Exploring Mangroves in Florida: What You Need to Know

Mangrove forests are an amazing ecosystem, but how do you explore them?

Most people explore mangrove swamps from the water by paddling or taking a boat. You can also explore mangrove forests on foot by hiking trails or boardwalks. Finally, a guided tour is a good way to learn more about mangroves and explore areas you aren’t familiar with.

Read on to learn more about the best ways to explore mangrove swamps with your family.

How to Explore Mangroves

There are several different ways to explore mangroves, and the best one for you will depend on your interests, skills, and how much time you have. Some people prefer to visit natural areas on their own, while others enjoy guided tours and boat trips.

Exploring Mangroves on Foot

Even though mangroves grow in swampy marshes and along the coast, there are some ways to explore mangroves without getting on the water. Look for trails that travel along the edges of mangrove swamps or boardwalks that venture through the forest. You might not be able to see much marine life from a trail, but you will still get an idea of the variety and diversity of this ecosystem.

How to Experience Mangroves While Paddling

One of the best ways to explore mangrove forests is by paddling. This allows you to venture into areas you wouldn’t be able to walk in, and it’s quieter and more intimate than a motorized boat. When sitting in a kayak or canoe, you are closer to the surface of the water where you can see into the trees and look for animals and plants. The quiet nature of kayaks and canoes can be less startling to animals and provide a more natural experience. We once watched a dolphin for several minutes as it swam around a bay near our kayak, finally going directly under us before leaving the area. It was one of my most amazing experiences!

How to Snorkel in Mangroves

Snorkeling in mangroves is a great way to learn about wildlife and see the corals and fish that live in these forests. There are many areas where you can snorkel mangroves, but the easiest option might be to go on a snorkel or eco tour designed for this purpose. You can also snorkel from a kayak or boat where it’s allowed. There can be dangerous animals including alligators, crocodiles, and sharks in mangroves, so snorkel with caution and talk to a ranger or guide about the best places to go. We have seen some amazing things while snorkeling mangroves, so don’t let the presence of wild animals deter you- simply learn how to venture into these waters safely.

When the tide goes out you can see the stilt-like legs of the mangroves. In some areas, you can walk in mangrove forests during low tide. Key Largo, Florida.

Taking Commercial Tours Through Mangrove Swamps

Finally, you can explore mangroves through commercial tours such as boat tours and guided kayak excursions. These excursions can be pricier than renting a boat or bringing your own, but they are educational and informative. If you are new to these forests or boating, taking a guided tour is a good way to learn how to venture out on your own safely. Tours can also be one of the best ways to see specific animals such as dolphins, as the guides are often aware of the areas these animals spend time in.

What to Bring on a Trip to See Mangroves

When visiting the mangroves, it’s important to come prepared. Your safety will depend on your understanding of the environment and how prepared you are.

You should wear light, breathable clothes when visiting mangrove forests. Clothes made from synthetic materials like polyester are moisture-wicking, and long sleeves and pants help protect you against biting insects. UV-resistant fabric is a good option for sunny days.

You should also be prepared with basic safety supplies, food, and water on any trip into mangrove swamps. If you are joining a guided tour such as a canoe expedition or a boat tour, you will not need to bring as much. For these trips, a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray are often sufficient.

However, if you are venturing out on your own, whether hiking, paddling, or renting a boat, it’s essential to prepare in case of emergencies. In addition to basic supplies like sunscreen and a water bottle, consider bringing these supplies as well:

First aid kit
Extra water
Snacks
Extra insect protection (such as a mesh hat or Thermocell unit)
Navigation devices (map, GPS unit, and your phone)
Rain protection
Extra dry clothes and socks (keep these in your car or a waterproof bag)

Exploring Mangroves With Your Family

Taking kids into mangrove swamps can seem like a bad idea. However, there are many ways to do this safely and have a great time. My kids love exploring mangrove forests because we always see so many interesting things. Hiking boardwalks over mangroves is a great way to get a feel for these areas without getting wet. However, the best way for kids to experience the variety of wildlife that live in mangroves is by getting close to the water in a kayak or canoe.

Mangroves can be a great place for beginning paddlers because they are usually calm and quiet without much current. They are also relatively shallow and shady so kids feel safer than when they are over deep water or on large lakes. Just make sure that you take your beginning kayakers to an area where navigation is simple and there are no strong tidal currents.

Many different kinds of wading birds find food and shelter among mangroves.
Snowy egret, Key Largo, Florida.

Safety and Mangrove Forests

When you are exploring mangrove swamps, remember that you are heading into remote, unpredictable, and wild areas. Be prepared physically and mentally for the safest and most enjoyable excursion. You should prepare physically by bringing basic supplies. Even more important, prepare mentally by learning about the environment, the wildlife that you may see, and the regulations for the area.

Staying Safe Around Dangerous Animals

Mangrove swamps are the territory of alligators, crocodiles, and sharks. In fact, the southern coast of Florida is the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles can be found! While attacks are rare, it’s important to learn how to avoid dangerous encounters with these animals.

