If you are interested in exploring mangrove swamps, you will likely be looking for the best places to visit this important ecosystem.
In general, the best places to explore mangrove swamps are along the southern tip of Florida. This is where dense forests of mangroves thrive. Public land in the areas around the Everglades, the southwestern coast, and the Florida Keys are ideal for exploring the mangrove ecosystem.
This area doesn’t look large on a map, but in reality, there are around 600,000 acres of mangrove swamps in the state! By far, the greatest area of mangrove forests are along the southwestern and southern side of the peninsula. Most of this area is inside the boundaries of Everglades National Park or other public land agencies. These mangrove coasts and islands are mostly remote and undeveloped, with no roads or other services. This is a great area for exploring mangroves. However, if the remoteness concerns you, or if you are new to these swamps, there are other areas to consider, as well as a variety of guided tours and boat tours. Visit this post for information on staying safe while kayaking in mangroves.
Note: The conditions and availability of some amenities can vary throughout the year. Always check the specific public land agency’s website before visiting to check for current closures and changes.
Flamingo Area, Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the most popular places to explore mangroves in Florida. While the name of the park references the “river of grass”, many people don’t realize that much of the park is actually made up of mangrove swamps and coastal islands. In fact, most of Florida Bay is inside the park boundaries. The Flamingo Area of the park provides an excellent access point for the islands and waterways of Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands.
How to Explore the Mangroves in the Flamingo Area
There are several different ways to explore the mangroves of the Everglades. If you want to hike among mangroves, look for boardwalks or trails through swamps. The West Lake Boardwalk is one such option.
However, most people will access mangroves from the water. Kayaking, canoeing, boat rentals, and guided tours are all ways to explore mangroves from the Flamingo Area. Kayaks and Canoes can be rented at the Marina or you can bring your own and launch it from the boat ramp. You can also rent motorboats and houseboats.
You can also take guided tours from this location. Several boat tours leave each day to explore Florida Bay or Whitewater Bay. Finally, consider reserving a guided tour through one of Everglade National Park’s permitted tour companies. Kayak and canoe tours, eco tours, and wildlife tours are all available.
Collier-Seminole State Park
Located on the southwestern side of the state near Naples, Collier-Seminole State Park has a small developed area with a campground and boating activities. Most of the park is mangrove swamps which can be acessed by water. Some areas can become too shallow to navigate during low tide, so talk to a ranger before you go out on your own.
How to Explore the Mangroves at Collier-Seminole State Park
You can paddle the many different channels in the park in your own craft or rent one of the park’s canoes or kayaks. You can also take guided paddling tours. This may be an ideal place for a first-time paddler to visit a mangrove swamp. The water is flat and calm, and with a guided group you won’t have to worry about navigation. There is also a boat ramp here where those with boats can access the Blackwater River.
Collier-Seminole State Park.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of my favorite state parks in the country. Not only is this a great place to explore mangroves, but you can also visit the coral reefs off the coast of Key Largo, take a glassbottom boat tour, snorkel, and enjoy two swimming beaches. There is so much to do here for such as small park!
How to Explore the Mangroves in John Pennekamp State Park
There are several ways to enjoy the mangroves at John Pennekamp. Most people will explore the various channels in a kayak. The park has rentals available or you can bring your own. There are several areas you can kayak, including paddling trails and mangrove tunnels. We also enjoy paddling along the edges of the open water, where the variety of fish and other animals can sometimes be greater. We have seen more different animals in the mangroves here than on the mainland, including dolphins, rays, manatees, and different kinds of fish. We have also seen crocodiles and iguanas, as well as many different birds.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located along the southwestern side of Florida, between Marco Island and the western edge of Everglades National Park. Most of the refuge is only accessibly by water, however there are a few hiking and paddle trails located along Tamiami Trail (HWY 41). Because this is a refuge, they are strict about allowable activities and amenities are few. There may be restrictions on motorized vehicles in this refuge.
How to Explore the Ten Thousand Islands Refuge
You can visit the north end of the refuge from highway 41, where you will find hiking trails and launch your paddle craft. The Marsh Trail is a good option for spotting birds and other wildlife from foot. If you are searching for a more indepth exploration of the area, consider taking an ecotour or other chartered advanture through the Ten Thousand Islands.
Everglades City Area, Everglades National Park
The western entrance to Everglades National Park is located near Everglades City. This area has a small welcome center where you can get information on tours, rentals, and current closures. (the visitor center is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian).
How to Explore the Everglades City side of the Park
You will need to explore this area by boat, as there is not much to do without getting out on the water. This location has a marina and boat launch where you can rent kayaks and other equipment. Among the most popular activities in this part of the park are the guided boat tours, which are done by concessioners and take place several times a day.
Curry Hammock State Park
Curry Hammock State Park is a large area of undeveloped land on Little Crawl Key, about halfway between Key Largo and Key West. This park has excellent paddling and snorkeling oppurtunities. Here you can snorkel and kayak through shallow sea grass, which is a different experience from the one you get when visiting coral reefs. While snorkeling here we saw many different kinds of fish, crabs, and (mostly) harmless upside-down jellyfish. The paddling trail meanders through several different habitats, including a mangrove tunnel. You can rent paddle craft or bring your own. There is also a swimming beach, nature trail, and campground here.
Lignumvitae Key State Park
This park is located on a tiny key which is only accessible by boat. If you wish to visit Lignumvitae Key State Park, you can launch from one of the nearby marinas. You can also kayak to this key if you are experienced, which will allow you to explore the mangroves and the island at your leisure. Here is more information about what you need to know before attempting this kayak trip.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is located along Highway 41, near several of the other areas of public land on this list. This preserve is focused on conservation and there are few amenitities in this area. In order to see mangroves here, you will have to get out on the water as all of the visitor services are located away from the coast. Consider trying the East River canoe launch as an access point.