3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour
5
3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour
By Everglades Area Tours
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About
Kayak Everglades National Park on a naturalist-led paddling tour that takes you into a lush mangrove forest to seek out alligators, native birds, orchids, and bromeliads. A quieter alternative to an airboat tour, this kayak eco-tour lets you explore the fascinating ecosystem at a slower pace, learning about the plants and animals of Everglades National Park.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 13 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Guided kayak tour of Everglades National Park with all equipment included
- Paddle with a naturalist guide and learn about Everglades ecology
- Chance to spot alligators, otters, birds, and other marine wildlife
- No kayaking experience necessary
- Professional guide
- Kayaking equipment and safety briefing
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Start at the Everglades Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center with a short intro on how to maneuver your single-person kayak, and then start paddling toward a lush mangrove forest. The mangrove canopy joins overhead, forming a tunnel that arcs 10 feet (3 meters) above the water and creates a fertile habitat for all kinds of native plants and wildlife. A naturalist guide helps in your search for herons, egrets, ducks, spoonbills, alligators, otters, and a wide range of fish species inside the mangrove forest, while sharing facts and background on the fascinating ecosystem. The Everglades contain one of the largest mangrove forests in North America, and kayaking through them is a great way to soak up the unique atmosphere. Following your time on the water, this tour concludes in your Everglades National Park starting point, close to hiking trails, sightseeing, and other attractions.
- Start:
- 32016 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141, USAPlease meet at the EVERGLADES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE building at the intersection of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and SR 29 (Collier Blvd.); This area is also known as Carnestown. Look for your guide's vehicle on the SE corner of the intersection pulling a kayak trailer loaded with kayaks.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5609MANGROVE- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5609MANGROVE
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per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 456ruif0 contributionsWonderful tourWe took a 3.5 hours afternoon boat tour and highly recommend it! Our captain Dan is very knowledgable and personable. we learned so much on the tour. I'm an amateur photographer and had a blast seeing pelicans, ibises, herons, and even a magnificent frigatebird! I'll have to come back.Written 13 January 2025
- johnbD1843RU0 contributionsWonderful educational adventureWhat an outing! 3.5 hours into the Everglades. Don is amazing! Extremely knowledgeable and full of interesting stories and explanations. Came away with a much greater appreciation of the Everglades, its wildlife, flora and history.Written 12 January 2025
- YvonneFL0 contributionsOur expectations were exceeded!Our guide, Don, was professional, extremely knowledgeable, and a skilled captain. We learned so much about the Everglades, the wildlife, and the ancient Calusa culture. We highly recommend this tour!Written 10 January 2025
- Jmaycock90910 contributionsThis is a great tour!We enjoyed our tour! We were blessed with great weather and saw lots of shells, sand dollars, and dolphins. We learned a lot about the area and the other wildlife as well.Written 7 January 2025
- GoPlaces7623420 contributionsGreat time! Well worth it!Captain Ed was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the dolphin interaction and shelling. We would definitely go again!Written 24 December 2024
- O3284YMandream0 contributionsWonderful 2hr tour for shelling and dolphins!Capt Ed and his first mate were excellent! We felt safe in the water and were educated about wildlife and the area during the tour. We saw dolphin, sea birds and then went shelling on an island and found some beautiful shells. I also spotted a sea cucumber, star fish and some live shells! Capt said it was too cold for manatees but we still have a wonderful time. I’d highly recommend this tour for couples, families or friends who want to relax and have a great group show you around!Written 14 December 2024
- Richa G0 contributionsCancelled tourNo captain, so they cancelled tour. Trip advisor didn’t know. Wasted our time, waiting on full refund. Bad experience.Written 5 December 2024
- Katelynmhill0 contributionsAmazing tripCaptain Ed was amazing! He got our 3 year old so many great views of the dolphins, and a few keepsake sand dollars! Best part of our trip to Marco Island.Written 29 November 2024
- maryfI3593LZ0 contributionsA must see!We had such an amazing time on our tour! Joe explained all of the unique attributes and history of the area and nature preserve, describing the wildlife as we went along. We stopped at a strip of beach between 2 bodies of water for shelling - amazing! To top off the end of the tour, a family of dolphins greeted us as we headed back to the marina. Will take other friends and family. A beautiful day on the water!Written 3 November 2024
