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Are you wondering when is the best time to visit The Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? If you’re not sure when then you’re on the right page. At Ride The Wind Private Airboat Rides and Tours we want you to know why the dry season is the perfect time to come to the Everglades.

Everglades dry season

Reasons for visiting the Everglades during the dry season

When you’re an outsider to the Everglades area and you don’t know the climate here, you might be wondering when is a good time to go for a private airboat ride at The Everglades. You’re on the right track and you’ll be well-informed after reading this article today.

It’s very common to think of The Everglades at Fort Lauderdale as a wet world year-round, but as the seasons change up North, they change in the South too. According to The Free Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, there are two official seasons at this whopping 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve: the wet season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). You will see differences from crowds to wildlife, mosquitos, different price ranges of activities, and lodging outside of the park.

Now that we’re aware that The Everglades has only two seasons, dry and wet, let’s learn why Visiting the Everglades during the dry season offers a unique and captivating experience. Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider exploring this iconic ecosystem during this period:

Optimal Weather Conditions During the Everglades Dry Season

The dry season typically brings milder temperatures and lower humidity, creating comfortable conditions at the swamp ( above 70°F with lows dipping below 60°F on some nights), which are pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities such as a private airboat tour in Fort Lauderdale also Hollywood – Weston. You can enjoy exploring the Everglades without the intense heat and frequent rain that characterize the wetter months.

Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunity : On a Private Airboat Ride

With water levels receding, wildlife becomes more concentrated in specific areas. This makes it an ideal time for birdwatching. You’ll also have the chance to see the birds that fly South every winter, who find homes in the Everglades. The dry season is a great moment for wildlife observation, as animals are often more visible in search of water sources. Ensure you have your camera handy at all times.

Everglades Dry Season, Unique Landscape Changes:

The drop in water levels unveils a different side of the Everglades. Exposed mudbanks, receding water channels, and altered vegetation provide a distinct perspective on the landscape, allowing visitors to witness the dynamic changes that occur during the dry season. If you ever visited the Fort Lauderdale Everglades before, you’ll be able to notice the difference; it’s very interesting how the park changes along with the seasons.

Ideal for Hiking and Exploration:

Lower water levels open up opportunities for hiking and exploring areas that may be submerged during the wet season. Trails become more accessible, offering a chance to discover hidden corners of the Everglades on foot.

Excellent Time for Private Airboat Tours:

The dry season is perfect for private airboat tours. With less water covering the landscape, airboats can navigate through various waterways, providing an exhilarating and up-close experience with the unique flora and fauna of the Everglades.

Reduced Mosquito Activity:

While mosquitoes are a part of the Everglades experience, their numbers tend to decrease during the dry season. This makes Everglades outdoor activities more enjoyable, allowing visitors to focus on the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Memorable Experiences:

Overall, the dry season provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, the Fort Lauderdale Everglades during the dry season offers a diverse range of activities and landscapes to explore.

Visiting the Everglades during the dry season provides an opportunity to connect with nature, witness its resilience, and appreciate the beauty of this remarkable and unique ecosystem.

Private Airboat Everglades Tours at Fort Lauderdale with Ride The Wind!

Contact us to enjoy the best of the Everglades with a Licensed and experienced Captain. At Ride The Wind we’re glad to share time with wonderful people in an airboat tour at The Everglades. Don’t miss the chance to discover this unique territory. Book your private airboat tour with Ride the Wind today! Click here to see where we are located.

Blog, Fort Lauderdale Airboat Tours

What Do Alligators Eat in the Everglades?

November 2, 2023 ridethewind

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), colloquially referred to as a gator, is a sizable crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. It stands as one of the two living species in the Alligator genus, surpassing the Chinese alligator in size.

According to Wikipedia, adult male American alligators typically measure between 11.2 to 15.1 feet in length and can weigh up to 500 kg, with unverified reports of sizes reaching up to 19.2 feet and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), making them the second-largest members of the Alligatoridae family, following the black caiman. Females are smaller, measuring between 8.5 to 9.8 feet in length. These alligators inhabit subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, including marshes and cypress swamps, spanning from southern Texas to North Carolina.

Alligators are known for their role as predators in the Everglades, where they maintain a varied diet based on the available prey in their habitat. At Ride the Wind Private Airboat Tours, we aim to provide insight into what alligators typically consume in the Everglades:

Fish: Fish constitute a significant portion of an alligator’s diet. They are opportunistic hunters and prey on various fish species found in the Everglades’ waters.

Amphibians: Alligators are known to consume amphibians, including frogs and toads, which are often found near water, making them accessible prey.

Birds: Alligators can capture birds, especially those that approach the water’s edge to drink or search for food. Wading birds like herons and egrets are common targets.

Small Mammals: Alligators also feed on small mammals that venture too close to the water, including rodents, raccoons, and even smaller alligators.

Turtles: Alligators, with their powerful jaws, can consume turtles, both aquatic and terrestrial species.

