Nine Mile Pond
Explore the unique mangrove tunnels and sawgrass sloughs of Nine Mile Pond by kayak or canoe, spotting alligators and the famous 'Crozilla'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Nine Mile Pond
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the unique mangrove tunnels and sawgrass sloughs of Nine Mile Pond by kayak or canoe, spotting alligators and the famous 'Crozilla'.
"It was a super cool trip! I enjoyed the mangrove tunnels and my mom was happy as we did see birds and two alligators were in our path!"
🎯 Download an Offline Map
Essential for navigating the trail! Apps like AllTrails are highly recommended to avoid getting lost.
🛶 Rent a Canoe/Kayak
Rentals available at Flamingo Marina. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mangrove Tunnels
Nine Mile Pond Trail
Navigate a natural labyrinth of dense red mangrove tunnels, a truly unique paddling experience.
Wildlife Encounters
Nine Mile Pond
Spot alligators, crocodiles (like the famous 'Crozilla'), and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
Sawgrass Slough
Nine Mile Pond Trail
Paddle through expansive sawgrass prairies, a quintessential Everglades landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Nine Mile Pond Trail
Best Time for Wildlife Sightings
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download an Offline Map
Essential for navigating the trail! Apps like AllTrails are highly recommended to avoid getting lost. +1
🛶 Rent a Canoe/Kayak
Rentals available at Flamingo Marina. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
🐊 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for alligators, crocodiles, and birds. Remember to give them space!
☀️ Go Early or Late
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal for paddling.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download an Offline Map
Essential for navigating the trail! Apps like AllTrails are highly recommended to avoid getting lost. +1
🛶 Rent a Canoe/Kayak
Rentals available at Flamingo Marina. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
🐊 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for alligators, crocodiles, and birds. Remember to give them space!
☀️ Go Early or Late
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal for paddling.
⬆️ Follow Pole Markers
Look for numbered plastic poles to guide you along the loop. Don't miss them!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of paddling through Nine Mile Pond's mangrove tunnels and spotting wildlife like alligators and the famous 'Crozilla.' However, many caution that the trail can be difficult to follow, and recommend downloading an offline map to avoid getting lost. Low water levels can also present challenges during certain times of the year.
"It was a super cool trip! I enjoyed the mangrove tunnels and my mom was happy as we did see birds and two alligators were in our path!
I do agree that the trail is hard to follow at times. Actually we started in the wrong spot and ended up doing some other trail not on the map in addition to doing the half trail. The all trails app was helpful and got us out of a couple more missed turns
We did the actual trail in and hour and a half but we were paddling hard to make up for our accidental other excursion."
Ben Mason
"In mid-march, low water levels on the left side of the trail and in the shortcut with a lot of cattails decomposing made the trail difficult on the way back, especially if you have a paddleboard or fin in the water. I’d recommend sticking to right side of loop until waters deepen.
Beautiful mangroves and a lovely lake, saw some alligators and a ton of fish."
Rachel Fitzgerald
"We rented canoe online from Flamingo Adventure 4 hours for $36. We did a short loop with a shortcut in number 44, counterclockwise. Spent exactly 4 hours. We were in the Christmas Time, and there was shallow and a lot of periphyton in the 70s numbers. Overall, a very cool paddle trail. Mangrove looks as a large labyrinth. I downloaded a map from All Trails, so we did not have a problem. I highly recommend to do the same. We didn’t see any gators/crocs."
Nataliia Kriukova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nine Mile Pond is located within Everglades National Park. Access is typically via the main park road. If coming from Miami, it's a significant drive, so consider it as part of a longer Everglades visit.
Yes, there is a parking area at the Nine Mile Pond Trailhead, which serves as the starting point for canoe and kayak excursions.
You can drive to the Nine Mile Pond Trailhead parking area. From there, you'll launch your watercraft to explore the pond itself.
The primary access point for paddling is the Nine Mile Pond Trailhead, where you can launch canoes and kayaks.
