Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $199.95 per person for a 3.5-hour small-group tour with a maximum of six guests.
• Main Activities: Combines boat exploration of the 10,000 islands with a walk on an uninhabited barrier island.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, egrets, herons, sea turtles, and more in their natural habitat.
• Guided Expertise: Led by a Florida Master Naturalist guide who shares insights about the ecosystem, wildlife, and history.
• Environmental Focus: The tour emphasizes a quiet, eco-friendly experience—loud airboats are not permitted within the park.
• Booking: Tours are typically booked 44 days in advance and include free onsite parking with a mobile ticket system.

Exploring Everglades National Park by Small-Group Boat

The Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition takes you into the heart of Everglades National Park, where you get to explore the 10,000 islands. Departing from Chokoloskee, the tour emphasizes a quiet, environmentally sensitive approach, avoiding noisy airboats to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

This eco-educational trip is perfect for those who prefer a personalized experience, with a limit of just six guests. The tour includes a golf cart ride from the meeting point to the boat, making logistics smooth. It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Unique: Small Group and Eco-Friendly Approach

Unlike typical airboat rides, this expedition offers a quiet, naturalistic way to observe the park’s wildlife. There’s no loud engine noise, which enhances the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and an array of bird species like ospreys, egrets, and herons.

The small group size ensures a more personal connection with the guide, who is a Florida Master Naturalist. They explain the flora, fauna, and history of the Everglades with engaging detail, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Discover the 10,000 Islands and Beyond

The boat journey traverses many islands within the Everglades, providing a chance to witness the diverse ecosystems that make this area so unique. The guide shares insights about the long history and culture of the region while searching for wildlife.

A highlight is a stop to explore an uninhabited barrier island, where the group can walk on the beach and get closer to the natural environment. This hands-on component makes the tour especially appealing for those interested in environmental education.

Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Manatees, and Birdlife

Expect to see active dolphins and sea turtles, with occasional sightings of manatees. The tour often features eagles, ospreys, and shorebirds like the rossette spoonbills. Cameras are highly recommended to capture these moments.

The naturalist guides are adept at locating wildlife and sharing fascinating facts about each species, enhancing the educational aspect of the tour. The focus on native species in their natural habitat provides a more authentic experience than typical tourist attractions.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at 1180 Chokoloskee Drive in Chokoloskee. Guests are transported via golf cart from the office to the boat, simplifying check-in. Most travelers find the tour accessible, though guests need to descend a 2-3 rung ladder onto the boat.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is suitable for most ages. Free onsite parking adds convenience, and the tour features a mobile ticket for easy access.

The Experience on the Water and on the Island

The boat ride offers a tranquil view of the mangroves and waters of the Everglades, being a quiet alternative to airboat rides. The pace is leisurely, allowing ample time to observe wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Onshore, the walk on the barrier island provides an engaging hands-on experience, where guests can look for shells, bird nests, or simply enjoy the serene beach environment. The naturalist guide offers insights into the coastal ecosystem and the flora and fauna that inhabit it.

Comparing This Tour to Other Everglades Experiences

Compared to airboat rides or large group tours, this expedition stands out for its intimate size and eco-friendly approach. It appeals to nature enthusiasts, families, or anyone seeking a calmer, educational journey.

While some might expect alligator sightings—which are less common in this quieter tour—the focus on marine mammals and birdlife offers a distinctly different perspective of the park’s wildlife diversity.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour can be reserved 44 days in advance and features a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, but weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rebooked.

This flexibility helps ensure peace of mind when planning a trip to the Everglades, especially considering Florida’s variable weather conditions.

Final Thoughts on the Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition

This tour provides a balanced mix of boat exploration and shoreline walking, perfect for those wanting a more naturalistic, quiet experience of the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems. The small group format guarantees a personalized encounter with expert guides who share valuable insights about the environment.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and eco-conscious travelers, the tour offers a thoughtful alternative to high-speed airboat rides, emphasizing wildlife observation and educational value. The main limitation could be the less frequent alligator sightings typical of this calm approach, but the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds makes up for it.

This eco-friendly, intimate tour stands out as a well-rounded, informative experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of the Everglades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it is suitable for most ages, especially those interested in wildlife and nature.

What wildlife can I expect to see? Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, and shorebirds like rossette spoonbills.

Are there any physical requirements? Guests need to descend a 2-3 rung ladder to board the boat; the experience is generally accessible.

What is included in the price? The tour fee covers the boat exploration, walking on the barrier island, the naturalist guide, and parking.

Can I cancel if needed? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour start time.

How far in advance should I book? Tours are typically booked around 44 days in advance.

Is food or drink included? No, there are no meals or drinks provided.

Are service animals allowed? Yes, service animals are permitted.

What should I bring? Cameras, water, hats, sunglasses, and binoculars are recommended.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.