06 May The Lodge at Flamingo! Enjoy The Everglades In Air Conditioned Comfort!
Flamingo Lodge In The Everglades – Enjoy The Everglades In Air Conditioned Comfort!
By Fred Mays
Let’s face it! The Everglades can be a hot, sticky mess even in the winter. If you want to kick back and get cool after a day of exploring there is a relatively new option for you. The Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades, opened in 2023, years after the previous lodge was destroyed by hurricanes.
The Flamingo Lodge, Courtesy Flamingo Everglades Adventures
Flamingo Lodge has 24 air-conditioned units right on the shores of Florida Bay, right where the park road ends. All the units are located on the second floor, with shaded parking underneath. The buildings are all artfully made out of recycled shipping containers. They are tastefully done. The parking lot has plenty of room for fishing boats and trailers.
Fishing boat sunrise
The fishing crowd is the biggest attraction to the Lodge. The Flamingo marina is right next door, allowing for an easy boat launch and quick access to Florida Bay. Tarpon, bonefish and snook are the big catches, and an occasional black tip shark. They will even cook your catch-of-day at the Lodge restaurant. If you prefer, there are grills located outside the Lodge units if you want to cook your own.
Glamping tents
The Lodge also operates 20 Glamping tents at the campground nearby. The tents are designed for families, with electricity and ceiling fans, but not air-conditioned. During the winter season they are furnished, but the furniture is removed during the sweltering summers. Access is via a boardwalk that is lighted at night.
A spacious campground for RV’s and tents is adjacent to the glamping area. It’s the only campground open in the summer in the Everglades. Long Pine Key campground is only open during the winter season.
Courtesy Flamingo Everglades Adventures
The rooms at the Lodge have varied floor plans, and are designed to accommodate 2-6 people. All have hot showers. There are kitchen areas, complete with fridge, microwave and stove tops. There are no TV’s…you’re supposed to be spending your time outside, enjoying nature. Wi-Fi is available in the Lodge buildings, but there is limited cell phone service. At this time only AT&T has cell access in Flamingo.
The restaurant at the Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the menu is limited. During the summer the breakfast is strictly “grab and go”, like muffins. There is a bar, but alcohol prices are kinda steep. I paid $12 for a small glass of wine.
Courtesy Flamingo Everglades Adventures
The Everglades has two seasons…dry (winter) and wet (summer). The summer rains usually begin in May and end in November. Bookings at the Lodge during the winter are usually full, especially on the weekends. Plan your winter reservations as far ahead as possible. That applies to the glamping tents and campground as well. Reservations are easier to come by in the summer.
A note about mosquitos. They’re a part of the ecosystem, and part of the food chain for birds. You just happen to be part of their food chain. I’ve been to Flamingo in both the wet and dry seasons. Mosquitos are worse during the summer, but almost as bad in the winter. Bring DEET spray.
If you’re into kayaking there are rentals at the marina. Depending on the wind you can paddle either in Florida Bay or the Buttonwood Canal. I’ve paddled both and the bay is more fun, unless it’s windy. The bay paddle featured a fly-by by a flock of pelicans, with a soft whoosh sound breaking the silence on the water. I also paddled over the top of a startled black tip shark that clamored around under the boat until it broke away into open water.
There are bike rentals at the marina. Roads are uncrowded and the short Guy Bradley trail runs from the Visitor’s Center to the campground. It’s easy and safe pedaling. I was only attacked once by mosquitos. Flamingo Lodge In The Everglades
Hiking is not a big attraction in the Everglades. There are short trails along both sides of the access highway. I found several of them closed for the summer because of fire dangers. Wild fires are fairly common during the spring at the end of the dry season.
Flamingo is the hub of activity in the southern Everglades. The other hubs are at Shark Valley and Everglades City. I’ve been to them also, and will cover them in future articles. Flamingo Lodge In The Everglades
The Everglades are the only wetlands national park, and a wonderful outdoor experience for Floridians and visitors. But they are being threatened by climate change, water shortages, and development pressures. You owe it to yourself to go visit and enjoy one of nature’s relatively unspoiled wonders.
The author in my kayak. Courtesy Tess St. John
No Comments