Use a tide chart as a rough guide. The high tide line is visible along the lower leaves of the mangroves as a result of staining from the tannins in the water. Use this to gauge the tide level. Although we travelled from north to south it is just as possible to go the opposite way. If you travel during the winter, winds are generally from the west-northwest, so any benefit is probably negligible.
Nautical maps are invaluable.
You can save some money by xeroxing them if you have access to a map library. More information can be obtained from Everglades National Park P.O. Box 279 Homestead, FL 33030.