Everglades National Park: Boat, kayak & walk eco tour

Summary

Boat, paddle & wander through the wild heart of the Everglades

On this Everglades eco tour from Chokoloskee, you’ll travel by boat deep into Ten Thousand Islands with a local guide, paddle stable kayaks among wildlife (maybe even manatees), and walk a quiet barrier island beach few ever reach. Expect real stories, salty air, and moments of calm you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

“You never really know what you’ll see out here — that’s half the fun,” our guide Tom grinned as we stepped onto the boat at Chokoloskee. He handed me a life jacket and pointed out a pelican perched on a piling, looking like it owned the place. The morning air was thick with that sweet-salty smell you only get near mangroves. I could hear distant splashes — probably mullet or something bigger, but Tom just winked and said to keep my eyes open.

The ride into Everglades National Park felt like drifting into another world. We passed through narrow channels in the Ten Thousand Islands, sunlight flickering on water that looked almost black in places. Tom started telling stories about the Calusa people and early settlers — I didn’t catch every detail because I was distracted by an osprey circling overhead (and honestly, trying not to drop my phone in the water). When we switched to kayaks, I was nervous at first — never really paddled before — but they were super stable. At one point, something big surfaced nearby and snorted; Tom whispered “manatee” and I swear my heart skipped.

Paddling up to this remote barrier island beach was quieter than I expected. The sand felt cool under my feet and there were tiny crabs skittering everywhere. We walked along the wrack line while Tom pointed out shells and plants adapted to salt spray — he even found a horseshoe crab shell for us to pass around (it’s rougher than it looks). There weren’t any other people around except our small group; just wind, sun, and that endless flat horizon. Someone tried to pronounce “Chokoloskee” right — we all laughed when Tom corrected us gently.

I still think about how peaceful it felt heading back across the water, salt drying on my skin and everyone a little quieter than before. It’s not flashy or dramatic out there — more like slow magic sneaking up on you while you’re busy watching birds or counting clouds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades Boat, Kayak & Walk Tour

• Meet guide and start Everglades experience
• Boat ride, kayak, and walking tour with wildlife viewing
• Explore Ten Thousand Islands
• Learn history and culture of Chokoloskee
• Visit historic Chokoloskee Island

Top questions

Is kayaking experience required for this Everglades tour?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; instruction is provided and kayaks are stable.

What wildlife might I see during the day trip?

You may encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, fish and shore birds.

Where does this eco tour start?

The tour begins in Chokoloskee before entering Everglades National Park.

How long is the walking portion of the tour?

The walking portion takes place on a remote barrier island beach; exact duration varies based on group interest and conditions.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the starting point in Chokoloskee.

What should I bring for this trip?

You should be prepared for sun exposure and bring water; all kayaking equipment is provided.

Is lunch included in this Everglades eco tour?

No lunch is included as part of this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak equipment with instruction from your Florida Master Naturalist guide, a guided nature hike along a remote barrier island beach inside Everglades National Park, plus comfortable boat transport through Ten Thousand Islands before returning to Chokoloskee at the end of your adventure.