautiful birds! The blue one below with the colorful beak is called an American Purple Gallinule. Although I tried really hard to get a picture, it was moving too fast for me to focus. Fortunately, Dan saved me and got these great shots on his iPhone. Thanks, Dan!

After the airboat ride, we got in our van and drove fifteen minutes to make our next reservations for a two-hour tram tour through the Everglades.

Shark Valley Tram Tour

We arrived a little early, so we walked around the nearby area and I looked for more photo opportunities. And, OH MY GOODNESS, I turned around and saw this! Be careful, Dan!!!

Okay, I’ll admit that wasn’t a real alligator. But, I’ll bet it made you jump!! Haha

The park grounds are so beautiful–so wild, undeveloped, and natural. The pictures do not do it justice! I imagine this is what most of Florida looked like just a hundred years ago.

And then I spotted a Great Egret! Guess what, it’s portrait time, buddy!

I was having such a wonderful time photographing the Great Egret that I almost didn’t want to stop to get on the tram tour! But, WOW, I am so glad I did because I have never been on a tour like that before!

I was afraid this guy would jump on our laps and join us! (Fine, but please don’t eat me!)

Oh my goodness, isn’t he SO cute?! Anyone want a pet alligator now? Just kidding. Don’t do that. (Nikole, I knew you would be considering it.)

We saw so many alligators on the tram tour–I lost count, but I’d say at least fifty or sixty.

There is an observation tower along the tour route, and we were given fifteen minutes to get out and walk around.

Such pretty Florida flora!

When we got to the top of the tower, I looked down and saw this! Alligators everywhere, I tell you!

Which is why I wouldn’t go wandering down the trail like Dan did. No thank you, babe!

And, as I mentioned before, not just alligators! When we walked back towards our tram–and while I was using the port-o-potty–Dan spotted this huge crocodile on the side of the road!

I think he needs his teeth brushed. Any volunteers??!

The remaining time on the tram did not disappoint. We saw a darling little baby heron in its nest.

We even saw a couple of sweethearts, just chilling by the water, probably talking about their day.

I think it goes without saying that we had an amazing experience in the Everglades! And, we did it all in one day, can you believe that?!

P.S.

We also learned about Pythons. Yes, they have invaded in the Everglades unfortunately. If you’d like to learn more about that, click here. Thankfully, we did not encounter any of those. Whew!

Take care, stay safe, and see you later, alligator!

XOXO,

Joanna