This is a fantastic trip! I chose the 5 day trip and loved every minute.
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and easy going. I never once worried about my safety with them around. They know how to navigate the tides and the twisting maze of mangroves. They welcome any questions you have about everything from the plants and animals to kayaking to camping. They take care of you completely and make the trip truly worth it!
3-Day Everglades Kayak Tour
Beginner & Family Friendly
Easy Active Rating
Experience the REAL Everglades
Fully experience the REAL Everglades on this “easy active” tour that is perfect for beginning kayakers and families with children. We will guide you through the maze of 10,000 Islands, take you out into the open Gulf of Mexico, find ancient middens to explore and lead you to hidden mangrove tunnels. You will spot shy manatee in their natural environment, paddle in the middle of frolicking dolphins and watch pelicans dive for their dinner at sunset.
Why Choose This Tour:
The “Real” Everglades - Wander off the beaten path and fully experience the remote Everglades backcountry.
Up Close and Personal Wildlife - Kayak quietly and unobtrusively in the middle of feeding dolphins, float by gentle manatees, watch giant sea turtles swim by, and observe countless species of fish and bird.
Guide Services - Don´t risk getting lost in a foreign landscape! Our certified Florida Master Naturalist will take you to lesser-known beauty and share fascinating natural history (if you wish) from the area.
Backcountry Permit - There is no need to worry about obtaining camping permits. We´ll spend the nights soaking up the sunset and stargazing on beautiful sandy beaches - just let us handle the details!
All Inclusive - Our tours are fully outfitted and guided. All kayak equipment, camping gear and food is included at no additional cost. Don’t waste your valuable vacation hauling tons of gear to Florida - we´ve got you covered.
Safety - The internet is full of stories about dangerous gators and venomous snakes lurking in the Everglades. We have never had a guest threatened by any wildlife. Please don’t let exaggerated fears or uninformed opinions stop you from coming!
“Easy Active” Rating - This is our easiest tour and is suitable for beginning kayakers and families with children. No previous kayaking or camping experience is required. We paddle a maximum of six miles over about three hours each day.
Trip Details:
Active Rating:
Easy - This is our easiest overnight trip and is suitable for beginning kayakers and families with children. It is also great for newcomers to active and adventure travel.
Distance:
18 miles in total (minimum 3 hours paddling per day).
Day Tour Runs:
Tours run any day of the week, typically departing on Sunday, Tuesday, or Friday. See calendar for currently scheduled tours.
Departure and Drop Off:
All tours depart at 9am and return at 4pm to the Canoe/Kayak Access at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
Click here to see map.
Group Size:
Max 10 people | Min 2 people.
Minimum Age:
10 years old.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Each minor must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Season:
Winter dry season, November to April.
The Everglades enjoys a subtropical climate and the “winter” months are the best time of year to visit! November to April is the tropical dry season with abundant sunshine, warm days, cool nights, low humidity and little rain. The infamous clouds of biting insects are also greatly reduced.
What to Bring:
A specific personal packing list is provided with our Overnight Tour Information sheet.
About Your Guide:
Your guide will be an ACA kayak instructor, NOLS wilderness first responder, and certified Florida master naturalist.
Read more about our guides here.
Important Information
Price: $800 (See below for what's included)
| INCLUDED | EXCLUDED |
|---|---|
| Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities | Transport to and from your home |
| Professional and certified guide | Pre/post tour accommodations |
| All meals (no dehydrated meals!) | Pre/post tour meals |
| Accommodation (2-person tents) | Personal travel/trip insurance |
| All kayaking and safety equipment | Gratuities for your hard working guide |
| All camping gear (no need to bring anything!) | |
| National park camping fees and permits |
Detailed Itinerary
We´ll begin the day at the Everglades visitor center, where a brief orientation of safety procedures and an outline of the day´s itinerary prepares us for the adventure ahead. Once we are all up to date, it’s time to set off into the expansive wilderness of the everglades. As we weave our way through a network of mangroves out to the Gulf of Mexico, we´ll encounter many birds, observe leaping fish, maybe paddle along side a curious dolphin and possibly catch sight of a silent manatee coming up for a breath. A delicious freshly-prepared lunch at midday is sure to revive you before we reach the open water of the Gulf of Mexico and kayak to our white sandy beach campsite. Here, we can enjoy a delicious dinner of appetizer, local seafood, fresh salad and dessert while observing the sunset paint the sky in shades of burnt orange, dusty pink and lilac. At night, take in the stars against the clearest unpolluted sky and enjoy a well-deserved rest in your two-person tent (provided).