While you can drive to the trailhead, the pond itself is best explored by watercraft like canoes or kayaks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Everglades National Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for a specified period. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
The park entrance fee covers access to Nine Mile Pond. However, canoe and kayak rentals will have separate costs.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the Flamingo Marina, which is a short drive from Nine Mile Pond. It's advisable to book in advance.
Nine Mile Pond is accessible during Everglades National Park's operating hours. The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like rental centers have their own hours.
Yes, guided canoe trips through Nine Mile Pond are offered, providing an educational experience about the ecosystem. Check with the Everglades Institute or similar organizations for availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Nine Mile Pond Trail is primarily a water trail, best experienced by canoe or kayak. It features mangrove tunnels and sawgrass sloughs, with numbered markers to guide you.
A leisurely paddle around the loop can take 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and whether you take shortcuts. Some visitors have spent up to 6 hours exploring.
The trail can be challenging to follow at times, especially with low water levels or if you miss markers. Downloading an offline map is highly recommended. +1
You can expect to see alligators, crocodiles (including 'Crozilla'), various bird species, and fish.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the main visitor centers and campgrounds within Everglades National Park, such as Flamingo. It's best to use them before heading out to the pond.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the mangrove tunnels, diverse wildlife like alligators and birds, and the unique Everglades landscape. The interplay of light and shadow in the mangroves is particularly photogenic.
Yes, but exercise caution. Keep your camera secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when wildlife is present. Waterproof cases are recommended.
A waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife from a safe distance.
Yes, crocodiles, including the well-known 'Crozilla,' are often spotted here. Maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens for close-up shots.
The mangrove tunnels themselves offer unique photographic perspectives. Look for clearings or wider sections of the pond for broader landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the potential for getting lost, it's highly recommended to download an offline map and have an adult responsible for navigation. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the Florida sun can be intense. Consider a shorter loop or a guided tour if your children have shorter attention spans. The novelty of paddling through mangrove tunnels is often a big hit with younger explorers.
🛶 Paddling Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the trail markers and consider downloading an offline map to optimize your route and avoid getting disoriented. Experienced paddlers might enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path sections, but always prioritize safety and be aware of changing water levels and wildlife. The longer paddle options can provide a full day of immersion in this unique environment.
📸 Nature Photographers
Bring a telephoto lens to capture wildlife like alligators, crocodiles, and various bird species from a safe and respectful distance. The early morning and late afternoon 'golden hours' often provide the best lighting conditions for landscape and wildlife photography. Be patient, as wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the unique environment itself is highly photogenic.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Paddling Nine Mile Pond: A Comprehensive Guide
+1Navigating the trail requires attention. The route is marked by numbered plastic poles, but it's easy to miss them or take incorrect turns, especially in the dense mangrove maze. Many reviewers strongly advise downloading an offline map from apps like AllTrails to ensure you stay on the intended path and avoid getting lost. The loop can be completed counter-clockwise, starting from pole #1 opposite the parking lot. Some visitors opt for shortcuts, like the one at marker #44, which can shorten the trip.
The duration of the paddle can vary significantly. A leisurely exploration, including enjoying the scenery and wildlife, can take 2.5 to 4 hours. Some adventurers have spent up to 6 hours, fully immersing themselves in the experience. Water levels can fluctuate, particularly in drier months, which might make certain sections more challenging, especially for paddleboards. It's recommended to stick to the right side of the loop during low water periods.
Wildlife Spotting at Nine Mile Pond
A notable resident of Nine Mile Pond is 'Crozilla,' a large crocodile that has been frequently spotted sunbathing in the area. While crocodiles are less common than alligators in the Everglades, their presence here is a significant draw for wildlife enthusiasts. Remember that these are wild animals, and sightings are never guaranteed. Always maintain a safe distance and use binoculars or a zoom lens for observation.
+2Beyond reptiles and birds, the waters of Nine Mile Pond teem with fish, and you might also encounter other fascinating aquatic life. The unique ecosystem, where freshwater and saltwater species mingle, contributes to the area's rich biodiversity. The best times for wildlife viewing are often early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active and the temperatures are more comfortable for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit