Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour

Explore the Everglades in a unique and intimate way with this small-group eco tour. Led by a Florida Master Naturalist, you’ll venture into the park’s diverse ecosystems, from coastal mangrove forests to serene wetlands. Spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birdlife as you combine boating, kayaking, and walking to learn about this delicate natural wonder. With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour offers a personalized experience that’s both educational and sustainable. Discover the Everglades like never before and uncover the hidden gems that make this national park so special.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Walking Tours In Everglades National Park.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Included Activities

3 Meeting and Pickup

4 Additional Information

5 Exploring Diverse Ecosystems

6 Glimpsing Coastal Wildlife

7 Kayaking Peaceful Waters

8 Walking Tour Experience

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Comprehensive tour combining boating, kayaking, and walking to explore the diverse ecosystems of Everglades National Park.
Guided by a Florida Master Naturalist, providing an immersive experience and opportunities to spot various wildlife.
Offers access to hard-to-reach areas of the Everglades through boating and kayaking.
Moderate physical fitness level required, with a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.
Cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, subject to weather conditions and minimum participant requirements.

Tour Overview

This eco tour in Everglades National Park combines boating, kayaking, and walking to explore the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the region.

Led by a Florida Master Naturalist Guide, the tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to see dolphins, manatees, herons, and other Everglades wildlife up close.

The boating portion takes guests to areas a boat can’t reach, while the kayaking portion offers a peaceful, intimate exploration of the area.

The walking tour on an uninhabited barrier island rounds out the experience, giving participants a well-rounded understanding of the Everglades’ rich natural wonders.

With the Everglades National Park Visitors Pass included, this tour offers an engaging and educational way to discover the unique beauty of this protected ecosystem.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Everglades National Park

Included Activities

The eco tour offers a variety of activities, including a boat ride, kayaking, and a walking tour, allowing visitors to explore the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems up close.

The boat ride provides opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and herons.

Kayaking on the peaceful waters allows access to areas a boat can’t reach.

The walking tour on an uninhabited barrier island immerses guests in the unique wildlife and habitats of this protected National Park.

The tour is led by a Florida Master Naturalist Guide, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.

Key activities include:

Boating to see marine wildlife
Kayaking to explore hard-to-reach areas
Walking tour on a remote barrier island
Golf cart ride to the marina
Guided by a naturalist expert

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the designated meeting point, 238 Mamie St in Chokoloskee, Florida, where they can park at the shop known as JTs. The tour begins with a golf cart ride to the marina, where guests board the boat and kayaks for the day’s activities. Once the tour is complete, participants return to the original meeting location. This convenient pickup and drop-off setup allows for a seamless experience.

Meeting Point	Parking	Golf Cart Ride	Boat & Kayak	Return
238 Mamie St, Chokoloskee, FL	Park at JTs shop	From meeting point to marina	Board for tour activities	Back to original meeting point

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation, and the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness from participants.

It’s also not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed, and service animals can join. Infants must sit on laps during the activities.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, and the cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or insufficient participants, in which case travelers will be offered an alternate date or a full refund.

Key requirements for the tour include:

Moderate physical fitness level
Limit of 6 travelers per tour
Cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance
Dependent on good weather conditions
Minimum number of participants required

Exploring Diverse Ecosystems

Throughout the Everglades Eco Tour, guests explore the region’s diverse ecosystems, encountering a wealth of wildlife across the park’s distinctive landscapes.

From the open waters of the coastal mangrove forests, where dolphins and manatees roam, to the serene kayak routes winding through tranquil wetlands, the tour offers unparalleled access to the Everglades’ vibrant habitats.

On the uninhabited barrier island, the walking portion of the tour reveals a unique barrier island ecosystem, showcasing the park’s rare and endangered species up close.

Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the Everglades’ delicate balance and the importance of preserving this ecological marvel for generations to come.

If you're enjoying exploring Everglades National Park on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend

Glimpsing Coastal Wildlife

The Everglades Eco Tour offers guests the chance to glimpse an array of coastal wildlife, from playful dolphins to graceful manatees gliding through the mangrove-lined waterways.

Whether you’re cruising along in a boat or paddling a kayak, you’ll have the opportunity to spot:

Herons and egrets hunting for fish and crustaceans
Flocks of pelicans soaring overhead
Basking alligators and crocodiles sunning on the banks
Jumping mullet fish leaping from the water
Vibrant wading birds like roseate spoonbills and reddish egrets

This intimate encounter with the Everglades’ diverse coastal ecosystem is a highlight of the eco tour, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of life in this unique and captivating landscape.

Kayaking Peaceful Waters

Guests paddle through the serene, mangrove-lined waterways in two-person kayaks, exploring hidden coves and inlets that larger boats can’t access. This tranquil kayaking portion allows them to get up-close with the Everglades’ unique ecosystem.

They’ll glide silently through the calm waters, spotting birds like great blue herons and roseate spoonbills. The guide shares insights about the local flora and fauna, pointing out fascinating details about the mangrove forests.

The rhythmic motion of paddling combined with the peaceful surroundings creates a truly immersive experience. Guests leave the tour with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this one-of-a-kind wetland wilderness.

Walking Tour Experience

After exploring the serene waterways by kayak, guests embark on a walking tour of an uninhabited barrier island, allowing them to enjoy the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems. The guided tour takes visitors through a variety of habitats, including:

Coastal mangrove forests
Saltwater marshes
Pristine sandy beaches
Inland hammocks
Tidal creeks

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide points out unique flora and fauna, sharing insights into the delicate balance of this fragile environment. Guests have the opportunity to observe birds, spot wildlife tracks, and learn about the island’s role in protecting the Everglades from coastal erosion.

This intimate walking experience offers a deeper appreciation for the national park’s precious natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages participants to bring snacks and beverages to enjoy during the various activities and breaks throughout the day.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participating?

There is no stated minimum age requirement, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children. Infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the boat and kayak portions of the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring on the Tour?

There are some restrictions on what can be brought on the tour. Travelers are advised not to bring large or bulky items. Small personal items like cameras and water bottles are generally allowed, but guests should avoid packing anything that could be difficult to transport.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

Participants don’t need to bring any special equipment or gear. The tour provider supplies all necessary equipment like life jackets, paddles, and binoculars. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the various activities.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, though infants must sit on laps. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness to participate.