Paddling distance: 6 miles. Lunch and dinner included.
Awaken gently to the smell of freshly-cooked pancakes, sausages, fresh fruit, juice and hot coffee. Once you´ve had your fill and admired the sunrise, decide your day´s itinerary. Dip your toes in the fine sand as you wander along the beach, or choose to explore the area in your kayak for the chance to encounter giant sea turtles, pods of leaping dolphins, or flocks of roosting white pelicans. The beaches in this area are fronted by tidal flats full of fascinating sea life, while some also contain ruins of human settlements from the days before the national park. At lunch your guide can share Everglades folklore including tales of early settlers and modern day squatters. This afternoon we’ll explore deep into the sun-dappled mangrove tunnels which penetrate the interior of the islands. These narrow and twisting passages offer a shady break from the brilliant sun. At night we’ll marvel at another spectacular Florida sunset from our remote beach with a “happy hour” drink in hand. The perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of our new friends while warming ourselves around a blazing campfire.
Paddling distance: optional 6 miles. All meals included.
After breakfast we’ll break camp and load the kayaks for our return trip. But first, we’ll paddle further into the mangrove estuary where we will keep our eyes open for manatee as we follow the gentle tidal currents. Today’s lunch break may be on a “shell mound” which is a term used to describe the ancient islands constructed centuries ago by the native Calusa. Sadly, we must return to civilization today, taking-out where we started in what may seem a lifetime ago. After several days in the backcountry, the simple comforts of a cold drink, fresh shower and clean sheets are greatly appreciated. We will say goodbye to our group at 4.00pm with vivid memories of our authentic exploration through this uniquely beautiful ecosystem.
Paddling distance: 6 miles. Breakfast and lunch included.
We are fairly experienced outdoor “adventurers,” having hiked, kayaked, and white-water rafted uncountable times. But the five-day kayak/camping trip we took, guided by Dave K. and “Bonesy,” was remarkable. A rigorous physical experience for a couple in their 60s and 70s, challenging but rewarding. Nights on the ground, in a tent, surrounded by the sounds of buzzing bugs but also the splashes of leaping mullet, the puffs of manatee breathing, the hooting of owls.
I had an incredible time with the FOA. Very knowledgeable and passionate about showing others the Everglades! I learned so much about the flora and fauna.
We fully enjoyed our kayak trip with Dave K. His love and respect for the history of the area and the Everglades environment shows in how he runs his tour. We had quite a windy and rainy trip and Dave was careful to choose routes and camp spots to accommodate the weather when it blew in. The trip requires some physical and mental stamina, but it was well worth it to experience this remote area. I am very glad we were able to find Dave and paddle with him.
In short, this is a trip very much worth doing. But listen to Dave’s instructions and do some Googling so you know exactly where you are going and boned up a bit on the flora,fauna and local history. It will enhance your experience.
Trip was amazingly on every level. Dave is professional and knowledgeable about nature. Food was beyond my wildest expectations. Dave worked around the weather and adjusted our destinations to ensure the best possible camping locations and kayak routes. We saw an array of wildlife, but not a single python
Dave and Bonesy were great experienced guides. We saw so much wildlife and really enjoyed our three day trip!
I am SO grateful for the 5-day kayak tour that Dave led, exactly the way that he led it. All seven of us appreciated Dave’s extensive experience, excellent fresh food, and first-rate equipment. Above an beyond them, Dave gave us an element of discovery such as when we approached coves with dolphins, or walked past the cemetery on Fakahatchee Island. He led us to them without introduction, and quietly let us appreciate them for the first time. Many thanks for sharing the remote islands of southwest Florida with us!
