What is the best way to see the Everglades? Airboat (I've heard it's loud and you don't see much wildlife)? Canoe boat? I'm terrified of tipping over. Other? Will appreciate opinions/recommendations.

We did the airboat. I think we found it south of Orlando. We enjoyed it very much. Yes, it was loud but it was worth it.

If you want to see Everglades National Park, you won't have much of a choice. Air boats are so disruptive of the natural environment that they are banned from the Park.

Best way to see the Everglades? Drive into ENP during the winter (otherwise the mosquitoes will eat you alive) all the way to Flamingo, stopping at any place that looks interesting. Take a hike to Snake Bight, or to the Pinelands, or to any of a dozen other places.

While at Flamingo, take a boat tour that won't destroy the flora or disrupt the lives of the fauna -- and have no chance of tipping over.
www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

Then go to Shark Valley and ride a bike to the Observation Tower. When you're done there, drive on the Loop Road through Big Cypress Nat Preserve.

All things considered, I think we should go in winter--not early September. But DH is set on touring the Everglades now,so I shall stock up on insect repellent, wear rain-friendly clothes and hope for the best. Thanks for the excellent information.

Since you are indeed going in summer, then be prepared to just abandon any hike where the mosquitoes become to much for you. I'm stubborn enough to stay on a planned hike despite insects, by running through forest while trying to hold my breath (insects are attracted to the CO2 we exhale). But I wouldn't expect everyone to try that. Snake Bight, for example, may be too much.

Hmmm.... This time of year is really the least interesting time to see the Everglades. It would be a terrible first impression of a place that is very special. It's extremely hot, the birds and other animals are scarce, and much of the area outside of the hammocks has no shade or cover. I definitely wouldn't recommend the bike ride through Shark Valley in the summer. It's a long 15 mile ride in the sun. However, I would enthusiastically recommend it in the late fall through early spring when the Everglades come alive and can really be appreciated.

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