Kayaking & Hiking in Everglades National Park: Small Group

Paddle past crocodiles and walk through mahogany hammock on a single day in the Everglades

A 9-hour kayaking and hiking tour of Everglades National Park in Florida combines a 2-hour paddle through mangroves with three guided nature walks led by a biologist and Florida Master Naturalist. Groups stay under 12 people. The itinerary covers the Anhinga Trail, a mahogany hammock, and the pinelands habitat—each with its own wildlife and plant life—plus a picnic lunch with vegan and vegetarian options, snacks, drinks, and hotel pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Everglades National Park

• Be picked up for park journey
• Meet guide and travel to park
• Hike Anhinga Trail
• Guided kayak trip in park
• Walk through mahogany hammock
• Explore endangered pinelands habitat
• Enjoy fresh fruit smoothie

The Experience

Nine hours means you move through four distinct stops without backtracking. Hotel pickup gets you to the park, and your guide—a biologist trained in Florida ecology—narrates the landscape on the drive in. The Anhinga Trail comes first: a walk through the "River of Grass" where alligators, wading birds, turtles and fish are visible from the boardwalk. Then you paddle a kayak for 2 hours through the mangrove channels, where manatees, crocodiles and multiple bird species share the water. The guide leads from a separate vessel, so you're paddling your own boat, not watching from a passenger seat.

After the water, two more hikes follow. The mahogany hammock walk takes you through old-growth forest and past the largest living mahogany tree in the United States—a rare ecosystem in South Florida where barred owls and snakes occasionally appear. The pinelands habitat is smaller and more fragile, home to threatened species like the Liguus snail. A picnic lunch with vegan and vegetarian choices, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day, fuels the whole sequence. The tour ends at a smoothie bar before heading back.

Wild Lime Adventures holds one of only a handful of permits to guide in Everglades National Park. The group size caps at 12 people, which keeps the pace manageable and the guide's attention distributed. Children from age 5 are welcome. An air-conditioned vehicle handles transport between stops, and kayaks are provided—bring a refillable water bottle, which you can refill at any stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport between all four stops.
• kayak and paddle for the 2-hour mangrove paddle.
• a picnic lunch with vegan and vegetarian options.
• snacks and drinks throughout the day.
• a naturalist guide trained as a biologist and Florida Master Naturalist.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wild Lime Adventures

Is this one for you?The 9-hour day and four-stop itinerary demand a full commitment, but the guide's expertise and small group size mean you're not rushing—each habitat gets its own time, and the paddling and walking are paced for all fitness levels. Children from age 5 can join, though the length and the water entry suit families comfortable with a full day outdoors.

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Top questions

What is the Anhinga Trail like, and how much walking is involved there?

The Anhinga Trail is a boardwalk through the "River of Grass" region in the Southern Everglades, where you walk at your own pace and observe alligators, wading birds, fish and turtles from the path. It's a gentle hike with no scrambling or steep terrain.

Do I paddle the kayak myself, or does the guide paddle while I sit as a passenger?

You paddle your own kayak for the 2-hour mangrove paddle. The guide leads in a separate vessel and stays with the group, so you're operating the boat yourself while exploring the water.

What wildlife might I see during the kayak portion?

The mangrove channels hold manatees, crocodiles, wading birds, turtles and fish. Sightings depend on the day and season, but the guide knows where these animals are most likely to appear and navigates accordingly.

Is lunch included, and does it accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included with vegan and vegetarian choices, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day. Let the operator know about dietary needs when you book.

What is the mahogany hammock, and why is it worth a separate hike?

The mahogany hammock is a unique South Florida ecosystem of old-growth forest. It contains the largest living mahogany tree in the United States and occasionally hosts barred owls and snakes—a habitat you won't see anywhere else in the park.

Does the tour include hotel pickup, or do I meet the group at the park?

Hotel pickup is included. The guide collects you from your accommodation and drives you to Everglades National Park, narrating the landscape on the way.