A Day Trip to Everglades National Park

Explore Boardwalks, Airboats, Alligators and More

Just an hour from Naples Grande Beach Resort, escape to a subtropical oasis blanketed across Southern Florida, where waterways flow beneath tangled canopies of coastal mangroves and boardwalks stretch across marshes teeming with rare and endangered wildlife. This is Everglades National Park, a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve comprised of 1.5 million acres of wetland. While you’re here, explore educational exhibits at visitor centers, walk along scenic trails, zoom along the waterways on an airboat tour, and visit fascinating historical sites.

The Everglades National Park has four points of entry, each with its own visitor center and unique attractions. Take your pick and get exploring.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center

Distance from Naples Grande Resort: 1 hour (driving)

For a quick experience into the Everglades, head over to this visitor center to view educational displays and to book a 90-minute boat tour through Ten-Thousand Islands: a 35,000-acre maze touof mangrove islands, narrow channels and sand beaches.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Distance from Naples Grande Resort: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Just before the entrance of this visitor center, stop at Miccosuckee Indian Village Museum to peruse Native American artifacts, tribal artwork, authentic clothing and an informative film about the Miccosukee tribe. From the Shark Valley Visitor Center, rent a bike or take the tram to the Shark Valley Observation Tower for panoramic views of the Everglades. For a rip-roaring airboat ride along the waterways, book a boat tour at nearby Everglades Safari Park.

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Distance from Naples Grande Resort: 2 hours, 40 minutes

Explore informational displays, films and brochures at the visitor center before heading out to explore the Anhinga Trail, a 0.8-mile boardwalk through a sawgrass marsh. Keep your eyes open for a wide array of wildlife, from alligators and leatherback turtles to herons and egrets. To get even closer to the wild things, visit the nearby Everglades Alligator Farm to watch snake and alligator shows or to take a high-speed airboat ride.

Flamingo Visitor Center

Distance from Naples Grande Resort: 3 hours, 20 minutes

For active visitors seeking an outdoor adventure, experience the beauty of the Everglades—and spot plenty of wildlife along the way—as you paddle along the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail. Kayak and canoe day-use rentals are available, and ranger-led guided tours are offered on select days.