Everglades: Small group boat & walking tour with guide

Summary

Set out by boat into the Everglades’ wild silence, guided by locals

You’ll join a small group for a quiet boat ride through the Everglades’ 10,000 Islands with a local guide who knows every bird call and dolphin hangout. Walk barefoot on an untouched barrier island, spot wildlife up close, and hear stories you won’t find in any brochure—the kind of moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting by the dock when we rolled up—she waved us over with this big sunhat and a grin that made it impossible not to feel welcome. She handed me a pair of binoculars (I almost dropped them, classic me) and pointed out a heron standing so still I thought it was a statue. “That’s your first neighbor today,” she joked. The air smelled like salt and warm grass, kind of thick but not unpleasant, just different from anywhere I’ve been. We piled onto the little boat—six of us in total—and set off into Chokoloskee Bay, the water barely rippling under us.

I’d read about the Everglades small group guided boating and walking expedition before, but being out there is something else. Li started telling us about how dolphins sometimes follow these boats for fun—right as she said it, two fins popped up behind us. One of the kids squealed (honestly, I almost did too), and Li just laughed like this happened every day. She told us about manatees and spoonbills while steering through these narrow mangrove tunnels where everything felt hushed except for the slap of water against roots. At one point I tried to say “rosette spoonbill” in Mandarin—Li cracked up so hard she nearly missed our turn.

We stopped at this empty barrier island—just sand, shells, driftwood, and sky. The sun was bright but not punishing; wind kept it comfortable. Walking barefoot felt weirdly grounding after the boat ride. Li showed us tiny crab tracks in the sand and explained how storms shape these islands every year. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet watching pelicans dive—no one needed to say anything. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades Eco-Educational Boat Tour

• Guided eco-educational boat tour in Everglades
• Explore uninhabited barrier island beach with guide

Top questions

How many people are on each Everglades small group tour?

Each tour is limited to six guests for an intimate experience.

Is pickup included for the Everglades boating tour?

The tour includes free onsite parking but does not mention hotel pickup.

Are children allowed on this Everglades guided tour?

The experience is suitable for all ages; infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller.

What wildlife might I see during the day trip?

You may see dolphins, manatees, eagles, ospreys, pelicans, sea turtles, egrets, herons, rosette spoonbills, and other birds.

Do I need to bring anything special for this Everglades tour?

You should bring water, hats, sunglasses, cameras, and binoculars if you have them.

Is this tour accessible for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but requires descending a 2–3 rung ladder to board the boats.

When is the best time to book this Everglades expedition?

Morning tours are recommended from June through October due to weather conditions.

Where does the Everglades small group boating tour start?

The tour starts at Chokoloskee Bay with free onsite parking available.

What’s included

Your day includes free onsite parking at Chokoloskee Bay and a short golf cart ride from the office down to your small-group boat. You’ll be guided by a Florida Master Naturalist throughout both boating and walking portions of your journey—and yes, there’s time to explore an uninhabited barrier island beach together before heading back.