VisitEverglades.com is your premier online Visitor Guide to the Everglades Showcasing hundreds of exciting attractions, hotels, restaurants, real estate & vacation rentals in the Everglades Region
A member of the www.FloridaVisitorGuides.com network of travel sites
Everglades
National Park
Welcome
to Everglades National Park .com - Your premier online guide to the
Everglades National Park Showcasing
hundreds of exciting attractions throughout
the south west Gulf Coast area of Florida
including the neighboring
communities of Naples, Chokoloskee,
and Marco Island. The Everglades National
Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve,
and a Wetland of International Importance.
Established in 1947, the
Everglades National Park covers 4,000
sq mi in southern
Florida extending from Lake Okeechobee southward to Florida Bay.
Federal Land comprises 1,398,617.13 acres, Non-Federal Land - 461.13 with the
gross total area acres of 1,399,078.26. The Everglades is a
unique ecosystem and is completely dependant upon water flow, making it one of
the largest and most productive estuaries in the world. The Everglades support
more than 350 species of birds and over 1,000 species of plants.
The
annual average rainfall of more than 60 in. (152 cm) with most falling in the
summer. Big Cypress Swamp, to the northwest, and Lake Okeechobee are the chief
sources of its water.
Everglades National Park is open year round. Highest visitation is from December
through April, and the lowest visitation is May through November. Walking and
canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife, including
alligators and a multitude of tropical and temperate birds.
Florida
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| EVERGLADES FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDES | ||
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South Florida Fishing Guides.com Guided Fishing in the Upper Florida Keys, Everglades National Park or the Biscayne Bay. Use light tackle or fly fish for bonefish, redfish, snook, tarpon and more. click here  Everglades Fishing Charter.com click here | Florida
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Endangered Species in Everglades National Park:
An
endangered species is a species of plant or animal that, throughout all or a significant
portion of its range, is in danger of extinction. Everglades National Park is,
or was at one time, home to fifteen endangered species.
American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)
Atlantic hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata)
Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Cape Sable
seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis)
Snail (Everglades) kite (Rostrhamus
sociabilis plumbeus)
Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
West Indian manatee
(Trichechus manatus)
Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi)
Key Largo
wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli)
Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus
allapaticola)
Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
Schaus swallowtail
butterfly (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus)
Garber's Spurge (Chamaesyce garberi)
Everglades
Fishing
Fishing abounds in the Everglades. The
unique combination of year-round warm water, brackish rivers and backcountry bays,
mangroves, oyster bars, estuaries, forage, and moving water, makes Southwest Florida
one of the leading fisheries in the World. The
nearshore bays, shallow flats and mangrove shorelines provides endless possibilities
to hook into a trophy Tarpon, Snook, or Redfish. Everglades
fishing is very diverse, from the shallow back country grass flats, to the outside
islands and canal systems. The Everglades National Park has
a large selection of fish species. With 1.4 million acres in the Park alone, everglades
fishing is very unique. In the same fishing charter, it is possible to catch bass
in the freshwater, snook in the backcountry, tarpon in the rivers, redfish on
the beaches as well as trout on the flats.
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Fishing Regulations in the Everglades
All commercial fishing is prohibited in Everglades National Park.
Prohibited
Recreational Fishing Gear
Except
for dip nets, cast nets, and landing nets, all other seines and nets are prohibited.
The use and possession of spear guns and spear poles are prohibited.
Fresh
Water Fishing
Freshwater
License
A Florida freshwater fishing license is required to fish in freshwater
or to possess fresh water species.
Bait-
Live or dead fish (including
minnows and shiners) or amphibians, and non-preserved fish eggs or roe, are prohibited.
Digging for bait inside the park is not permitted.
Areas
Closed to Fishing
No fishing
is allowed at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center lakes, Taylor Slough, Royal Palm Visitor
Center area and trails, Chekika Lake and along the Shark Valley Tram Road.
| FLY
FISHING GUIDE | ||
|
Florida
Fly Fishing Guides.com click here  Flats Fishing Guide - Specializing in flats and fly saltwater fishing. Catch Redfish, Cobia, Snook, Trout, and more using flies, live bait, and tackle. click here | ||
Salt
Water Fishing
Saltwater
License
A Florida saltwater
fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species.
Bait
Bait
is not included in bag limits. Saltwater bait: shrimp, minnows, pilchards, pinfish,
mullet, mojarras (shad), or ballyhoo. Bait may be taken with hook and line, dip
net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m), and cast net.
Manatee
Etiquette
Areas frequented
by manatees have been posted. Keep an eye out for manatees. Slow to an idle if
observed, but do not approach or molest.
Lobster
and Queen Conch
The taking
and possession of lobster and queen conch is prohibited.
