Spotting alligators in Southwest Florida: 8 places you will likely see the large reptiles

One question we see posted frequently on social media this time of year is: Where do I have the best chance to spot an alligator?

This is not surprising considering the number of tourists who come here every winter and the fact that when people think of Florida, one of the first things they associate with the Sunshine State are alligators.

We want to help.

I asked three of our expert journalists – environment reporters Amy Williams and Chad Gillis and photographer Andrew West – for their gator “hot spots” in Southwest Florida. As it turns out, the winter is a great opportunity for alligator watching here.

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“The dry season here coincides with the winter, which makes it a great time of year to spot alligators,” Gillis said. “They cluster together in shrinking holes of freshwater, which means you’re more likely to see them in greater numbers at any popular gator hole.”

Winter brings cooler temperatures, Gillis added, and alligators seek the sunlight in order to thermoregulate their bodies.

The two factors in combination mean more alligators will be closer together and exposed to the sun and viewers at this time of year.

I asked Chad, Amy, and Andrew to pick their favorite gator hangouts.

There is no guarantee you will spot an alligator at these places, but based on the current conditions in Southwest Florida, the probability is high! Good luck. Be safe. Have your camera ready.

AMY WILLIAMS

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Where: Lee County

Website: www.sloughpreserve.org/

Amy says: It’s a boardwalk and not a guarantee, but usually a safe bet.

Babcock Eco Adventures

Where: Charlotte County (just over the Lee line)

Website: babcockranchecotours.com/

Amy says: This is a swamp buggy tour through a swamp. Sightings are guaranteed!

Gatorama

Where: Glades County

Website: gatorama.com

Amy says: The name says it all. Where you can hatch a gator egg in your hands at some times of the year.

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CHAD GILLIS

Fisheating Creek

Where: Glades County

Webiste: fisheatingcreeekoutpost.com

Chad says: There are lots of alligators in Fisheating Creek, and you can see them anywhere from the Fisheating Creek Outpost near Palmdale to the banks of the winding creek both up and downstream. About an hour’s drive away from Fort Myers, Fisheating creek is the last undisturbed tributary flowing into Lake Okeechobee – the heart of the Everglades.

Loop Road

Where: Collier County

Website: n/a

Chad says: Located on the south side of U.S. 41 in Big Cypress National Preserve, Loop Road is a great place to see alligators as they gather in one of several sloughs that allow water to flow west and south to Everglades National Park. The Sweetwater Slough, in particular, is a great place to see alligators as dozens will gather on the rocky banks of the slough during the dry season.

Turner River Road

Where: Collier County

Website: n/a

Chad says: Another offshoot of U.S. 41, Turner River Road is home to a small facility with picnic tables and signs describing the ecological system. There are typically alligators floating near an observation platform or resting on the far bank. The good thing about this site is that you can just pull over, park your car, get out and start looking at alligators – no hiking or airboat required.

ANDREW WEST

CREW Bird Rookery Trail

Where: Collier County

Website: crewtrust.org/bird-rookery-swamp-trail/

Andrew says: This is a good bet. Hikers sometimes have to walk around the alligators because they can be just feet from the trail.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Where: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Website: corkscrew.audubon.org

Andrew says: During the dry months, alligators can be viewed at the lettuce lakes on the boardwalk. Although not a guarantee. There is also a good bet that babies will be there, just has to be the right time of year.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Alligators in Florida more visible during, dry, cooler winter months