StanKase

We are planning an outing to the Everglades at the end of March. We know we will see alligators but should we enter from the East or West to see other animals. I have friends who have seen a few pigs, 1-2 bobcat and more than just pelicans, when they got lucky. We also need a 3++ star motel (equal to La Quinta Suites but relatively new or Homestead Suites-type) for 1 night.
Anyone been there in the past 6-9 months. Is the water too low because of the drought and should we go another year?

RedRock

If you visit the main unit of the Everglades NP and plan on driving to Flamingo you will have to enter via SR9336, Florida City. If you drive across the top of the Park on US41 then you may want to visit the Shark Valley Unit of the Park and the Everglades City area on the western side of the Park. Plan on at least several days for the Park... Lodging for the western side, Marco Island/Naples area and for the East Holmestead/Florida City area..

Click on "View Map" for more information.

http://www.nps.gov/ever/

spirobulldog

I think the OP is asking is the east side or west side the best bet for viewing wildlife. I wondering myself as have looked at visiting the area sometime perhaps next year.

Bill_H

East side is best, I think. Anhinga trail is great, especially if you get there very early before the hordes. This is my favorite spot in Everglades for photography because the birds and gators are so close to you. Further down, near Flamingo, there are a couple of other excellent spots too, mainly a couple of big ponds.

Shark Valley, which is about 30 minutes from the cut-off to Miami so I guess mostly east or at least middle, is probably 2nd best. I like to get there before it opens so you have to park on the highway, then walk in before sunrise and have it to yourself for an hour or so.

I didn't think the west side had as many convenient spots for wildlife viewing. But about 17 miles outside Naples is Corkscrew Swamp, which is not technically part of the Everglades but rather a hardwood swamp with an elevated boardwalk a couple miles long. I think the Audubon Society runs it. Again, early is much better than mid-day. This is a magical place when it's not crowded.

GBC

Another vote for the Anhenga trail which is near the Florida City entrance. Everyone has their favorite time - we like just before sunset. We have often been in the Everglades at the beginning of March. At that time there are very few people in the park. No crowds at all.

There are lots of motels in the Florida City/Homestead area. Check tripadvisor or Expedia to select one.

spirobulldog

Do you need to worry about alligators when you are on the boradwalks? What about canoeing? I envision gators jumping into my boat and leaping from the water upon the boardwalks.

RedRock

You may find gators on the walk ways and board walks. This is not uncommon at all. Gators can be surprisingly fast for the first couple hundred feet or so.. As far as jumping in your boat I don't think that will be a problem..

keymom

There is a new Holiday Inn express in Florida city so that may be a good choice for you. From there, you'll have easy access to the Anhinga Trail area. And Robert is Here fruit stand.
If your friends saw pelicans, they were probably on the west coast. I've never seen a large mammal in the park (although friends reported a bear near their cabin in the West 'glades).
There was an article in the Miami paper today that said the water levels were just right...

PaulRabe

Gators are surprisingly docile UNTIL they feel threatened. Keep at least fifty feet between you and the gator and you'll be fine. By *FAR* the most deadly animal in the Everglades is the mosquito -- for every U.S. death caused by alligator attacks, there are hundreds caused by mosquitoes.

The Ahinga Trail is about the perfect place to see alligators and birds. Other than that, just drive to Flamingo and hope for the best. You will probably see SOMETHING, but there are no guarantees. I hiked on the Snake Bight Trail in the middle of the day, and saw literally hundreds of birds.

Bill_H

Do you need to worry about alligators when you are on the boradwalks?

No, not a problem at all ... though we did see a black bear on the boardwalk one morning at Corkscrew when we were the first people in. That got my attention.

At the Anhinga Trail the gators are sometimes sunning within a few feet of the path but are not aggressive.

RedRock

I have seen people on the walkway at the Anhinga Trail jumping over the gators that were sunning while their buddies took their photos.... Not a smart idea. We lived in S. Florida for many years and would go to the park at least once a month, even in the summer time when it was just us and the skeeters.

GBC

Regarding gators on the boardwalk: the most important one, the Anhinga trail, is elevated and is mostly over water. There is no danger to those who are alert, but children must be watched very carefully.

At other locations you may see gators on the path or in the areas surrounding the ponds. You just have to be careful.

If you enter from Homestead, you will go past 'Robert is Here'. This is a must stop.