Recreational
Crabbing
Stone crabs, during
open state season, and blue crabs may be taken by recreational fishermen using
attended gear (for example: star trap, baited line, landing net, etc.). Crabbers
are limited to five (5) traps. Unattended gear, including traps, is prohibited.
Shrimp
Shrimp
may be taken by dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m) or cast net, personal
use only, not for sale.
click hereFlorida
Kayaking
Kayaking on Florida's many lakes, rivers and oceans has become a very
popular activity. You can rent kayaks daily, weekly or even by the hour
at many locations. Your skill level and degree of adventure will be your
guide as to what type of kayaking is right for you and your group.
Types
of Kayaks
Ocean- An ocean
kayak is a “sit-on” kayak where you actually are sitting on top of the
kayak. These kayaks are used mainly to paddle in the ocean, and are very
buoyant because there is no interior space for water to be collected as
there is in an ocean and river kayak. They handle waves very well, and
are ideal for the ocean adventurous person.
Whitewater-A whitewater kayak is a small
kayak that is used for riding the rapids. The miniature
kayak actually accelerates through whitewater making rapids easier and
fun. These kayaks are also used for special tricks. Skilled professionals
are able to actually pop in and out of the water with the boats, as well
as ride waterfalls. It is easy to maneuver, and simple to flip this boat
over, back above the water, if you should tip.
River-A river kayak is your typical kayak.
These kayaks are ideal for paddling on rivers, lakes, and ponds. Guided
tours are often run with river kayaks because they are the easiest to
handle, and the most practical for recreational kayaking.
Try taking a Sea Kayaking Tour
to take advantage of Florida's playground! Sea kayaking tours are offered
in the Florida Keys & Everglades.
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COMMON EVERGLADES GAME FISH | ||
|
Snook |
Tarpon |
Redfish |
| Description:
distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth,
protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow.
Where found: from central Florida and South Texas south, usually INSHORE
in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges;
also on reefs and pilings nearshore. Size: most catches 5 to 8 pounds. *Florida Record: 44 lbs., 3 ozs. | Description:
last ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one dorsal fin; back dark
blue to green or greenish black, shading into bright silver on the sides; may
be brownish gold in estuarien waters; huge scales; mouth large and points upward. Where found: primarily INSHORE fish, although adult fish spawn OFFSHORE where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be found. Size: most angler catchs 40 to 50 pounds. *Florida Record: 243 lbs. | Description:
chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to
many spots at base of tail (rarely no spots); mouth horizontal and openng downward;
scales large. Where found: juveniles are an INSHORE fish, migrating out
of the estuaries at about 30 inches (4 years) and joining the spawning population
OFFSHORE. Size: one of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds. *Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 ozs. |
|
Permit | Sea Trout |
Bonefish |
| Description:
color gray, dark or iridescent blue above, shading to silvery sides, in dark waters
showing golden tints around breast; small permit have teeth on tongue (none on
pompano); no scutes; dorsal fin insertion directly above that of the anal fin;
17 to 21 soft anal rays. Where found: OFFSHORE on wrecks and debris, INSHORE on grass flats, sand flats, and in channels; most abundant in south Florida, with smaller specimens from every coastal county. Size: common to 25 pounds. *Florida Record: 51 lbs., 8 ozs. | Description:
dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below;
numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and
tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal
fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw. Where found: INSHORE and/or NEARSHORE over grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather. Size: common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast. *Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs. | Description:
silvery color with bluish or greenish back; slender, round body; snout long, conical,
aiming downward and overhanging lower jaw; dark streaks between scales on upper
half of body and faint crossbands extending down to lateral line; extremities
of dorsal and caudal fins shaded with black. Similar Fish: ladyfish, Elops saurus Where found: primarily INSHORE fish inhabiting shallows of the Florida Keys; found in shallows often less than 1 foot deep, usually over lush grass flats, occasionally over white sand. Size: 3 to 5 pounds. *Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs. |
Jack . | Black Drum |
Grouper |
| Description:
color bluish-green to greenish-gold back and silvery or yellowish belly; soft
dorsal and anal fins almost identical in size; prominent black spot on operculum
(gill cover); black spot at the base of each pectoral fin; no scales on throat.
Where found: common in both INSHORE waters and the open sea. Size: usually 3 to 5 pounds. *Florida Record: 51 lbs | Description:
high arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or black colored body in
adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical bars; has cobblestone-like teeth capable of
crushing oysters; scales large. Where found: INSHORE fish common to bays and lagoons; bottom dweller often found around oyster beds; also OFFSHORE. Size: common to 30 pounds. *Florida Record: 93 lbs. | Description:
olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded
preopercle. Similar Fish: gag M. microlepis; yellowfin grouper, M. venenosa. Where found: OFFSHORE species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reef, and drop off walls in water over 60 feet deep; young may occur INSHORE in shallow water. Size: common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds. |
Everglades
Camping
There are
two campgrounds inside the park Flamingo and Long Pine Key.
