Alligators are known for blending in with their surroundings and if you know where to look, spotting them in the wild can be easy. Having years of experience giving airboat tours in Florida, our Master captains know exactly where you can find these tricky creatures. But, for the average person (especially those who have never seen a wild alligator), you might be looking right at them and not even notice them! So, here’s how to spot an alligator in Florida before the other passengers on your next Wild Florida airboat tour.
A breakdown by our Wild Florida airboat guides–How to spot an alligator in Florida:
Where to see alligators in the wild
Alligators prefer still water with plenty of plants and vegetation. This makes the swampy shore banks and tall sawgrass marshlands a perfect hiding spot for them. Also, floating in still waters like ponds, swamps, and lakes make it a perfect place to call home. So, if you’re around these bodies of water, be careful! A major benefit of going on a Florida airboat tour is that you'll be able to see these creatures up close but at a safe distance.
Best places to see alligators depending on the weather
Like most reptiles, alligators in Florida are unable to regulate their body temperature. They use their environment to help keep them cool or warm. During the winter months, alligators are more prone to rest closer to land where sunbathing can keep their bodies warm. But, that's not to say that you won't be able to spot wild alligators during the warmer months. From late spring through the summer, alligator mating, nesting, and hatching seasons take place. This time of year is perfect for guests to see the life cycle of wild alligators in Florida.
Spot alligators in their natural habitat
Another thing to keep in mind when figuring out how to spot an alligator in Florida is to look among the shore banks for flattened, muddy sawgrass. Wild alligators will sometimes create their own muddy beds by digging out some of the dirt and vegetation so they can blend their dark, scaly bodies in the environment and watch prey. Being opportunistic hunters, alligators will wait for curious animals to check out the watery spot in search of food, creating the perfect opportunity to strike.
It’s important for us to teach you how to spot an alligator in Florida—isn’t that why you came? At Wild Florida, we don’t just pride ourselves on delivering the best airboat rides. While we have Master captains who dedicate their time to making your airboat adventure a unique and exciting experience… we also have a team of amazing animal experts ready to show you around our Gator Park, which is included in your airboat tour admission. Ready to book your trip today?
