Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, spans more than 800 square miles of wetlands where land and water seamlessly converge. While the park can be explored by car or on foot, its true essence is most vividly experienced from the water.
Approximately one-third of the park is composed of navigable waterways. Narrow channels weave through dense mangrove forests, and a network of small islands dots the Florida coastline. According to boating platform Boatmart, the Everglades offers a uniquely immersive waterborne experience: “A vast maze of waterways is composed of slow-moving rivers, marshes, and mangrove forests,” the company noted in a blog post. “The more remote parts are only accessible by airboat, kayak, or canoe.”
Accessing the Water: Rentals and Tours
For those seeking to explore the park independently, Flamingo Marina provides a range of rental options, including kayaks, canoes, skiffs, pontoon boats, and houseboats. The marina also offers fuel and supplies. However, visitors wishing to rent a powerboat must first complete Everglades National Park’s free Boater Education Program and carry their certification. Notably, powerboat rentals are restricted to Coot Bay and Whitewater Bay and are not permitted in more remote areas of the park.
For individuals without boating experience or those preferring a guided journey, multiple tour options are available. Three airboat tour companies—Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park—operate within the park boundaries. In addition, traditional boat tours explore destinations such as the Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay, and the more secluded backcountry regions.
Essential Regulations and Safety Guidelines
Regardless of the method of exploration, all boaters are required to possess a valid park pass, which ranges from $20 to $35. Completion of the Boater Education Program is mandatory for anyone operating a vessel within the park. Boaters must carry a printed certificate while navigating park waters.
The National Park Service provides detailed maps to assist boaters in understanding approved routes, current motorized boat restrictions, and designated manatee protection zones. These resources are crucial for preserving the delicate ecosystem and ensuring visitor safety.
As one of the most unique natural landscapes in the country, Everglades National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature from the water—provided visitors are informed, prepared, and respectful of the park’s sensitive environment.
