Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk

Everglades National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore its serene waterways and lush mangrove forests. A 2-hour pontoon boat tour takes visitors through the Ten Thousand Islands, where they can spot local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and diverse birds. Complementing the boat tour, the Everglades City boardwalk provides an up-close look at the park’s natural wonders, allowing visitors to observe wading birds, reptiles, and other native species. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this experience promises to immerse you in the Everglades’ captivating beauty and rich ecosystem. But the true wonder lies in the stories waiting to be uncovered on this unforgettable journey.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Tours In Everglades City.

Key Points

• A 2-hour pontoon boat tour offering scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and birds in Everglades National Park.
• Knowledgeable guides provide information about the area’s nature and culture during the boat tour.
• An accessible boardwalk through a mangrove forest in Everglades City provides a peaceful experience to complement the boat tour.
• Guests aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult, and comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.
• Both the pontoon boat tour and the boardwalk are wheelchair accessible, with ample parking available near both locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

This pontoon boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands in Everglades National Park lasts for 2 hours and features live, English-speaking guides.

Guests can enjoy scenic views of the park’s islands and learn about the area’s nature and culture from the expert Everglades guides. The tour offers the chance to spot local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and birds.

Riders will be comfortable and accessible on the pontoon boat, and they can also stroll through a mangrove forest on the Everglades City boardwalk.

While the boat tour and boardwalk are 1,000 feet apart, guests can plan to take a short walk or drive between the two locations.

Highlights of the Tour

Guests on the pontoon boat tour can enjoy scenic views of the National Park’s islands and learn about the area’s nature and culture from the expert Everglades guides. During the 2-hour tour, visitors may spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds as they ride in the comfortable and accessible pontoon boat. After the tour, guests can stroll through a mangrove forest on the Everglades City boardwalk. This experience offers an immersive look into the wonders of the Everglades ecosystem.

Wildlife Spotting	Informative Guides	Comfortable Transport
Dolphins	Nature Overview	Pontoon Boat
Manatees	Cultural History	Wheelchair Accessible
Diverse Birds	Expert Knowledge	Scenic Views
Mangrove Forests	Interactive Tour	Boardwalk Exploration
Everglades Flora	Engaging Narratives

Inclusions and Exclusions

The pontoon boat tour includes access to the scenic islands, expertise from knowledgeable guides, and a stroll through the Everglades City boardwalk.

However, the Everglades National Park entrance pass, food, drinks, and gratuities are excluded from the tour package.

Guests aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over.

Plus, the boat tour and boardwalk are 1,000 feet apart, so guests will need to plan for a short walk or drive between the two locations.

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Pets and feeding the animals aren’t allowed during the tour.

Important Information for Guests

Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk

Visitors typically need to plan for a short walk or drive of 1,000 feet between the pontoon boat tour and the Everglades City boardwalk.

Guests aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

Pets and feeding the animals are strictly prohibited during the tour. The pontoon boat tour and boardwalk are both wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

It’s important to arrive prepared and follow the tour guidelines to make the most of your Everglades adventure.

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Getting to the Tour Locations

Getting to the tour locations is straightforward, as the pontoon boat tour and Everglades City boardwalk are located just 1,000 feet apart.

Visitors can choose to walk the short distance between the two sites or opt to drive, depending on their preference and physical abilities.

The tour providers offer several convenient options:

• Free parking is available near both the pontoon boat tour and the boardwalk.
• Guests can walk the short path between the two locations, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
• For those who prefer not to walk, there’s ample space to park and drive between the two sites.
• The tour provider can also assist guests with transportation needs, if required.

What to Bring for the Tour

Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk

What to Bring for the Tour

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the boardwalk stroll.

Sunscreen, hats, and lightweight, breathable clothing can help protect against the sun and heat.

Insect repellent is also highly recommended to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs.

Binoculars can enhance wildlife spotting, while a camera will capture the scenic beauty of the mangrove forests and islands.

It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or bag to carry these items, as well as any snacks or water you may want during the tour.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The pontoon boat tour and Everglades City boardwalk are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring inclusive experiences for all visitors.

Guests aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over due to safety considerations.

Pets and feeding the animals are strictly prohibited to preserve the natural ecosystem.

The tour is designed with accessibility in mind:

• Pontoon boats accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Boardwalk through the mangrove forest is flat and paved
• Tour guides are knowledgeable about accessibility needs
• Ample parking available near both tour locations

These measures make the Everglades experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s natural wonders.

Exploring the Everglades Boardwalk

After the pontoon boat tour, visitors can explore the Everglades City boardwalk, which winds through a captivating mangrove forest. This elevated walkway provides an up-close look at the park’s lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, allowing guests to enjoy the Everglades’ natural beauty.

Along the boardwalk, guests may spot wading birds, reptiles, and other native species in their natural habitats. The tranquil setting offers a peaceful respite from the boat tour, enabling visitors to fully appreciate the serenity and wonder of this unique ecosystem.

With its easy accessibility and informative signage, the Everglades City boardwalk enhances the overall tour experience, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Everglades National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not include food or drinks. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the tour, but the tour operator doesn’t provide them.

Is the Pontoon Boat Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The pontoon boat tour is suitable for young children, as the tour operator requires minors under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s accessibility and wildlife viewing opportunities make it an engaging experience for families with kids.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available before and after the pontoon boat tour, but not on the boat itself. Guests should plan accordingly and use the restrooms in Everglades City before or after the tour.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos and videos during the tour. The tour guide encourages capturing the scenic views and wildlife sightings. Just be mindful not to disturb the natural environment or animals.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The pontoon boat tour is a fixed 2-hour experience. While longer tours aren’t available, guests can choose to explore the Everglades City boardwalk on their own after the boat tour.

Recap

The Everglades National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene Ten Thousand Islands and the lush mangrove forest.

The pontoon boat tour and the Everglades City boardwalk provide an up-close look at the diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds. Both experiences are wheelchair accessible, making them inclusive for all visitors.

The tour is an excellent way to learn about the area’s nature and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: