Exploring the Everglades is best done through its excellent guided tours – and I really like what’s available here. The most rewarding options are boat cruises where you’ll spot wildlife, birds, and occasionally dolphins, while expert guides share fascinating details about this unique ecosystem. For a more intimate experience, kayak tours through the mangroves are fantastic, allowing you to silently glide past basking alligators and wading birds.
My favorite tours are the small-group naturalist excursions – they’re well-organized, informative, and get you remarkably close to the wildlife. Most tours accommodate various mobility needs and can be booked easily online or at the visitor center.
Let’s look at the top tours that showcase the best of this remarkable national park.
Key Points
- Dolphin, birding, and wildlife boat tours provide a personalized 2-hour experience with a high traveler recommendation rate and expert naturalist guides.
- Kayak eco-tours led by Florida Master Naturalists offer 3-hour adventures to see manatees, dolphins, and wading birds in the Everglades’ mangrove forests.
- Comprehensive eco-tours combine boating, kayaking, and walking experiences for a 4-hour intimate exploration with Florida Master Naturalist guides.
- The Everglades is home to diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, manatees, and over 300 bird species, with tours designed to minimize disturbance.
- Tours cater to families of all ages, with accessibility features, free cancellation options, and convenient departure locations for a hassle-free experience.
Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour
Offering a captivating two-hour journey through the Everglades National Park, the Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to encounter a diverse array of wildlife.
Accommodating a maximum of six guests, this small-group tour offers a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. Travelers can expect to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans as the boat navigates seldom-visited areas.
The tour also includes insights into the Everglades’ ecosystems and heritage, enhancing the educational experience. With 90% of travelers recommending the tour and an overall rating of 4.6 out of 134 reviews, this excursion is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive wildlife encounter during their limited time in the Everglades.
While some reviewers expressed disappointment due to limited wildlife sightings, the majority highlight the tour’s highlights, including dolphin encounters and birdwatching, as well as the scenic beauty of the Everglades.
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
The Everglades National Park 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour provides visitors with an immersive and educational experience exploring the unique ecosystems of this renowned natural wonder.
Led by Florida Master Naturalists, this small group tour offers a personalized experience for $164.95 per person. Participants can expect to see manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of wading birds as they paddle through the park’s waterways.
The tour’s highlights include the possibility of visiting bird rookeries, observing feeding manatees or dolphins, and exploring ancient Calusa Indian shell mounds.
Participants must bring water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for wet conditions, as all necessary safety gear and equipment are provided.
With a convenient daily departure from Chokoloskee Island, the 3-hour tour allows visitors to make the most of their time in the Everglades.
Flexible cancellation policies and positive customer reviews further enhance the appeal of this exceptional eco-adventure.
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)
This 2-hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour provides visitors a chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and encounter its remarkable wildlife.
Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the small-group tour (maximum of six guests) offers a personalized experience searching for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and over 300 bird species, including herons and ospreys.
The tour departs from the meeting point in Chokoloskee, Florida, with free onsite parking and restroom facilities available.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour allows strollers and service animals. Guests must descend a 2-3 rung ladder to board the boats.
Priced at $92.36 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with 94% of travelers recommending the experience.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, though some request more cultural or archaeological information.
Wildlife sightings can vary, but the tour offers excellent opportunities to observe the Everglades’ unique ecosystem up close.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 Hours) Review
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Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour
For those seeking a more immersive Everglades experience, the Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour provides an engaging 3.5-hour adventure. Priced at $172.95 per person, this eco-tour accommodates up to 6 participants and allows visitors to explore the coastal wilderness by boat, kayak, and on foot.
Led by a Master Naturalist certified by the National Park and licensed by the US Coast Guard, the tour offers a personalized experience, with the guide tailoring the activities to suit the group’s preferences.
Participants can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. The tour also includes kayaking through wetlands and hiking in subtropical areas, providing an immersive look at the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 25 reviews, the Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour promises a memorable and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour Review
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Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour
Offering a comprehensive exploration of the Everglades, the Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour invites visitors on an immersive 4-hour adventure.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, this small-group tour provides an intimate experience guided by Florida Master Naturalist Guides. Known for their extensive knowledge, passion, and friendliness, the guides lead participants on a boat ride to observe diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and herons.
The adventure continues with kayaking through peaceful waters and a walking tour on an uninhabited barrier island. Travelers also enjoy a golf cart ride to the marina and complimentary Everglades National Park Visitors Pass.
