Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

Exploring the Everglades in Florida takes on a new level of excitement with this full-day guided tour offered by Wild Lime Adventures. Priced at $285 per person, the experience spans approximately 9.5 to 10 hours and combines wildlife cruises, a dry nature hike, an exhilarating airboat ride, and cultural visits to Native and historic sites. With a rating of 5.0 based on 607 reviews and 98% recommending it, this tour suits those eager to see the Everglades’ iconic wildlife and landscapes in a comprehensive, naturalist-led package.

One of the tour’s standout features is the expert guidance of master naturalists who lead you through each activity, sharing in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem. While the tour offers a wide array of stops, including boat trips, hikes, cultural visits, and a delicious local lunch, it’s important to note that the airboat ride is about an hour long and takes place in Big Cypress, not the traditional water prairie system, due to recent drought conditions. This tour is ideal for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families with children over 5 who want a rich, educational encounter with the Everglades.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day experience blending wildlife cruises, a hike, and an airboat ride
• Led by experienced master naturalists providing detailed ecosystem insights
• Includes visits to Miccosukee Indian Village and a historic trading post
• Lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at a local Chokoloskee restaurant
• Multiple wildlife sightings: alligators, manatees, dolphins, birds, and more
• Pickup from Fort Lauderdale hotels with free luggage storage and transport included

Starting Point and Transport Logistics in Fort Lauderdale

This tour departs from Fort Lauderdale, with pickups available from selected hotels in Miami area, typically between 7 AM and 7:30 AM. Comfortable 15-passenger vans handle the transfer to the Everglades, ensuring a smooth, scenic ride. The guide points out wildlife along the route, setting the tone for a day filled with nature encounters. The pickup arrangement limits travel time, making the most of the day’s activities, and visitors should be ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup.

Cruise in the Ten Thousand Islands for Marine Wildlife

One of the tour’s highlights is the 1 hour and 20 minutes boat cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands. This area offers a prime chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. The boat is designed to maximize wildlife viewing, providing close-up views of shorebirds, pelicans, and sea turtles. This cruise offers a relaxed pace, and the scenery is stunning, with many opportunities to capture photos of the natural habitat.

Up-Close Encounter on the 1-Hour Airboat Ride in Big Cypress

The tour features a 1-hour airboat ride into the River of Grass, far from land. This is where guests see alligators basking in the sun, wading birds, and other wildlife in their natural environment. This ride is known for its adrenaline and scenic views, with the boat traveling at speeds not exceeding 35-40 mph. The open-air design allows unobstructed views of the ecosystem, although it’s a chance to get a little splashed. The airboat captains are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and highly skilled.

Exploring the Miccosukee Indian Village

Access to a Native tree island village is exclusive to this tour — only reachable via boat. The Miccosukee Indian Village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Miccosukee people. Visitors get to see authentic dwellings and learn about their history. The visit lasts around an hour, providing time to ask questions and appreciate the cultural significance of this unique location amid the wetlands.

Walking and Scenic Drives Through Big Cypress National Preserve

Led by an experienced naturalist, the nature walk in Big Cypress National Preserve covers five of the nine ecosystems found in the Everglades, making it a rich botanical and wildlife experience. The walk is easy and slow-paced, perfect for spotting Florida panthers, black bears, bobcats, wild boars, and a variety of bird species. The tour also includes a scenic narrated drive with stops for wildlife viewing, allowing participants to soak in the diverse flora and fauna of this pristine landscape.

Visiting the Historic Smallwood Store and Other Cultural Sites

Guests visit the Smallwood Store, a historic trading post listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This site offers a timeless look at Old Florida with stories about early settlers and trade with the Seminoles. The visit lasts about 25 minutes, and visitors can ask about local lore and history. The tour then proceeds to the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, which is a good opportunity to spot manatees if the timing is right.

Lunch at Chokoloskee’s Local Eatery

A highlight for many is the 45-minute lunch break at Chokoloskee, where a menu of fresh seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options awaits. The restaurant is known for serving local, authentic fare and is considered a great spot to relax and refuel before continuing the adventure. The tour includes no additional cost for lunch, making it a convenient and tasty pause.

Cruising the 10,000 Islands and Visiting Everglades City

In the afternoon, the boat trip through the 10,000 Islands lasts about 75 minutes. This trip offers excellent chances to see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shore and wading birds, including white pelicans. The boat navigates through the labyrinth of islands, offering breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters, with the guide pointing out notable features and animal behaviors.

The final stop is in Everglades City, dubbed the “Stone Crab Capital of the World,” where guests can learn about local seafood and possibly buy fresh stone crabs. The 30-minute drive tour includes visits to the famous Rod and Gun Club and the town’s quaint museum, giving a sense of authentic Old Florida.

Tour Amenities and Practical Details

The tour supplies snacks, soft drinks, sparkling water, and sunscreen, insect repellent, ponchos as needed. Every guest receives National Park maps for their own reference. Pickup and drop-off are included, and luggage storage is available, making it easy for visitors with bags. The tour is suitable for ages 5 and over, but not recommended for pregnant women or guests with mobility restrictions due to the nature of the activities.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of wildlife cruises, a guided hike, and cultural visits makes this a well-rounded exploration of the Everglades. The expert naturalist guides enrich the experience with knowledge and storytelling, and the multiple stops ensure a diverse look at the region’s ecosystems, wildlife, and history. While the airboat ride’s route has changed due to drought, the experience remains highly rated and offers fantastic wildlife sightings and scenic landscapes.

Final Thoughts on the Everglades Biologist-Led Tour

This tour provides an immersive and educational journey into one of Florida’s most iconic ecosystems. Its full-day itinerary balances adventure, wildlife observation, and cultural insight with comfortable logistics and a delicious local lunch. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect its quality, especially the knowledgeable guides and variety of activities. It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers and those wanting a comprehensive Everglades experience.

While the route has adjusted due to environmental conditions, the wildlife sightings and ecosystems explored remain impressive. The small group size (max 14) enhances the experience’s intimacy and allows for personalized attention. This tour delivers a well-organized, enriching day out in the Florida wilderness, promising memorable wildlife encounters and cultural discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet for this tour?
The tour departs from 36073 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, with hotel pickups available in the Fort Lauderdale area. Be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

What time do pickups start?
Pickup times usually occur between 7 AM and 7:30 AM. The local operator will confirm your exact time via email or phone after booking.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious local lunch is part of the experience, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

Can children participate?
Yes, this tour is suitable for guests ages 5 and over. It is not recommended for pregnant guests due to the airboat ride.

How long is the airboat ride?
The airboat experience lasts approximately one hour, offering close-up wildlife viewing and scenic waterway exploration.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see alligators, manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds like wading and shorebirds, along with other native fauna depending on the day.

Is this tour safe?
Yes, all airboat captains are certified and highly skilled. The open-air boats are designed for safety and comfort, with minimal splashing under normal conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, insect repellant, a hat, camera, and light clothing suitable for Florida’s weather. Ponchos are provided if it rains.

Can I store luggage during the tour?
Yes, free luggage storage is available for guests who need it.

What makes this tour different from others?
The combination of wildlife cruises, a cultural visit, and a guided nature hike, all led by knowledgeable naturalists, offers a comprehensive and engaging Everglades experience unmatched by typical day trips.