The Everglades delivers America’s most unique paddling experience, where you’ll glide past alligators and through tunnel-like mangrove forests. Ranger-led tours are your best bet for wildlife spotting and local know-how, typically running 2-3 hours. For more adventure, try the multi-day backcountry trips – they’re fantastic for camping under starlit skies and exploring remote waterways. Top picks include the Turner River paddle (great for wildlife) and the Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail (perfect for mangrove tunnels). The Nine Mile Pond loop offers an ideal mix of open water and mangrove tunnels for beginners. Let’s explore our favorite Everglades paddling tours.
Key Points
- Small group eco tours with certified naturalist guides offer a comprehensive and personalized exploration of Everglades National Park’s diverse landscapes.
- Boat-assisted kayak eco tours led by Florida Master Naturalists provide opportunities to encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.
- Highly recommended Everglades tours with a focus on boating, kayaking, and walking activities allow travelers to experience the park’s ecology and history.
- Three-hour kayak eco tours led by Florida Master Naturalists offer a chance to paddle to rookeries and visit Calusa Indian shell mounds.
- Extended kayak-sailing and mangrove tunnel tours provide multi-day immersive experiences in the Everglades National Park backcountry with meals and camping gear included.
Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Everglades National Park, the Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour offers a captivating adventure.
Led by a certified naturalist guide, this half-day excursion immerses participants in the diverse landscapes of the park, from remote boat rides to kayaking along Barrier Island Beach and hiking through mangrove swamps.
Travelers can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and an array of birds.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour provides a private and personalized experience, complete with safety equipment, transportation, and an opportunity to learn about the Everglades’ unique ecosystem.
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Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour
The Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour offers adventurous travelers a captivating way to explore the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of this unique ecosystem.
Led by a Florida Master Naturalist, the 3.5-hour tour allows groups of up to 6 to kayak through coastal wilderness, hike subtropical wetlands, and ride a boat.
Participants can expect to encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds.
The tour is tailored to the group’s interests and environmental conditions, ensuring an engaging and educational experience.
With a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 25 reviews, this tour provides excellent value at $172.95 per person and offers flexible booking options.
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Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour
Adventurous travelers can embark on the Small-Group Everglades Boating, Kayaking, and Walking Eco Tour, an immersive experience that allows them to explore the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Everglades National Park.
This tour, highly recommended by 96% of travelers, offers a maximum group size of 6 and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Participants will enjoy a golf cart ride to the marina, followed by boating, kayaking, and a walking tour, all while learning about the area’s ecology and history from knowledgeable guides.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Everglades.
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Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive Everglades experience can embark on the 3-hour Everglades National Park Kayak Eco Tour.
Led by Florida Master Naturalists, the small group tour explores the unique 10,000 Islands habitat, offering opportunities to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and various shore and wading birds.
Paddling to a rookery, observing feeding wildlife, and visiting ancient Calusa Indian shell mounds are among the possible activities.
The tour includes all necessary safety gear, paddles, and personal flotation devices.
With a 4.9/5 overall rating, the experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides, flexible service, and well-organized operations.
Participants are advised to bring recommended items like water, hats, and sunscreen for an enjoyable eco-adventure.
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3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour
For those seeking a more immersive Everglades experience, the 3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour offers a unique way to explore the park’s remote and untouched areas.
Rated 5 stars by past participants, this tour includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners, as well as all necessary camping gear.
Guests will meet at the Flamingo Visitor Center before embarking on their backcountry adventure, which concludes at the same location.
While not accessible for all travelers, this tour accommodates groups of up to 6 participants and includes the services of an experienced guide.
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Everglades National Park: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour
Amid the vast expanse of Everglades National Park, the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the park’s unique ecosystems.
Priced at €113.51 per person, the 3-hour guided tour allows guests to explore mangrove forests, lakes, and creeks in stable sit-on-top kayaks.
Along the way, they’ll observe diverse wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this eco-friendly tour is a popular choice, boasting a 4.9/5 rating from 479 reviews.
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Recap
Everglades National Park offers a variety of engaging and eco-friendly ways to explore its diverse landscapes. From guided boat, kayak, and walking tours to multi-day backcountry adventures, visitors can enjoy the park’s unique mangrove forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time explorer, there’s an Everglades adventure that’s sure to captivate and inspire.