|
Water Bird Locations
Everglades National Park
|
| Located on the Gulf of Mexico beach at the southern tip of Estero Island, the Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is one of only 15 such designated wildlife refuges in Florida.
Print Map
|
|
|
|
| Visitors |
Highest from December through April; lowest May through November.
|
| Address and Telephone |
Everglades National Park
4000l State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
(305) 242-7700
(8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST)
|
| Operating Hours and Seasons |
Main entrance (near Homestead and Florida City)
Open daily, 24 hours a day. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The Royal Palm Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Flamingo Visitor Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November through April.
Chekika
Open for day-use only: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Shark Valley
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (in Everglades City)
Open daily, November to April 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and May to November 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
| Climate and Recommended Clothing |
The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create near freezing conditions. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90 degrees (32¡C) and humidity over 90%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant. Wear comfortable sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and insect repellent, are recommended in the summer.
|
| Directions |
Main Park Entrance and Flamingo
Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.
Shark Valley
Take the Florida Turnpike to the exit for SW 8th Street (also known as U.S. 41 and Tamiami Trail). Travel 25 miles west on U.S. 41 to signs marked Shark Valley. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to signs marked Shark Valley.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
Take U.S. 41 west from the Miami area to the intersection of U.S. 29, then take U.S. 29 south three miles into Everglades City and follow the signs to the park visitor center. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 east and turn south on U.S. 29.
Chekika
Take Krome Avenue (State Road 997/SW 177th Ave.) north from Homestead or south from U.S. 41. Go west on SW 168th Street and follow the signs to the park.
|
| Transportation |
The park may be explored by personal vehicle, commercial tour bus, bicycle, motor boat, or canoe. There is NO public transportation in the park.
|
| Entrance Fees |
Vehicle - $10 at main entrance, $8 at Shark Valley and Chekika
Valid for 7 days for single, private, non-commercial vehicles. An entrance fee is not charged at the Gulf Coast.
Individuals - $5 at main entrance, $4 at Shark Valley and Chekika
Per-person fee for individuals 17 years of age or older when entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tours.
Everglades Annual Pass - $20
An annual pass for entrance to Everglades National Park. Valid for 1 year from date of purchase.
National Parks Pass - $50
Annual pass for all national park areas that charge an entrance fee. A Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased for an additional $15 to provide admission to other Federal area where an entrance fee is charged.
Golden Age Passport- $10
A lifetime, non-transferable pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older for a one-time $10 fee. Allows free entry to federal entrance fee areas and a 50% discount on camping and some other fees.
Golden Access Passport- Free
A lifetime, non-transferable pass available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, regardless of age, who have been medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. Allows free entry to federal entrance fee areas and a 50% discount on camping and some other fees.
Commercial Tour Fees
Commercial tours are subject to a separate fee schedule based on the seating capacity of the vehicle.
| Motorcoach |
26 or more passengers |
$200 |
| Minibus |
16-25 passengers |
$100 |
| Van |
7-15 passengers |
$75 |
| Sedan |
1-6 passengers |
$25 |
Educational Fee Waivers
Entrance fees may be waived for visits by bona fide educational institutions. The group must be visiting the park as part of an educational program that relates to the resources of the park. Fee waivers for educational groups should be requested on official letterhead in advance and mailed to Everglades National Park, Attn: Main Entrance Station, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 22024. Please state the date of the visit, the number of people, and the purpose of the trip.
|
| Facilities and Supplies |
Visitor Centers
Visitor centers are located at the main entrance (west of Homestead), Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (south of Everglades City).
Roads
The main park road winds 38 miles from the main entrance to Flamingo. U.S. 41 leads to the Shark Valley entrance, and U.S. 29 leads to Gulf Coast. Parking is available for buses at all visitor centers. Visitor parking is available at all visitor centers and most trailheads.
Food and Supplies
There is a restaurant and store at Flamingo. The restaurant may be closed during the summer; however, food is always available at the marina store. Local restaurants and grocery stores are available in Homestead, Florida City, Everglades City, and Miami. There are no banks or automatic teller machines in the park. Gasoline may obtained at the Flamingo Marina, and in communities adjacent to the park.
Other Concessions and Visitor Facilities
The Florida National Parks and Monuments Association manages bookstores at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center and Shark Valley Visitor Center. TW Services operates a gift shop at the Flamingo Visitor Center during the winter months. Everglades National Park Boat Tours operates a gift store in the Gulf Coast Visitor Center year-round.
|
| Recommended Activities |
Walking and canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators and a multitude of tropical and temperate birds. Camping, whether in the backcountry or at established campgrounds, offers the opportunity to enjoy what the park offers firsthand. Ranger-led activities, offered throughout the park, may help you to enjoy your visit even more.
Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the United States, outside Alaska. Plan on staying at least one day and perhaps several to get a good feel for what the park offers.
|
| Reservations and Permits |
Permits are required for backcountry camping. Film permits and special use permits are handled on an individual basis; call 305-242-7700. For research and collection permits, call 305-242-7800.
|
| Sun and Mosquitoes |
Visitors are advised to bring drinking water and snacks since these items are sparsely located. Since sun and insects are likely to be abundant, sun screen, protective clothing and insect repellent are advised. Insects can make a visit unbearable during the summer months if you are not prepared. Information on mosquito levels during the summer is available at (305) 242-7700 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST).
|
| Adjacent Visitor Attractions |
Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Dry Tortugas National Park, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and various National Wildlife Refuges are all in the south Florida area. Several State Parks are in the area as well. Miami, the Florida Keys, and Naples offer a wide variety of attractions.
For information on the facilities outside the park, please contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitor Bureau in the area of interest.
|
Seashells
