A Warm Weather Escape: Exploring the Florida Everglades

As the weather gets colder and colder, you may be searching for a chance to warm up on the water—and maybe practice a trick or two, too!

If your go-to lake is near frozen this season, why not head where the weather is a little more tropical? The Florida Everglades and the surrounding region will let you see one-of-a-kind wildlife and cruise through breathtaking natural vistas, no snow gear required.

In today’s blog, we will be taking a look at the top Everglades spots to visit this winter.

Whitewater Bay
Located at the southwest tip of the state, Whitewater Bay connects the Everglades with the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Travelers can cruise past the shores of the bay—lined with a lush mangrove shoreline—or take a more personal approach via canoe or kayak, though it’s definitely an area that calls for some navigational know-how! Once you master the twists and turns, however, you’re in for a unique excursion to Florida’s west coast—one that will eventually let you turn north for the charm of cities like Naples and Fort Myers, or south toward the tropical Florida Keys.

Florida Bay
The Florida Bay is another connective body of water, one that stretches from the tip of Florida’s south coast where the Everglades meet the edge, all the way to the Florida Keys. It’s a popular spot for anglers to idle and soak up the sun while waiting for the perfect catch. Because it’s so shallow (and, in certain spots, covered in delicate sea grass), it’s a prime spot for smaller watercraft and those who want to get even closer to the water.

Ten Thousand Islands
The southern end of Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, near Everglades City, is a must do stop for those interested in making the most of their time on the water—whether by snorkelingrough the pristine patches of blue water or trying out water sports on their own watercraft. While the actual number of islands in the area is not quite so high, there are still plenty of spots with unique character to visit—natural escapes like Sandfly Island, for example, or islands with more amenities such as Chokoloskee Island.

The wetlands
Of course, wherever you are in South Florida, you’re likely not far from a hands-off experience that will show you the wild side of life in the state. You can enjoy an airboat ride through the wetlands themselves for a chance to kick back and unwind as you cruise past spiny sawgrass, gators, and the plethora of water birds that call the Everglades “home.”

Which of these unique destinations do you plan to visit this season? Let us know below—and have a very happy holiday season, wherever you go!