{"id":10466,"date":"2026-06-17T12:08:40","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T10:08:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturelfes.com\/?p=10466"},"modified":"2026-06-17T12:29:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T10:29:26","slug":"myakka-river-floridas-unexpected-safari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturelfes.com\/en\/myakka-river-floridas-unexpected-safari\/","title":{"rendered":"Myakka River: Florida’s Unexpected Safari"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Myakka River: Florida’s Unexpected Safari<\/h1>\n\n
\"Tree-lined<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

During a nature road trip in Florida, we had planned a stop at Myakka River State Park. What was meant to be just a quick stop\u2026 became our absolute favourite place in Florida, for its incredible wildlife and wild landscapes! <\/p>\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/div>
<\/div>

Period<\/strong>: Late March 2024Location<\/strong>: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, Florida, United StatesThings<\/strong> to do<\/strong>: Wildlife watching, hiking, viewpoints<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

The place in a few words<\/h2>\n\n
\"Birds<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and largest nature parks in Florida, covering 150 km\u00b2 of preserved wilderness. The Myakka River, the first river designated as both Wild and Scenic by the State of Florida, winds through a remarkably diverse landscape: wild prairies, wetlands, palm and oak forests, and pine flatwoods. A true wildlife sanctuary, far from the touristy Florida most people know. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"Wildlife<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Practical information<\/h2>\n\n

The park is open daily from 8am until sunset. Entry is $6 per vehicle<\/strong>. It offers a wide range of activities: hiking, cycling, kayaking, canoeing and boat tours\u2026 Several campgrounds are available \u2014 check the park’s official website<\/a> for more information. \ud83d\udccd<\/strong> Good to know: Florida summers are very hot and humid \u2014 the ideal time to visit the park is from October to April.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"Collage<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Surprise Safari in Florida<\/h2>\n\n

Our safari began right at the first stop by the bridge over the Myakka River<\/strong>, a spot well known for its many alligators. And indeed, the place is literally crawling with crocs \ud83d\ude04! It’s impressive to see so many alligators in this vast river \u2014 I imagine some African landscapes must look similar, with even bigger crocs \ud83d\ude09. <\/p>\n\n

\"Alligator
A dapper croc wearing its dragonfly hair clip \ud83d\ude04<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\"River<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Continuing along the park’s beautiful road, we made a second stop at Fisherman’s Circle<\/strong>, a spot where it’s easy to observe alligators up close. We spent a long time sitting by the water’s edge \u2014 at a safe height \ud83d\ude09 \u2014 just watching them. <\/p>\n\n

\"Hiker<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\"Sandy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

We even got to see one up very close, as some tourists had been feeding it \u2014 which is strictly forbidden\u2026<\/p>\n\n

\"Close-up<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n