Is it safe to swim in Florida swamps?

So, if you're wondering if it's safe to swim in the Everglades – the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT. Additionally, the Everglades is the only place on earth in which alligators and crocodiles coexist, so you may spot some of those, as well as various types of snakes–all of which you want to avoid encountering at all costs.



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Stay a safe distance from the shoreline (15 to 20 feet; 4.5 to 6 meters) and do not swim, snorkel, or dive where prohibited - in any canal, pond, freshwater lake, marked channel, or boat basin inside the park. Prevent small children and pets from approaching shorelines or basking alligators or crocodiles.

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Be Aware of Rip Currents. Rip Currents are very common on the East Coast of Central Florida. Those that are unaware of the rip current environment can get into trouble quickly, and often without warning. Waves and currents can knock you off your feet even in knee-deep water.

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Everglades National Park is also the only place in the world where Alligators coexist with Crocodiles. In fact, the Everglades is the only place in the United States where one can see Crocodiles. It is the mixture of freshwater from Lake Okeechobee and saltwater from the ocean that makes this dual existence possible.

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There is an underwater tour in Florida where you can actually swim with an alligator, with a net barrier between you and the reptile, of course. During the 30-minute tour, you'll learn about the animal and attend a safety briefing before entering the 30,000-gallon aquatic habitat with the reptile.

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As a general rule, the water anywhere in Florida will be warm enough to swim between April and October. During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Marco Island and Naples will have the warmest water during the winter.

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