Long Pine
Key Campground
Located
7 miles / 11 km from the main entrance, just off the main road.
108 drive up
sites for tents and RVs, including one group site.
Close by: Fishing pond,
hiking trails, amphitheater.
Flamingo
Campground
Located at
the end of the main park road in Flamingo.
234 drive in sites, including 55
with a view of the water, four group sites, 64 walk-up sites (20 on the water's
edge).
Close by: observation tower at Eco Pond, hiking trails,canoe trails
and fishing.
Camping is offered year-round at Long Pine Key &Flamingo.Reservations
are strongly recommended at Long Pine Key and Flamingo during peak season from
November 23 to April 18. Call the reservation agent at (800) 365-2267 up to five
months in advance. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served
basis the rest of the year. Frontcountry fees during peak season are $14 for walk-in
sites, $14 for RV sites, and $28 for group sites. Park campgrounds at Long Pine
Key &Flamingo have drinking water, picnic tables, grills, tent and trailer
pads, and rest rooms. Flamingo has cold-water showers and Flamingo Marina offers
hot showers for $3. RVs are welcome, but there are no hook-ups. Campground stays
are limited to 14 days during the peak season. Checkout time is 11 A.M.
Back
Country Camping in the Everglades
Everglades National Park has three
kinds of backcountry campsites: Chickees, Ground Sites, and Beach Sites.
Backcountry permits are: $10 (1-6 people) $20 (7-12 people) and $30 (more
than 13 people).
Chickees are located along interior rivers and
bays where no dry land exists. They are elevated 10 foot x 12 foot / 3 m x 3.7
m wooden platforms with roofs, usually constructed on open water, well away from
mangrove trees. A narrow walkway leads to a self-contained toilet. You'll need
a free-standing tent, since stakes or nails are not allowed.
Ground sites
are mounds of earth a few feet higher than the surrounding mangroves, located
along interior bays and rivers.
Beach sites are located on coastal
shell beaches. Many beach sites have no toilets.
| PLAN
YOUR EVERGLADES VACATION! | ||
Everglades
City Everglades
City is a mile long mangrove island with crab houses, shops, restaurants, motels,
marinas, museums, an airport, canoe & kayak guided adventures, aerotours, boat
tours, airboat rides, canoe/kayak/bicycle rentals and nice walking paths.
It is known
as 'the fishing and stone crab capital of Southwest Florida' and is one
end of the Wilderness Waterway, the Everglades backcountry route linking Everglades
City to Flamingo.
Click
here for more information on Everglades City.
Moving
to South Florida Paradise!
South
Florida and Southwest Florida
offers gorgeous beaches and a tropical lifestyle! With
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on winter clothing and heating fuel - making the cost of living more reasonable.
South Florida is one of the fastest-
growing
areas in the state and a great business environment. South Florida's skilled workforce
and advanced infrastructure have helped the growth of more than 600 technology
companies and many Fortune 500 businesses.There is a great transportation network,
including a recent $438 million expansion and upgrade at Southwest Florida International
Airport. Historic and cultural amenities range from Seminole Indian reservations
to Thomas Edison's home, from hundreds of local art galleries to the region's
many performing arts centers making moving to this region in Florida very desirable.
The Southwest Florida real estate market is in full swing with golf communities,
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| GULF OF MEXICO FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDES | ||
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Ten
Thousand Islands , Florida
The
Ten Thousand Islands is the coastal area in the Everglades National Park where
mangrove islands and shallow creeks make a wilderness maze.
Some of the islands are landmasses called keys but many are clumps of mangrove
trees rising out of coral reefs, oyster beds, and sandy shoals. The area lies
southeast of Naples and northwest of the Everglades National Park. The many islands
form a transition from the freshwater marsh of the "river of grass" to the open
salt water of the Gulf of Mexico.
Marco Island is the largest of Florida's
Ten Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.
Click
here to learn more about the Ten Thousand Islands
Our
network of Florida websites
give you everything you need to know to plan your trip online when visiting exciting
Everglades City ..
It's all right here at your fingertips...with just a click of your mouse!
Virtual
Slideshows!
Take a
virtual tour of famous Florida landmarks and popular destinations throughout the
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We invite you to enjoy our exclusive virtual slideshows and
stunning color photography of Florida's beautiful scenery. If you're visiting
us from the colder northern climates, sit back and enjoy the sun & surf !
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