Everglades Alligator Farm

When you think of the Everglades do you automatically see an airboat gliding through a swamp in the corner of your mind?  I do. Those dime store novel vehicles conjure images of alligators and murky waters teaming with snakes and crocs. Well, you can get your fill of the real deal at the Alligator Farm in Florida City.  An easy pit stop on the drive to Key West (or any of the nearer keys should you not be in for the long haul to the end of the U.S.), the Everglades Alligator Farm is an adventure that will bring out the Indiana Jones in the guys while making the gals wish they’d brought a change of shoes (yes, it gets wet on an airboat).

Airboat

This is South Florida’s oldest alligator farm located at the South entrance to Everglades National Park about an hour south of Miami (who knew the Everglades were so close?). Here you’ll get a chance to venture into unspoiled Florida at its wildest on a 30 minute loud and wet airboat along the River of Grass. This all natural tour glides through muddy back water trails where you’ll get your fill of crocs and wildlife, then put on your earplugs as the engine ramps up to full speed and your captain whisks you out to the glade for a speeding ziz-zagging, hair raising run. If only it was longer!

Airboat Ride to Snake Island

After the spree go see one of the shows.  At the top of each hour you can catch a snake or alligator show on Snake Island or watch the alligator feeding, held twice daily at the breeding ponds. The feeding is a hoot to watch especially since many of the crocs are doubled up on each other and snoozing in the intense Florida heat.  But once they smell the chicken parts being tossed by one of the handlers their stubby legs go into action and they bolt for the goods. Kids will love it. The snake shows are about 45 minutes and expect to get up close and friendly with the slithery creatures if you’re in the first 2 or 3 rows. The handlers are all experts in making the spectacle fun.

Alligator Feeding

When you’ve had your fill of the heat, head for the gift shop where you can cool down while stocking up on the must haves for souvenirs – a taxi yellow refrigerator magnet with an open jawed croc in the middle of a road sign that reads:  FLORIDA CROC XING and the ubiquitous baseball cap embroidered with a lively green croc and the words, “Bite Me!” Everglades Alligator Farm.

On your way out, don’t forget to stop by and visit the “little guys” in the growout pens. These baby gators, known as “hatchlings” are transferred to this area when they are approximately one month old and protected from predatory birds.  This is the farm’s conservation success story and ensures the survival of an ancient reptile that fifty years ago was growing extinct.  Today, there are millions in the wild and many of them are here!

Alligator Show

After the fascinating natural history lesson be sure to make a pit stop with the family down the road at Robert Is Here, a fruit stand and farm that does a big business in fresh fruit milk shakes that are out of this world.  You will need the cooling off, trust me, and with over 20 flavors (like Strawberry Key Lime and Papaya Passion) and daily specials, you’ll feel like you’re a kid again. Get two flavors, mom’s not around!