The Everglades’ best excursions come in three distinct flavors, all offering remarkable value. Guided small-group boat trips let you glide past gators while spotting manatees and rare wading birds. For a more intimate experience, naturalist-led kayak tours wind through mangrove tunnels and sawgrass marshes – my favorite way to experience this unique ecosystem. Multi-day kayak-camping trips, though pricier, provide unmatched access to the park’s hidden corners.
I’m particularly fond of combination tours that mix walking and boating – they give you the fullest picture of this remarkable wilderness. The naturalist guides are exceptional, making complex ecosystems easy to understand while emphasizing conservation.
Let’s explore the absolute best tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Small-group eco tours led by certified naturalists provide personalized experiences to observe diverse wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and birds in the Everglades.
- Kayaking tours range from 3-hour immersive experiences to multi-day backcountry explorations, catering to various skill levels.
- Boating tours offer comprehensive experiences combining activities like boating, kayaking, and walking, with high traveler satisfaction and wildlife sightings.
- Dedicated dolphin and birding tours provide opportunities to see over 300 bird species and other marine life in the park’s remote waterways.
- Conservation-focused tours emphasize the importance of the Everglades ecosystem and provide insights into the ongoing efforts to protect it.
Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
Although the Everglades National Park is renowned for its vast expanses of wetlands, this small-group eco-adventure offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the park up close.
Over the course of a half-day tour, guests will embark on a multifaceted journey, venturing on foot, kayak, and boat to uncover the park’s natural wonders. Led by a certified naturalist guide, the group will search for an array of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.
The tour includes guided hikes along beaches, dunes, and mangrove swamps, as well as a kayaking excursion to a barrier island. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the experience ensures a personalized and immersive encounter with the Everglades’ distinctive ecosystems.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to witness remarkable wildlife interactions, making this tour a must-do for those seeking an authentic Everglades adventure.
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Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour
For adventurous travelers seeking an immersive encounter with the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems, the Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s coastal wilderness.
This 3.5-hour excursion, priced from Kč4,141 per person, allows groups of up to 6 participants to discover the Everglades’ unique flora and fauna, guided by a licensed naturalist.
Highlights include spotting manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, and the vibrant roseate spoonbills, while learning about the area’s rich history and ecology.
The tours are tailored to accommodate group preferences and environmental conditions, ensuring a personalized experience.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides, who hold Florida Master Naturalist certifications and Coast Guard licenses.
No prior kayaking experience is necessary, and the tour’s flexible cancellation policy provides added convenience.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour delivers an exceptional opportunity to learn about the Everglades’ captivating coastal wilderness.
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Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour
This small-group Everglades boating, kayaking, and walking eco tour offers travelers a comprehensive and immersive experience in the heart of the Florida Everglades.
Led by a Florida Master Naturalist, the tour provides opportunities to observe dolphins, manatees, herons, and other diverse wildlife. Guests begin with a boat ride for wildlife viewing, then transition to kayaks for a peaceful exploration of the waterways.
The tour also includes a walking excursion on an uninhabited barrier island and a golf cart ride to the marina. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour ensures personalized attention and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, fantastic wildlife encounters, and educational insights into the Everglades ecosystem and Calusa Indian heritage.
At $199.95 per person, this eco tour offers an exceptional value and has earned a Badge of Excellence in Everglades National Park, with 96% of travelers recommending the experience.
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Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour
Embarking on a captivating 3-hour kayak eco-tour in Everglades National Park, travelers can enjoy the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife of this unique natural wonder.
Led by Florida Master Naturalists, the small-group tour promises an up-close encounter with manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of wading and shorebirds.
Paddling through the park’s intricate network of waterways, participants may have the chance to visit bird rookeries, witness feeding manatees and dolphins, and explore ancient Calusa Indian shell mounds.
Priced at £132.23 per person, the tour includes all necessary safety gear, kayaks, paddles, and PFDs.
With daily departures from Chokoloskee Island and flexible booking options, this eco-tour offers a convenient and immersive experience in the heart of the Everglades.
Boasting an impressive 4.9/5 rating from previous guests, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and exceptional value.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour Review
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Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive Everglades experience can embark on the Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour. This small-group tour, limited to six guests, provides a personalized journey through the park’s seldom-reached areas.
Guests can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, and migratory birds, as knowledgeable guides share insights into the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems.
The tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and positive reviews from 90% of travelers, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time. Departing from the historic JTs Store in Chokoloskee, the tour takes guests by boat to explore the Everglades’ intricate waterways and habitats, with the potential for close encounters with dolphins and opportunities to learn about the region’s vegetation and marine life.
Whether you’re an avid birder, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking an immersive Everglades experience, this tour promises an educational and memorable adventure.
Read our full review: Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour Review
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Everglades National Park: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour
Enjoy the lush mangrove waterways of Everglades National Park on the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour. This 3-hour guided excursion takes you through the park’s natural mangrove tunnels, offering a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the largest mangrove forest in North America.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and ecology of this remarkable ecosystem while spotting diverse wildlife like herons, spoonbills, alligators, and more.
