Blackfin Excursions: Everglades Boating

In one of our most recent blogs, we discussed some of the top National Parks to boat in. One of these locations was the Everglades National Park, located in Southern Florida. There is so much more to mention, however, that it is deserving of its own blog. Covering over a million acres, it is a staple of the South Florida lifestyle and culture. For those looking to boat in the Everglades, there are many locations to choose from. There are also different kinds of ways to boat in the Everglades based on the particular environment. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing the Everglades as your boat destination.

Historic Everglades

The phrase “historic Everglades” refers to the old Everglades and the way water used to flow. This natural flow and the surrounding landscapes once covered more than double the size it is today. Currently, the water flows east and west to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. While there are plans to restore the historic flow, it is something to keep in mind when in the Everglades.

This means the surrounding area is protected, so it is important to be vigilant as a boater. There are both mangroves and sawgrass for thousands of miles, so knowing what areas are accessible by boat can be very beneficial when going out on the water. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife, especially the keystone species of the Everglades, the American alligator.

Types of Boating

While there are plenty of open spaces to boat, you may want to consider traditional or smaller boating methods when visiting. Airboats are boats with massive propellers above water to avoid any entanglements with sawgrass or other plants. Sawgrass, if you may not know, is the dominant plant of the Everglades with sharp edges that can easily cut you. They stick up out of the water and are easily noticeable in these swampy environments, usually growing together in massive colonies of grass. For these reasons, airboats bypass any problems that sawgrass can bring up and can blow right past it.

Kayaking is also popular in the Everglades and can be more easily done in mangroves. Mangroves are plants with thick roots that protrude out of the ground. Like sawgrass, mangroves grow together and can be found going on for miles at a time. For the fishing type, johnboats are also a popular choice in the Everglades as the metal hull can help with sawgrass, while the size makes it easy to maneuver.

Wet and Dry Season

Another thing about the Everglades is the wet and dry seasons. While the temperatures change throughout the seasons in Florida, there is not much of a noticeable difference in the landscape. What does change is the amount of rainfall that is received, and this wet and dry season applies to most of the state. During the dry season, it may be more difficult to boat as the water level is at its lowest. Perhaps try boating during the wet season, when the water level is at its highest, which makes it perfect conditions to boat in, especially in a bigger to mid-sized boat.

The marshy conditions of the Everglades make it a prime location for nature and boating enthusiasts alike. These wetlands are what Florida is known for, so why not explore them at least once? There being many ways to explore the Everglades just makes it even more exciting. The historic Everglades and the way water flows, different environments and ways to boat in them, and the wet and dry seasons are all major players in knowing the Everglades. The direction the water flows can impact where you may want to boat, also considering the historical aspects. Learning about the fauna can affect how you may want to boat. And the wet and dry seasons are affecting not just the Everglades, but all of Florida. While many people look at Florida and see the city skylines on the water, sometimes you should look at the natural beauty the state has to offer inside. Knowing about your environment can really elevate your boating experience, and the famous river of grass has a lot to offer.