Crustaceans: On occasion, they consume crustaceans like crabs, provided they can catch them.

Insects: While not a significant part of their diet, alligators may consume insects that come within their reach.

Carrion: Alligators are known to scavenge and feed on carrion, which includes the remains of animals that have already perished.

Alligators are skilled hunters in their natural habitat, displaying patience and cunning as they wait for the right moment to strike their prey. They use their powerful jaws to secure their meals and play a crucial role in maintaining the Everglades ecosystem’s balance by controlling certain animal populations.

Ride the Wind Private Airboat Tours in Fort Lauderdale

Experience the thrill of an airboat ride and explore the headwaters of the Fort Lauderdale Everglades. Don’t miss the chance to discover this unique territory. Book your private airboat tour with Ride the Wind today!

Blog, Fort Lauderdale Airboat Tours

How to Choose the Best Everglades Airboat Tour Guide

November 2, 2023 ridethewind

Choosing the best airboat tour at the Everglades can be an exciting and important decision to make to ensure you have a memorable, enjoyable and safe experience.

If it’s your first time at the Everglades you might be wondering how I can find a reliable company for my airboat tour. At Ride the Wind, we want you to consider the following factors when making your choice:

Research and Reviews:

Start by researching different airboat tour companies operating in the Everglades. Look for online reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a well-rounded perspective on the company’s services.

Safety and Licensing:

Ensure that the airboat tour company has all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance. Safety should be a top priority. Check if the company follows all safety regulations and provides proper safety equipment. Here at The Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, there are only 2 USCG Captains, the rest are drivers or guides. Capt. Randy with Ride the Wind is one of those USCG Captains.

Experienced Captains:

Experienced captains or guides can greatly enhance your experience by sharing their knowledge about the ecosystem, wildlife, and history of the Everglades. Check if the company’s captains are knowledgeable, certified, and well-trained. Capt. Randy is well known as the best and oldest private airboat company in South Florida. “This is why I do not hire anyone who works at a park airboat ride, they just don’t have what it takes to be the best” Capt. Randy.

Tour Duration and Route:

Different airboat tours might offer varying durations and routes. Consider how long you’d like to spend on the tour and what areas of the Everglades you’re most interested in exploring. Some tours may focus more on wildlife, while others might emphasize the natural beauty of the landscape.

Group Size:

Consider the size of the tour groups. Smaller groups often provide a more personalized experience and allow for better interaction with the guide. Larger groups might be a bit less intimate but can still be enjoyable.

Private airboat charters give you a personalized experience and cost a little more than the park rides cramming 30 to 50 people on the airboat for a cheap price. There is a huge difference between private and big groups on 1 airboat. Big airboats can’t go where Ride The Wind Private Airboat Charters can.

Environmental Impact:

Choose a tour company that prioritizes the protection of the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem. Some companies actively support conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices.

Additional Offerings:

Some airboat tours might offer extra features, such as wildlife shows, exhibits, or additional activities like alligator handling. Decide if these extras are important to you.

Booking Process and Availability:

Check the availability of the tour on your desired date and time. Some tours might require advance booking, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Price Comparison:

While price shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, it’s still important to compare the costs of different tour options. Remember that quality and safety should come before the price.

Local Recommendations:

If you’re staying in the area, ask locals or your accommodation’s staff for recommendations. They might provide insights into the best and most reputable tour companies.

Remember that Everglades National Park is a unique and fragile ecosystem, so choose a tour company that values its conservation. With thorough research and consideration of these factors, you’ll have a better idea of how to choose the best airboat tour that suits your preferences and ensures a fantastic experience in the Everglades.

Tourism Advertising Before vs. Now

Time flies and everything is ever-changing. In the good old days a Airboat Tour owner could get help from the Concierge at the hotel by recommending the guest for our services, and of course he would get a commission. Nowadays, big companies such as amusement parks pay about $3,500 monthly to put their cards in the Rack Card of the hotels.

Capt. Randy with Ride the Wind Airboat Tours has +40 years of experience, and he can notice a remarkable variation where the technology takes a part, Online Advertising.

“ We don’t give commissions to each other. It’s just professional, just send people to our friends in the business“ he said. People use their cell phones for searching 5-stars and reviews, and that helps reliable people like him; who have worked hard to make a name in this business, by always providing professional, friendly and safe Airboat Tours at the Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Click here to see where he is located.

A benefit of the search in the internet is that you can find crucial information, in just a click away.

Private Airboat Tours at Ride the Wind with Capt. Randy

At Ride the Wind Airboat Tours, we have different options from 1 up to 3 hours to enjoy on a private tour. You and your loved ones will have an amazing and safe adventure to remember, with the opportunity to be the co-pilot and drive our state-of-the-art airboat!

Capt. Randy has 40+ years of airboating experience, we are the best choice for your next trip to the Everglades. Contact us today and let’s start planning your next Everglades trip where you’ll see plenty of alligators, birds, turtles, and camps to see, you’ll be astonished as you glide along over 200 years of history.

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