Hi there!
Yes, there are crocodiles in Everglades National Park!
So you can make it a day trip from Miami to the Florida Everglades for a chance to see crocodiles along with other things.
While crocodiles aren’t as easy common to see as alligators, there is a spot that they are known to hang out.
📌 Save this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌
It is much more common to see alligators in the Everglades, but it’s possible to see crocodiles in the Everglades too!
And, according to the National Park Service, Everglades National Park is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators co-exist!
And more than that, it’s said that Florida is the only place in the world that alligators and crocodiles co-exist!
Crocodiles vs alligators?!
The main difference between crocodiles and alligators is that crocodiles tend to be seen in salt water and alligators tend to be seen in fresh water.
Although it’s also said that both can adapt to either, so they are not exclusively in one or the other.
But, this does mean that the spot in the Everglades that crocodiles are frequently spotted is different from any of the spots that alligators are frequently spotted.
Everglades National Park has the salt water and fresh water that both crocodiles and alligators like!
Where to see crocodiles in Florida
The area called Flamingo in Everglades National Park is where you want to go if you want a chance to see crocodiles in Florida.
This is a known resting area for crocodiles, and it’s where crocodiles are frequently seen.
So Flamingo is not only your best chance to see crocodiles in Everglades National Park, but it’s your best chance to see crocodiles in all of Florida!
And, emphasis on CHANCE!
Crocodiles are wild and they do what they want when they want!
There’s no guarantee to see them.
That said, you do have a good chance to see crocodiles in Flamingo! (I did see crocodiles in Flamingo!)
And, because crocodiles are wild, you want to keep them wild!
🐊
Don’t feed the crocodiles!
Crocodiles are generally not interested in people.
It requires everyone’s help to keep it that way.
Feeding crocodiles is a way for crocodiles to become more comfortable with humans… and to learn to approach you (and other humans) for food!
And then crocodiles can become even more dangerous to humans!
When you see crocodiles, just observe!
Try not to do anything that would cause them to change their behavior.
Where to go in Flamingo to see crocodiles?
Flamingo is not that big, but still, it can be helpful to know specifically where to look.
The main area of Flamingo is the Flamingo marina.
It is common to see both crocodiles and manatees at the Flamingo Marina. (While I did see crocodiles at the Flamingo Marina, I did not see manatees.)
Near the Flamingo Marina is where you will find the Flamingo Visitor Center.
Ask people in-the-know!
Once you have arrived in Flamingo, head to the Flamingo Visitor Center to talk to a park ranger to ask specifically about where crocodiles like to hang out. Ask about manatees too!
The Flamingo Visitor Center was closed when I arrived. I happened to be in the Flamingo Marina Store so I asked the employee there, and she knew the Flamingo Marina well!
She told me about the bridge near the Marina Store for manatees. (Although I didn’t see any manatees there… or anywhere.)
She also told me about the osprey nest.
And then she also told me about the spot known for crocodiles.
In short, it was the boat ramp that was on the far left end when you’re facing the water.
I did see 2 crocodiles there!
It was so interesting because the crocodiles were just chilling there right next to the boat as a guy was getting his boat ready to drive off!!
I would say I’ve seen a lot of alligators in Florida. (Where to see alligators: Florida state parks, Tamiami Trail, Everglades National Park.)
This was the first time I had seen a crocodile, and my first thought was that crocodiles look scary! 😆
👆 Spot the Florida crocodile in Everglades National Park!
While there are spots where you have the best chances to see crocodiles, once again, crocodiles are wild (and mobile!) so they could be swimming along elsewhere.
So after you’ve checked out the #1 spot in the Flamingo Marina for crocodiles according to who you ask, you can then walk along the marina for a look if you see crocodiles around in other spots for a nice leisurely stroll around the marina!
Then you can also head over for views of the Florida Bay.
Is Flamingo worth it?!
It’s important to know that Flamingo is located at the far southern end of Everglades National Park.
This means that it’s a bit of a drive.
It’s something you can do for a chance to see crocodiles.
Again, emphasis on CHANCE!
If you go to Flamingo at the end of the day, it can be a low-key way to end your day at Florida Bay!
Especially if you stay at an eco-tent in Flamingo!
There is also the Flamingo Campground, with tent camping and RV camping. (RV camping starts back up in June 2022. It was on hold because of construction.)
Then you don’t have to make the drive back on the same day!
Shark Valley to Flamingo is around a 2 hour drive. (map)
Homestead FL to Flamingo is around a 1 hour drive. (map)
Miami to Flamingo is around a 2 hour drive. (map)
And that’s a bit about crocodiles in the Everglades!
More for your trip to the Florida Everglades and beyond:
- Everglades National Park alligators (where to see them!)
- Tamiami Trail alligators (where to see them!)
- Best things to do in Everglades National Park
- One day in Everglades National Park
- Miami to Naples (+ where to see alligators)
- Miami to Key West
HAPPY HOPEFULLY SEEING CROCODILES IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES!
There are partner websites included in this post. I may earn a commission.