Visiting without a car

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by GatorMama

No, if it's cold, you won't see them because they are in the brush, staying warm. Trust me, I do this every. single. day.

It seems the few cold days I have been to the Everglades, I see many more gators for instance out than when I go in May.

[cixcell]

doggiebus: during the winter when the water levels drop they hang around the remaining sources of water where the fish concentrate. during the summer there is alot more water around everywhere so they go out into the sloughs and such and aren't as concentrated in any one spot.
during cold fronts alot of times they hang out under the water resting at the bottom maybe even buried in the warm muck below, trying to keep warm.

[Edu983]

Originally Posted by Rob702

Hi friends!
I will try to escape the Milwaukee winter next month and travel down to Miami for a few days. Would you recommend to rent a car or is it do-able without? I have no idea how good or bad Miami's public transportation is.

Thanks!

rent a car

[Three Wolves In Snow]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

It seems the few cold days I have been to the Everglades, I see many more gators for instance out than when I go in May.

Yesterday and the day before it was cold. Saw one alligator the entire time. Today was better, the sun was out, the gators were out.

Like I said, I do this daily. If it's cold, you're going to be disappointed.

[Jmlacysr]

Originally Posted by GatorMama

Yesterday and the day before it was cold. Saw one alligator the entire time. Today was better, the sun was out, the gators were out.

Like I said, I do this daily. If it's cold, you're going to be disappointed.

I was told the very best time to see Gators is at night in July/August when the eggs have hatched and babies are out and about. Is that true?

[WINTERFRONT]

Their eyes are like lanterns

[popcorn247]

Originally Posted by cixcell

doggiebus: during the winter when the water levels drop they hang around the remaining sources of water where the fish concentrate. during the summer there is alot more water around everywhere so they go out into the sloughs and such and aren't as concentrated in any one spot.
during cold fronts alot of times they hang out under the water resting at the bottom maybe even buried in the warm muck below, trying to keep warm.

Just an FYI for the OP. There is lots more to see in the Everglades besides alligators! The birdlife in the glades this time of year is incredible. Lots of woodstorks, ibis, egret, heron, roseate spoonbills, etc. Be sure to visit (in ENP) Royal Palm - where anhinga trail and gumbo limbo trails are located. Also, on the way to the park or after leaving the park, be sure to stop at Robert Is Here Fruit stand for a yummy tropical fruit milkshake!

[ecofancy]

Originally Posted by GatorMama

Yesterday and the day before it was cold. Saw one alligator the entire time. Today was better, the sun was out, the gators were out.

Like I said, I do this daily. If it's cold, you're going to be disappointed.

Not necessarily. I have been to the everglades mid winter and late spring. Was there at the end of the extreme cold last year. At royal palm visitor center/anhinga trail there were considerably more gators out when it was cold. All basking out in the open.