When it comes to swamps, the Okefenokee Swamp or Okavango Delta often comes to mind. The Pantanal is one of the most important wetlands in the world yet it falls low on that list.
The Pantanal has the distinction of being the largest swamp in the world. It’s a natural wonder that sprawls over 75,000 square miles. This wetland cuts through Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It’s also a breathtaking area that’s home to an amazing diversity of wildlife.
The Pantanal is like Florida in this regard. Its wildlife is as popular as the amusement parks found all over the state. So if you’re an avid birdwatcher or an adventure seeker, put the Pantanal and Florida on your bucket list. You’ll understand why in this post.
What Sets the Pantanal Apart from Florida’s Swamps?
The Pantanal is a massive floodplain that’s submerged during the rainy season. It has a unique ecosystem that supports an extraordinary variety of species. Jaguars, caimans, and giant otters thrive in this wetland. It’s also home to more than 650 species of birds.
The Pantanal isn’t the only wetland with a diverse ecosystem though. Florida is also famous for swamps that house hundreds of plant and animal species. The swamps in the Sunshine State cover millions of acres. The Big Cypress National Preserve is 729,000 acres while the Green Swamp covers 560,000 acres. The Okefenokee Swamp is 438,000 acres large.
What sets the Pantanal apart from other wetlands is its accessibility. Its open landscapes give people unparalleled chances to see wildlife in their habitat.
You can reach the Pantanal by flying in from Cuiabá in the north or Campo Grande in the south. You can then arrange for transportation to hotels located within the Pantanal. Each end of the Pantanal offers something different. Northern Pantanal is a more remote region. It’s popular among wildlife enthusiasts who are keen to join jaguar safaris. Southern Pantanal has more to offer tourism-wise. Many eco-resorts offer organized swamp tours and activities.
Florida is more accessible compared to the Pantanal. Millions of tourists arrive in the Sunshine State by plane or car every year. Arriving by cruise ship is another popular option.
What are the Most Popular Wetland Activities?
There are many activities to do while exploring the Pantanal or Florida. These two places are the ultimate adventure destination. There’s something for everyone, whether one prefers to go on an adventure or learn something new.
- Wildlife Safaris
The Pantanal is famous for wildlife safaris, especially its jaguar-spotting tours. Tours are often conducted by boat along the rivers. This is where you have the best chance to see these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. You can also encounter giant otters, capybaras, and caimans during the safari.
Florida also hosts a variety of safari-style adventures. You can go on swamp boat tours Orlando through the swamps. You can see alligators, turtles, and manatees in their natural habitat.
- Birdwatching
Both the Pantanal and Florida swamps are a paradise for birdwatchers. The Pantanal boasts of over 650 bird species. You can observe iconic species like the hyacinth macaw, which is the largest parrot in the world. This is also the best place to see Jabiru storks and Toco toucans.
Florida swamps provide a sanctuary to hundreds of tropical birds. Birdwatchers can see the great blue heron, the roseate spoonbill, and the anhinga. This is also the only place where you can find the Florida Scrub-Jay.
- Boat Tours
Boat tours are the best way to navigate the Pantanal’s water network during the rainy season. Going on these swamp tours allows you to get up close to caimans and capybaras. It’s also a great way to various birds gliding through its peaceful waters.
Swamp boat tours Florida are a favorite activity of both tourists and locals. Flat-bottomed boats with large propellers are one of the state’s most iconic images. These boats can glide through shallow waters with ease. They can bring people deep into the swamps where they can find the state’s diverse flora and fauna.
Make the Discovery of a Lifetime
Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures will help you discover Florida’s untamed wilderness. We’re one of the premier swamp tour airboat operators in the Sunshine State. Come with us and experience the excitement of spotting alligators in the wild. We offer 30-minute and hour-long swamp tours led by expert guides. Call us at 352-643-0708 or contact us here to schedule your adventure today!