Backed by 100 reviews with a 4.8 rating and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is highly recommended by 96% of previous participants.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly activity, this eco-tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to learn about the Everglades’ natural wonders.
Read our full review: Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour Review
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Everglades National Park: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour
Enjoy the untamed beauty of Everglades National Park‘s Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour, a 3-hour adventure that showcases the park’s unique ecosystem.
Paddle through the largest mangrove forest in North America, navigating natural tunnels and observing diverse wildlife like herons, alligators, and turtles. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you’ll learn about the park’s history, flora, and fauna, gaining a deeper appreciation for this fragile environment.
The tour starts at the old Everglades Chamber of Commerce, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a two-person kayak. No previous experience is required, making this activity accessible to adventurers of all skill levels.
With prices starting at $119.95 per person, the tour offers excellent value, and you can even take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.
Rated 4.9/5 based on hundreds of reviews, this immersive Everglades experience isn’t to be missed.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour Review
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Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
What better way to experience the diverse ecosystems of Everglades National Park than through a small-group eco-adventure? This guided tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the landscape by foot, kayak, and boat.
Travelers can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, and vibrant wading birds.
The half-day tour includes a boat ride through remote areas, a kayaking excursion to Barrier Island Beach, and a guided nature hike. No prior kayaking experience is necessary, as easy instructions are provided.
The tour is led by a certified naturalist guide, who shares insights about the Everglades’ history and vegetation. Participants can also examine shells, invertebrates, and marine life during the interpretive experience.
Accommodating up to 6 travelers, this small-group tour ensures a more intimate setting. Pickup, drop-off, equipment, and gratuities are all included.
With a 4.9-star rating and 96% recommendation, this eco-adventure promises a memorable encounter with the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems.
Read our full review: Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park Review
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Everglades National Park: 2 Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour
Travelers keen on spotting diverse wildlife can embark on the Everglades National Park: 2 Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour. The tour offers a chance to encounter an array of creatures, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and over 300 bird species found in the Everglades.
Led by expert naturalist guides, the tour provides insights into the history, culture, and ecosystem of this unique environment. Priced from $109.95 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The quiet powerboat minimizes disturbance to wildlife, allowing for optimal birdwatching and photography opportunities. Included in the tour are an Everglades National Park pass, water, and gratuities, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 and high praise for the knowledgeable guides and engaging wildlife encounters, this tour is suitable for families of all ages seeking to explore the Everglades.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: 2 Hour Dolphin & Birding Boat Tour Review
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3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour
The 3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour offers an immersive experience for adventurous travelers seeking to explore the park’s remote wilderness areas.
This comprehensive tour accommodates a maximum of 6 participants, providing personal camping gear and delicious meals throughout the journey.
Guests will commence their expedition from the Flamingo Visitor Center, easily locating the tour’s boats at the nearby launch site.
The tour’s outstanding 5-star reviews attest to its quality, with inclusions like guide gratuities ensuring a hassle-free experience.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate.
Upon booking, guests will receive confirmation within 48 hours if the reservation is made within 7 days of travel.
This unique adventure allows visitors to enjoy the Everglades’ captivating backcountry, creating unforgettable memories amidst the park’s stunning natural landscapes.
Read our full review: 3 Day Everglades National Park, Backcountry Kayak-Sailing Tour Review
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Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours
Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours offers visitors a deep exploration of Everglades National Park, navigating through the park’s iconic waterways like Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, and Whitewater Bay.
Expert naturalist guides lead the tours, providing opportunities for photography and encounters with the diverse wildlife that calls the Everglades home, including crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
The 90-minute tours feature open-air views and onboard restrooms, accommodating up to 45 travelers with options for wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Priced from $51.60 per person, the tours receive an overall rating of 4.5 based on 52 reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides and memorable wildlife sightings.
While some negative feedback cites weather-related visibility issues, the company offers to address any concerns through customer service.
Visitors can book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, with confirmation and pay later options available.
The tours depart from the Boat Dock in front of the Marina Store at Flamingo Lodge Highway in Homestead, Florida.
Read our full review: Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours Review
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Sum Up
Everglades National Park offers a variety of tours to explore its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can choose between boat tours, kayak eco-tours, and even multi-day excursions. These tours provide opportunities to see wildlife like dolphins, birds, and alligators in their natural habitats. Whether you’re looking for a quick two-hour trip or a more immersive three-day adventure, there’s an Everglades tour to suit your interests and needs.