South florida...everglades/keys advice

[krzr3000]

I'm going to be staying in florida city next month, looking for places to check out to obviously see wildlife. So far i plan on going into the everglades, but what else should i add to my itinerary for seeing herps and others? I'm from CT so seeing anoles is exciting. Also i understand the cold weather has affected what i may see, but regardless i'll be there so i might as well look. Plan on going to the metrozoo too so if all else fails.

So far i have...
everglades n.p...flamingo, royal palm, shark valley etc
pennekamp s.p
biscayne n.p
bahia honda s.p
dagny johnson key largo hammock botanical s.p
crocodile lake national wildlife refuge
big cypress n.p
area around homestead AFB

I'm sure there is more so i'm looking for suggestions of where to go and what isn't worth it. Thanks!

 

[ge2655]

You will not be far from here:
http://www.tropicalfishmiami.com/shop/

It is worth a visit.

Leave yourself plenty of time for the Pennekamp visit and take the glass bottom boat ride. Afterwards drive down US1 and eat at the Green Turtle Restaurant (conch fritters & key lime pie) for a perfect day.

Regards,
-Gary

 

[snakeguy101]

there are also a ton of BIG herp importers down there you should swing by Strictly's and Tom Crutchfields. I think that there is also a sea turtle rescue in the keys somewhere. as far as wildlife goes about the only thing you see this time of year will be anoles so you are in luck...

 

[AFRO-thunder]

I have heard that the sea turtle rescue needs reservations because many people are visiting it. I hope the everglades are nicer in winter than in summer. When I was there in August, mosquitoes were really mean.

 

[Creature]

Hello:
Right now the mosquitos are not a problem. In August they swarm in clouds making outdoor activities a bit more challenging. While you are there go to Key Biscayne (Miami Beach) and go to the sight of the old Crandon Park Zoo. You will see Iguanas everywhere, and lots of exotic ducks as well. the park is somewhat protected so the animals are left alone. There are also lots of Spiny-Tail Iguanas as well. You will also find three or four species of anoles there as well as Amievas and Basilisks. If you're lucky enough A park worker might show you a vantage point where you can view wild American Crocodiles. though not common they are found there. There's also lots of spots for exotic fish as well.
have fun and...Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"

 

[coura]

Hello:
Right now the mosquitos are not a problem. In August they swarm in clouds making outdoor activities a bit more challenging. While you are there go to Key Biscayne (Miami Beach) and go to the sight of the old Crandon Park Zoo. You will see Iguanas everywhere, and lots of exotic ducks as well. the park is somewhat protected so the animals are left alone. There are also lots of Spiny-Tail Iguanas as well. You will also find three or four species of anoles there as well as Amievas and Basilisks. If you're lucky enough A park worker might show you a vantage point where you can view wild American Crocodiles. though not common they are found there. There's also lots of spots for exotic fish as well.
have fun and...Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"

When I eventualy decide to visit Florida its there where Im heading

 

[krzr3000]

I'm down here now, have seen lots of gators, brown anoles and saw a black racer. There were one or two crocs at flamingo at the marina. Thanks for the tip on crandon park, i think i will check it out on my last day when i go back to miami for my flight.

 

[krzr3000]

Went to key biscayne today. At the old zoo i saw lots of birds...ducks, peacocks, other various birds and a really mean swan that wouldnt let me pass. All i saw for reptiles was a single grey anole blending in on a tree. It was really windy and cloudy when i went, or the cold took a toll on them? Looked pretty hard. Beach was great through.