Id like to go there and see a good amount of gators...can a person do this himself or is a guided tour necessary?

I do not live in FL. But you do not have to go to Everglades for gators. Was in LaBelle and went looking for them and took some back road along canals and drainage ditch and seen lots of them. We were out in the back 40 if you know what that means, (away from people)

Not sure if you want the “Everglades experience” but the swamps in Louisiana or the lower delta in Alabama will give you all the gator encounters a man could ask for. Last summer while frogging in the delta we counted 79, and that was just in the river stretch we covered that night.

These are two from 2018 and 2019 alligator season hunts.

Gary, just take the TamiaMi trail I think its hwy 41 from Naples to the intersection at hwy 997.


I guarantee you will see your fill of gators.

There's a little state park pull out with a boardwalk that's over run with them. I can't remember the name but its obvious. Can't miss it.


Everglades city has a nice little motel.


Get a fishing license.

You could goof off fishing, and exploring for a week.

My cousin lives down there with her husband. He's quite the outdoorsman once they moves there.

He's out on the water almost daily and goes in and out of them regularly.

From what he says I would get a guide. Very easy place to get very lost in.

Theres a reason the Seminole were never defeated...

I think one of them airboat tours would be well worth it

This is exactly right. Skunk ape camp ground is close by and right in the heart of gator country if you are more of a camping type person. Fish for Chiclids with worms or bread, Oscars are as good as Crappies. If you Google Skunk Ape Campground you will see where we are talking about. There are Gators everywhere.

Gar, chichlids, tarpon, snook, bass, I even had a blue crab chase my fly one day.

Honest to god, my first cast in Florida with a 5wt. And a clouser, I jumped a baby tarpon.



Probably only a 5 pounder, but that's big fun to a guy from flyover country.

Bama Girls and Gators

Hanna Barron not only noodles for catfish but catches gators too.

I could listen to those southern girls talk all day,

I think this is Louisiana.

Drive 41 from near Marco towards Miami you will see them all over

Lots of places to see gators in the Everglades, take hwy 94 south of hwy 41 and you will see lots. 94 comes back out at hwy 41 closer to Homestead. Shark Valley park has some big gators, you can walk or take a trolley ride to and oil exploration site and see some 12 footers. The Everglades park just outside of Florida City is another good place to see gators and you might see a croc there. There are all kinds of air boat rides that will get you into the glades, some good some bad. but you do not need to take one to see gators.

While you're at it take a few pythons. They're free for the taking.

I did an internship on Marco, TamiaMi trail is referred to alligator alley.