Mornings can be magical if you don’t want to miss an airboat tour to the Everglades. The golden sunrise is going to make wildlife more active, and you can see a lot of alligators basking in the heat while you’re at it.
You can also find the morning air to be invigorating, which is a great start. Another plus is that these are the times when the area is often less crowded, so you can definitely enjoy your personal time in the marshes. See info about the Everglades when you click here.
Fortunately, the Everglades can be fascinating regardless of the time of the day. If you’re with your family, you might want to keep everyone happy and wait for them to wake up. This is where your excursions can start at midday.
Know that the winters are cool but less rainy, but the summer months can bring rain in the afternoons. Below are some of the best tips that can help you decide:
A Peaceful Start to the Day with Early Morning Schedules
A cooler temperature can be available in the morning, and they are perfect for a tranquil ride to the swamps. The waterways are often serene with the crisp air, and since the airboats don’t have roofs, you might want to bring sunscreen as the sun rises. Also, the intense heat that stays during the day will often not be present in the early mornings. Watch as many species of birds as you can, as they are active during this time.
See a lot of animals come alive, including the famous residents of the Everglades, which are the alligators. They are cold-blooded so sunbathing is their primary source of sunlight so they can heat their bodies. Catch a glimpse of them lounging around or gliding through the waters in serenity.
Aside from that, there is also a huge chance for photographers to capture the birds in their still states. This can make perfect condition if you want a shot of the spoonbill or the great blue heron. However, you might want to check the company’s schedules to see the earliest tours that they have so that you can book in advance. Get more information below:
Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours And Rides
1940 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332
954-434-8112
https://www.evergladesholidaypark.com/airboat-tours/everglades-airboat-tours
Hotter Weather in Late Mornings
For those who tend to sleep over, a late start in the day can still be a great choice, and these tours are popular. When the sun is higher in the sky, this is when the Everglades also start to wake up.
While the heat is intense, some airboats may provide you with shaded seats to make the experience more comfortable. With the right captain who will cruise across vast expense of sawgrass with periodic stops on historic cabins on stilts, you’ll find this trip better than expected.
Marshy sections with water lilies can also be a cool place but make sure that you have a tight-fitting hat. Wear that sunscreen and wave at the gators as you go by. An advantage of these time slots is that there are often more drivers available when you make a booking.
It’s often ideal for families who are traveling with their kids where the mornings are slower. You can also head out in the early afternoon if this is going to be the best fit for your itinerary.
If you want a walk with nature, you can also go hiking. Get an aerial view of the park with the Pa-Hay-Okee lookout tower and see more with the mahogany hammock that is in clusters. Walk along the Guy Bradley Trail if you want a view of the ocean and have lunch while you’re on it.
For those who want to see the Shark Valley where you can view tons of birds, turtles, gators, and frogs, this is going to consist of a 7.5-mile bike or road trail to an elevated observation trail. The tickets can sell out before 4 pm so you might want to book early.
While wildlife is generally less active in the heat, you can still spot many animals throughout the day. Alligators and manatees, in particular, are often seen near the water's surface in the hotter parts of the day as they regulate their body temperature. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch sight of some aquatic creatures diving or surfacing in the sparkling sunlight.
Have a blast with a tour that can last for approximately 40 minutes, and the drivers can also take their time when you want to take pictures. It can be loud, but they can give earmuffs that can make the children enjoy the trip more. Just wear sunscreen and insect repellent and know that December through March can be the best time to visit the Everglades.
Golden Hour Adventure
If you want the golden sunset glow, there can be a last airboat departure at 5 pm, so guests should arrive around 4:30 pm in order to be on time. However, some companies can be as late as 9:30 pm, and they can also do hotel pick-ups, so it would be more convenient, and this is often the case with private tours.
The Everglades can be a magical setting when bathed in the soft light of the sun. It has a warmer tone with yellowish and brownish hues on the mangroves, and it’s dubbed the golden hour for a reason. It’s the best time to take photos if you’re looking for a neutral theme, and you can see more of the texture of the landscapes.
Sunset and Evening Tours
When you want a different view that most people don’t get to experience, consider a night tour. It might not be common, but you might want to see what the wetlands look like in a dusk setting. It’s great for a more comfortable outing and for couples who love to spend their evenings at a cooler temperature.
When nighttime comes, this is where the sounds come alive, and you can often hear a lot of buzzing insects and croaking frogs. Nocturnal animals are also going to start hunting so owls, and other elusive creatures can be seen at close encounters, and you can see info about them in this URL: https://animalsmart.org/kids'-zone/nocturnal-animals.
While you might not see a lot of wildlife and birds compared to the day tours, the peacefulness at night can make up for it. See the glowing eyes of the alligators in the dark, and with the help of the boat lights, see them lurking everywhere if you want to have a more unforgettable experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Time
You might want to check the weather first to see if there will be rain and thunderstorms in the afternoons. When there’s an incoming downpour, avoid getting caught up in a bad situation and book in the morning. Also, if you don’t mind the crowd, you can go after lunchtime to see what the Everglades have to offer.
An intimate tour can be made in the early evenings, but it would still depend on the airboat provider. Some months have fewer visitors, especially if you would go on the weekdays. However, if you prefer a more social atmosphere, the peak seasons are livelier with mid-morning tours getting fully booked.
Consider your needs as well, and if you have children, do it in the late morning because it can be a short trip. Grab some lunch afterward so they won’t be too tired. However, when you’re an avid photographer, consider the best lights that will enable you to capture the magic of the Everglades.