When you are paddling with kids, safety is paramount. While alligators and sharks can be found in these waters, incidents rarely happen. Keep an eye on your surroundings and teach your kids basic safety rules for these animals. Make sure your kids don’t use their hands to splash the surface of the water, as that can attract animals, and avoid kayaking or walking near the water at night.

According to the Florida Wildlife Conservation, there are four main safety rules for areas where alligators and crocodiles live.

Never feed alligators or crocodiles
Keep pets away from water edges
Swim in designated areas during the daylight
Keep your distance from alligators and crocodiles

If an alligator does approach your kayak or acts threateningly, such as hissing, paddle away as quickly as you can without making sudden movements. Avoid hitting the water with your paddles.

Navigation and Mangrove Swamps

Mangrove swamps are typically made up of vast areas of mangrove trees interspersed by flowing streams and other water channels navigable by boats and kayaks. These channels can all look the same and are easy to confuse, so navigation skills are essential. Prepare by learning about the area you’re traveling to, planning a route ahead of time, and telling someone where you are going. Learn more about creating a float plan for your safety.

How to Stay Hydrated Exploring South Florida

The weather in South Florida is usually warm and humid. On any trip into the wilderness, bringing enough water to stay hydrated is essential, and this can be hard to do in a humid, tropical environment. Bring extra water for everyone in your party. Most people avoid the Everglades and mangroves during the summer, but if this is when you are visiting consider bringing electrolyte drinks as well as plenty of water if the heat index is going to be over 90°.

Where to Find Mangroves in Florida

Mangroves are found along the southern tip of Florida. Coastlines from the Keys up to Daytona and the Tampa area have mangrove populations, but the largest swamps and forests are found along the southern side of the peninsula. The areas known as the Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Bay contain thousands of acres of mangroves and are mostly accessible by boat.

Public land where you can easily explore mangroves includes state parks along the southern part of Florida and the Keys, as well as Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. Here are my recommendations for the very best places to go exploring among mangroves.

Why are Mangroves so Amazing?

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we love mangroves! They are amazing plants and they help create a lush and diverse ecosystem that supports the ocean, land, and people. Mangroves live along the edges of the coast and can thrive in salty water as well as brackish water (where fresh and saltwater meet). They create dense forests of intertangled branches and roots, which act as underwater nurseries for many different kinds of marine animals, including many of our favorite reef fish and sharks. Baby animals are protected from wild ocean currents, predators, and people in these root tangles, and are provided with a steady supply of nutrients.

Mangroves as a Keystone Species

Snails are one of the many animals living on and under mangrove trees.

Mangrove trees act as a keystone species in their ecosystem by providing shelter and food for many different species. The ecosystem they provide could not exist without them. Mangrove trees provide nutrients for many different animals, both those who directly eat the trees and those who are farther up the food chain. Mangroves are evergreen plants, so they don’t lose all their leaves at once. Instead, they regularly drop leaves into the water all year long. These leaves provide a steady source of food for many different creatures, such as the marine babies who live here.

Mangrove leaves can also cause the water to turn dark from the tannins that are released. Don’t worry, the water isn’t dirty and usually isn’t muddy. Mangrove swamps aren’t stagnant like many other kinds of swamps and marshes. Instead, the water in these forests is constantly moving as tides and river currents affect it.

Mangroves Helping Humans

Mangrove plants act as a breakwater which helps protect the land and cities from storm surges and flooding during hurricanes and other storms. Mangroves help diffuse and spread out the impact of waves as they hit the shore, protecting the land from erosion. They help disperse extra water from storm surges and their branching roots help to slow waves before they can reach homes and dry land. Areas without mangroves are at much higher risk during storms and periods of high water. This video illustrates how mangrove forests stabilize coasts.

Mangroves as Nurseries

Finally, mangroves act as nurseries for ocean animals. Their branching roots provide protection for tiny animals of all kinds, allowing them places to hide from predators, find an ample, steady supply of food, and provide a safe harbor away from the currents and waves of the open ocean. Along the edge of the open water, marine animals such as reef fish, dolphins, sharks, and rays can often be seen. Young animals find shelter in the mangroves, while older animals often visit looking for a meal. Sea turtles and saltwater crocodiles can also be seen here.

Farther inland, mangroves are home to freshwater turtles, mammals such as raccoons and panthers, and alligators. All through the forest, many different kinds of birds, snakes, and lizards thrive. Invertebrates are found both in the water and in the branches of mangrove trees. Alligators are common, and this area is the only place where alligators and crocodiles live together.

You can spot many different kinds of reptiles among mangrove trees. Look closely, they have excellent camouflage!

Conclusion

By planning ahead, being prepared, and finding the best sites, you can have a successful time visiting a mangrove forest in Florida. For the most educational and interesting visit, learn what you can about the ecosystem before visiting, or take an ecotour around the forest.