Some of the biggest problems here are unseen and little. The unseen problem is wind. With great expanses of wide-open park waters, wind can be a problem. It is often windy: 1025 knots, on average. Small craft advisories are common in the Gulf. Paddlers often strike out early in the morning to avoid these winds, which generally kick up in the afternoon and die down around dusk.

These breezes can be your ally, as they clear insects-mosquitoes and no-see-ums (the little problems). The Calusa used a combination of fish oil and pine tar smeared on their bodies to keep the "swamp angels" at bay. Modern Everglades explorers should be prepared with insect repellent (both cream and spray), long pants and shirts, and a head net. In winter, the bugs can range from nonexistent to maddening. During summer, the bugs are so thick that they keep the backcountry essentially deserted. (Don't come to the Everglades in summer!) There are few bug problems on the water, except occasionally along very narrow creeks.

December through March in South Florida is dry and pleasant, with highs averaging in the 70s and lows in the upper 50s. Precipitation runs under two inches per month. Be prepared for sunny conditions year-round with wide hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Everglades paddlers must carry all their drinking water with them. A gallon per person per day is recommended.