Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers/Naples Area

Discover the Everglades with a Full-Day Safari from Fort Myers

The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers offers an engaging way to see Florida’s iconic wetlands in one comprehensive package. Priced at $225 per person, this 9.5-hour tour departs from select hotels in the Greater Fort Myers area, with an optional pickup included. The tour is limited to small groups of up to 9 people, ensuring a more personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to interact with your expert naturalist guide.

This adventure combines an exciting airboat ride, a van tour through Big Cypress National Preserve, a nature walk, and a mangrove boat cruise—all designed to showcase the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Everglades. While the tour offers a rich experience, it’s worth noting that a significant part of the day involves driving, and the airboat ride can be noisy and bumpy, which might not suit everyone. This tour suits those looking for a full-day outdoor adventure with a focus on wildlife spotting and nature education.

Key Points

• Price: $225 per person, with hotel pickup available from select locations.
• Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes, ideal for a full-day experience.
• Highlights: Airboat ride into the Western Everglades, wildlife exploration in Big Cypress, a boat cruise through mangroves, and a nature walk.
• Group size: Limited to 9 travelers, ensuring more interaction with guides.
• Expert guides: Naturalist or biologist guides provide informative commentary and answer questions.
• Activities: Wildlife sightings of alligators, manatees, dolphins, and native bird species.

Starting the Adventure: Hotel Pickup and Meeting Points

This tour begins early at 7:30 am with pickup at select hotels in the Fort Myers area. The main pickup locations include Embassy Suites in Estero, Perkins Restaurant, and Hampton Inn Fort Myers Beach Gateway. If your hotel isn’t listed, pickup is arranged at Perkins Restaurant or Embassy Suites. The small-group size ensures a more intimate experience, with a maximum of 9 participants per tour.

The transport is by air-conditioned 13-passenger van, making the early morning pickup comfortable despite the extensive day ahead. The tour ends back at the starting point, offering convenience for those staying locally.

Exploring the Western Everglades on an Airboat Ride

The day kicks off with an hour and ten minutes aboard what’s considered the best airboat ride in the Everglades. The small airboats zip through pond apple swamps and cattail marshes, bringing travelers close to alligators, turtles, and native birds. Review highlights praise this part for its thrilling nature and the chance to see dozens of alligators, some as close as five feet away.

The airboat ride is fast and loud, with headsets provided to muffle the noise. This ride offers a unique perspective of the wetlands and provides excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Since the ride is rough and noisy, it might be less comfortable for those with back problems or sensitivity to loud sounds, a point noted in reviews.

Wildlife Driving Tour Through Big Cypress National Preserve

Following the airboat experience, the tour continues with a drive through Big Cypress National Preserve lasting about an hour. This wildlife drive takes travelers through the reserve’s backcountry, where guides often point out native animals such as alligators, turtles, otters, wild pigs, and sometimes even panthers.

A walking component involves a cypress-lined trail, which lasts approximately 25 minutes. Here, guests can see ancient cypress trees and observe alligators nesting in “gator holes”, a site that has hosted nesting for decades. The nature walk is a highlight for those interested in flora and fauna, providing a closer look at the unique ecosystems of the wetlands.

Enjoying a Local Lunch in the Everglades

Midway through the day is dedicated to a relaxed lunch break at Island Cafe, located in the heart of the Everglades. The 45-minute stop offers a menu with over 20 options, including burgers, chicken, fish, and salads. Review comments frequently mention delicious food and good variety, making this a pleasant break amid the busy schedule.

The lunch spot provides a chance to recharge before continuing with the day’s activities. The relaxed pace of this stop allows guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and discuss wildlife sightings with guides.

Boat Cruise Through the Mangroves of Everglades National Park

After lunch, the tour transitions to a boat cruise through the “Ten Thousand Islands”, a vast mangrove forest within Everglades National Park. This one-hour cruise winds through the lush mangroves, with opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

Guests appreciate this cruise for the serene scenery and the chance to see coastal wildlife in their natural environment. During the cruise, guides provide educational commentary about the ecosystem’s importance and ongoing conservation efforts.

Visiting the Historic Smallwood Store and Museum

The day includes a short stop at the historic Smallwood Store, a place listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 25-minute visit offers a glimpse into island life in earlier times, with the museum showcasing trading artifacts and the store’s original charm. It provides a cultural perspective in addition to the wildlife focus of the tour.

Nature Walk in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

The final major stop is a one-hour nature walk through the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. This area is known for ancient cypress trees and gator nesting sites. Guests walk along cypress-lined trails, observing native plants and wildlife, with a focus on the ecosystem’s health and biodiversity.

This walk is praised for its informative guides and beautiful scenery, providing a peaceful way to conclude the day’s explorations.

Practical Details: Physical Fitness, Accessibility, and Tips

The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level due to walking and outdoor activity components. Strollers are not permitted, and guests should bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and dress appropriately. The airboat ride might be noisy and bumpy, so travelers with back issues or noise sensitivities should consider this.

For animal lovers and those interested in ecosystems, the naturalist guides deliver knowledgeable, friendly commentary, with many reviews highlighting their passion and expertise. The small group size ensures that guides can answer questions and provide a personalized experience.

Considerations and Limitations

While the extensive itinerary offers a comprehensive look at the Everglades, the long driving segments can be tedious for some guests. Some reviews mention time spent in transit, which can reduce wildlife encounters if wildlife is less active or difficult to spot during certain stops.

The airboat ride, while exciting, may be uncomfortable for those with back problems or who prefer a quieter experience. Plus, mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during walks in the Fakahatchee Strand, so long sleeves and bug spray are recommended.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Everglades Experience

The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers offers a full day of wildlife viewing, ecosystem education, and scenic boat rides. Its small-group setting and expert guides make it particularly appealing for those seeking a personalized, informative tour. The variety of stops, from airboats to mangroves and historic sites, ensures a diverse experience that captures the essence of the Everglades.

Despite some long driving periods and the noisy, bumpy nature of the airboat ride, the tour provides many memorable moments and opportunities to see iconic Florida wildlife. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor conditions and eager to learn about this unique ecosystem. This tour represents a worthwhile investment for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in the Fort Myers area, including Embassy Suites, Perkins Restaurant, and Hampton Inn.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, starting early at 7:30 am.

What is the price?
The tour costs $225 per person, which includes all stops, activities, lunch, and transportation.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Visitors often see alligators, manatees, dolphins, turtles, birds, butterflies, and waterfowl, with guides actively pointing out wildlife during boat rides and walks.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking on trails and some standing. Strollers are not permitted, and guests should dress for outdoor activity.

Is the airboat ride suitable for everyone?
The airboat ride can be noisy and bumpy, which might not suit those with back issues or noise sensitivities.

What should I bring?
Sun protection, hats, sunglasses, and bug spray are recommended. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity is advised.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are generally non-refundable.

Is this tour accessible for all?
The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, but strollers are not allowed, and walking in nature preserves can be uneven.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The small-group size, diverse stops, and knowledgeable naturalist guides create a personalized and educational experience that captures the spirit of the Everglades.