Affectionately called the “River of Grass” by author and environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the Everglades is one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s most precious natural landscapes. The swamp makes up 1.5 million acres of the Sunshine State and is separated into multiple parks, including Everglades National Park, Everglades Holiday Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. When you visit the Everglades this winter season. Everglades National Park is home to white-tailed deer and bobcats, along with rose-hued spoonbills, egret, Great Blue Heron, ibis, and other birds flying overhead. Airboats are the most iconic way to get around the Everglades. They leave Parkland and offer private and guided one to two-hour tours through the Everglades. Each airboat accommodates eight riders and guides are able to lead guests on tours both in English and Spanish. At Everglades Holiday Park, you can enjoy a 60-minute airboat tour. Rides leave the dock every 20 minutes and they can also accommodate groups of more than 10 people. Plus, each ticket gets you access to the thrilling alligator presentation performed by the Gator Boys from Animal Planet’s hit series. You can also opt for 9.5 hours Everglades Day Safari led by a biologist or naturalist featuring an airboat ride, a one-mile nature hike, a wildlife drive, a boat ride through the mangroves, lunch, and a reptile presentation. The Florida Everglades is a treasure in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and when you’re in town for the winter months, Visit Lauderdale hopes you explore this jewel of the Sunshine State.
