Exploring the Everglades means choosing from several excellent guided experiences. Budget-conscious travelers can hop aboard 2-hour wildlife cruises ($45-60) perfect for spotting dolphins and native birds. My favorite option combines kayaking with naturalist expertise – a 3-hour eco-tour that puts you eye-level with the park’s incredible wildlife. The small-group combination tours, featuring boat rides, kayaking, and short hikes, provide the most comprehensive look at the park’s diverse ecosystems. For a complete wilderness immersion, consider the 3-day kayak-sailing expedition through the backcountry.
These are our top-rated Everglades tours that showcase the best of this remarkable park.
Key Points
- The “Dolphin, Birding, and Wildlife Boat Tour” offers a budget-friendly 2-hour wildlife experience in Everglades National Park with opportunities to spot diverse species.
- The “3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour” led by expert guides provides an immersive exploration of the 10,000 Islands and a high chance of sighting manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
- The “Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour” combines multiple activities for a comprehensive tour of Everglades’ ecosystems and common wildlife sightings.
- The “3-Day Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour” offers a unique adventure through the Everglades wilderness, featuring camping, meals, and highly rated experiences.
- Everglades National Park tours generally feature knowledgeable guides, small group sizes for personalized experiences, and a range of pricing options to suit different budgets.
Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour
This two-hour Everglades National Park tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
The tour takes participants on a boat journey through the iconic wetlands, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, bald eagles, and a variety of migratory birds. The knowledgeable guides provide educational insights into the Everglades ecosystem, sharing their expertise on the area’s ecology and wildlife.
At €112.20 per person, the tour provides a budget-friendly way to explore the national park.
With a maximum capacity of 6 travelers, the experience offers an intimate and personalized encounter with the Everglades’ flora and fauna. Travelers can look forward to the unique experience of seeing dolphins surf alongside the boat, adding to the tour’s charm.
While some visitors have noted a lack of diverse wildlife sightings, the majority have praised the knowledgeable guides and the peaceful, informative nature of the excursion.
Read our full review: Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour Review
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Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour
Travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience in Everglades National Park can embark on the 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour. Priced at $164.95 per person, this tour offers the chance to explore the 10,000 Islands of the national park, led by expert Florida Master Naturalists.
During the 3-hour adventure, participants can search for manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shore and wading birds. Potential activities include visiting a bird rookery, observing wildlife, and paddling to view endangered species.
The tour includes all necessary safety gear, such as paddles, PFDs, and kayaks, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. With daily departures from Chokoloskee Island, the closest access point to the park, this tour provides a personalized experience for small groups.
Past participants have praised the knowledgeable guides, with an overall rating of 4.9/5. Travelers are advised to bring water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet for this immersive Everglades exploration.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour Review
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Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 Hours)
For those seeking a captivating wildlife experience in Everglades National Park, the Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour offers a 2-hour immersion into the park’s diverse ecosystems. Rated 4.7/5 with 93% of guests recommending it, this small-group tour (maximum 6 travelers) provides opportunities to spot dolphins, ospreys, and a variety of bird species. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the local wildlife and habitats, enhancing the experience.
The tour departs from Chokoloskee, with free onsite parking available. Aboard a high-sided John boat, participants can expect a comfortable journey, though the tour may be affected by weather conditions.
While some guests noted limited wildlife sightings, the majority enjoyed close encounters and praised the expert guides. Priced at £79.32 per person, the tour offers a budget-friendly way to explore the wonders of the Everglades.
With flexible cancellation and booking policies, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an intimate, nature-focused experience in the park.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 Hours) Review
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Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
The Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park offers visitors an immersive, nature-focused experience.
Starting with a boat ride through remote areas, the tour then transitions to a kayaking adventure with provided equipment and instruction. Guests can also expect a guided nature hike at Barrier Island Beach, exploring diverse ecosystems like tidal zones, dunes, and mangrove swamps.
Throughout the tour, the certified naturalist guide shares educational insights about the Everglades’ history, wildlife, and vegetation, enhancing the experience.
Sightings of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and various bird species are common highlights. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour provides a private, intimate setting.
Priced at $199.95 per person, the tour’s 96% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence suggest a high-quality experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does allow service animals, and infants can sit on laps.
Read our full review: Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park Review
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3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour
An unforgettable adventure awaits explorers on the 3-Day Everglades National Park Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, this highly-rated excursion (5.0 stars) immerses participants in the serene wilderness of the Everglades.
The tour includes personal camping gear, as well as 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners, ensuring a comfortable and well-nourished experience.
Guests will embark from the Flamingo Visitor Center, exploring the backcountry by kayak and sail.
While not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or during pregnancy, most travelers can participate in this unique opportunity to discover the Everglades’ natural beauty.
With confirmation received at booking (unless within 7 days of travel), this guided tour provides an unforgettable way to immerse oneself in one of America’s most remarkable national parks.
Read our full review: 3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Everglades National Park offers a variety of guided tours to explore its diverse ecosystems. Whether you prefer a boat tour to spot wildlife, a kayak eco-tour, or a multi-day backcountry adventure, there’s an option to suit your interests and budget. With knowledgeable guides, visitors can enjoy the park’s natural wonders and come away with a deeper appreciation for this unique Florida destination.