The tour departs from the old Everglades Chamber of Commerce building, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable naturalist guide and hop into a 2-person kayak. No prior kayaking experience is necessary to enjoy this adventure.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, you can book your spot without upfront payment using the reserve now & pay later option. Rated 4.9/5 based on 496 reviews, this immersive Everglades experience isn’t to be missed.
Remember to bring sun protection and water to make the most of your time in this remarkable natural wonder.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour Review
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Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 Hours)
This 2-hour boat tour offers a chance to explore the remote waterways of Everglades National Park and observe its diverse wildlife.
Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, guests can search for iconic Everglades species like bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and over 300 bird species including herons and ospreys.
The small-group setting, capped at 6 guests, provides a more intimate and personalized experience.
Travelers can access areas of the park inaccessible on foot, seeing the park’s unique ecosystem.
While wildlife sightings can vary, many guests report seeing dolphins and an array of bird life, praising the guide’s insights.
With a 4.7/5 rating and 94% traveler recommendation, this tour offers great value at $92.36 per person.
Complimentary amenities like free parking and a golf cart ride to the boats add to the convenient experience.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates strollers and service animals, making it a suitable option for most.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 Hours) Review
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Everglades National Park: 2 Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour
Nestled within the vast expanse of Everglades National Park, the 2-Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife up close. Priced at $109.95 per person, this guided tour accommodates a small group of up to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
During the 2-hour excursion, guests embark on a quiet powerboat journey, exploring areas seldom reached by others. This approach minimizes disturbance to the abundant wildlife, which includes dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and over 300 species of birds. The knowledgeable guide provides live commentary in English, enhancing the educational aspect of the tour.
With a 4.2/5 overall rating based on 12 reviews, the tour is praised for its excellent guide, transportation, and value for money. Complimentary inclusions, such as park passes, safety equipment, and hotel pickup/drop-off, add to the convenience.
Guests are advised to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and water to make the most of this immersive Everglades experience.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: 2 Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour Review
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Everglades National Park Kayak/Learn to Sail Tour
The Everglades National Park Kayak/Learn to Sail Tour offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem. Departing from the Flamingo Visitor Center, this tour takes adventurers on a journey through the Flamingo Bay, where they can witness a variety of wildlife, including pelican roosts, dolphins, tarpon, reef sharks, and even manatees.
Led by the knowledgeable and charismatic guide, Clayton, the tour combines kayaking with the thrill of sailing, allowing participants to paddle and sail their way through the breathtaking landscape.
The highlight of the tour is a lunch on a private beach, providing a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Everglades.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. While it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
The tour’s 5-star rating and 100% recommendation from previous travelers attest to its exceptional quality.
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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 an unparalleled adventure.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour provides a personalized and intimate exploration of the park’s remote backcountry. Kayaking and sailing through the serene waterways, you will enjoy a fully inclusive experience, with all necessary camping gear and meals provided.
The tour starts and ends at the Boat launch near Flamingo Visitor Center, ensuring a seamless journey.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate, making it an accessible option for outdoor enthusiasts.
With 5 stellar reviews and a 5.0-star rating, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Everglades.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 7 days of travel, subject to availability.
Read our full review: 3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour Review
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Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition
This Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition offers an immersive exploration of the park’s diverse ecosystems.
With a maximum of 6 participants per boat, this tour provides a personalized experience, led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide. Over the course of approximately 3.5 hours, you’ll embark on a powerboat ride through the stunning Ten Thousand Islands, keeping an eye out for iconic Everglades wildlife like manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds.
The tour also includes brief walking excursions to explore the inter-tidal zones, providing a closer look at the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Whether you choose a morning or afternoon departure, you’re sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem and the conservation efforts in place.
While some travelers noted difficulty finding the meeting point, the overwhelming majority praised the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition Review
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Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours
What sets Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours apart is its deep exploration of Everglades National Park, navigating through Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, and Whitewater Bay.
Expert naturalist guides lead these tours, providing opportunities to observe secluded wildlife sanctuaries and encounter diverse species like crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of birds. The tour includes on-board amenities like restrooms, coffee, and tea, accommodating up to 45 travelers.
Located at the Flamingo Lodge Hwy in Homestead, Florida, the tour departs and returns to the same meeting point. Priced from $51.60 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, unique wildlife sightings, and overall enjoyable experiences, though some mention weather and timing issues.
Read our full review: Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours Review
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The Sum Up
The Everglades National Park offers a variety of guided tours, including boat, kayak, and walking tours. These tours provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and observe its unique wildlife. Whether you’re interested in a short, two-hour tour or a multi-day adventure, there’s an option to suit your preferences and skill level. With so many tour options available, visitors can easily find the perfect way to experience the Everglades.