- Corinna M0 contributionsHighly recommend Captain Ed and Second Mate Kim!Incredible experience. Captain Ed knew exactly where to go to find dolphins - we ended up seeing two pods. Got to watch a pod hunt near the shoreline, and both pods played in the wake of the boat. Also found some beautiful shells that will go front and center on my bookshelves at home so I can look at them during the cold MA winter.Written 2 November 2024
- Jeanne M0 contributionsA fun afternoon!We had a great trip with Captain Joe! Friendly and very knowledgeable. Enjoyed the shelling, found some sand dollars. Saw a dolphin and lots of birds.Written 14 September 2024
- jeff334360 contributionsGreat tour!We had a great time on this tour! Easy to find the dock and our Captain/Crew. We took a nice cruise through the islands and saw many types of birds. We then hooked up with a few dolphins while we made our way to the shelling island. The island was pristine and had hundreds of birds nesting in the sand. This particular day the shelling was average but we did find a nice amount of beauties. Captain Ed and his first mate, Kim, were terrific and very informative throughout. Definately recommend this tour. We also liked that it was just 2 hours, which was plenty for us!Written 28 July 2024
- G4801GTdanab0 contributionsAmazing tourWe had an amazing time with Captain Joe! We saw dolphins, birds and went shelling! We learned about the area! Highly recommendWritten 23 July 2024
- D8947TRjosephk0 contributionsGreat ExcursionCaptain Joe was great! Definitely recommend for family and adults. A nice way to add some local knowledge to your vacation experienceWritten 9 June 2024
- Dodge-Ram-Hemi-570 contributionsThe Dolphins whisperer!Captain Jamie was a fantastic and lovely tour guide! It was an outstanding experience to see the Dolphins so close jumping in our wakes and our hearts, a one in a lifetime experience!Written 2 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
293 reviews
Excellent
278
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13
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Angela
New Milford, NJ3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I refused to go to the Everglades and not do a Mangrove Tunnel Kayak tour and I was not disappointed! It’s the slow season in August due to the heat and mosquitos, and I didn’t help the situation by booking a 1pm tour. However I got very lucky (or unlucky) that it started to rain very hard and cooled the weather down significantly and was actually a lot of fun kayaking in the rain AND I didn’t have to worry about sunburn. Don McCumber was our amazing guide and he was SO knowledgeable about the plant life and you can tell he loved this job of being a tour guide. He truly knew the area like the back of his hand and was also very prepared and shared the much needed mosquito-bite aftercare he carried around in his first-aid kit. I highly recommend this tour to anyone actually interested in learning about the truly unique ecosystem that is the mangroves and would also do it again if I’m ever back in the area.
A must is 25% deet mosquito repellant for the summer wet season weather.
A must is 25% deet mosquito repellant for the summer wet season weather.
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Mangrove Tunnel Kayak EcoTour is awesome. So is Don!
Next time, you may want to try our Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour
Written 27 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our family of five including three teens took the mangrove tunnel tour on the Turner river with Capt Don. Early start and buckets of bug spray did not seem like a recipe for teenage success but our kids loved it. Right from the launch they were learning about bromeliads and seeing a nesting alligator with the very knowledgeable Capt Don. The mangrove tunnels are narrow and tandem kayaks provided added entertainment as we navigated our way through low hanging branches. Lots of giggles from the kids as they got stuck, lots of patience from our guide as he talked them through unsticking. His passion for the area shine through and we would have loved a longer trip, 3hrs was not enough. Beyond alligators we saw a variety of birds and learnt a lot about the plants and how they have adapted to the environment. Would highly recommend this for people looking for a very gentle paddle (about 2miles over 2.5hrs) and learning about the local fauna and flora.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THANK YOU for doing this review. The Everglades and Capt Don are awesome. So glad that you enjoyed your experience. We hope to host you again soon.
Written 6 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
speaknspell71
Orlando, FL2 contributions
Our guide, Ron, was very knowledgeable, helpful, and congenial. He did a great job of orienting us to how to kayak the mangrove tunnels, and shared a lot of interesting wildlife information. We took the 8:30 am tour, and highly recommend going early in the day… as others have said,
It gets busier on the water as the day goes on. There were 5 boats in our group including Ron’s, and it seemed like a great size group.
It gets busier on the water as the day goes on. There were 5 boats in our group including Ron’s, and it seemed like a great size group.
Written 17 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank You
Written 20 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie C
9 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Everglades Area Tours are the real deal! They are not just open during tourist season, they are open year round, and are passionate about their work. We visited Big Cypress at the end of April, which is the very end of the tourist season, and had trouble finding a company to take us kayaking. When I finally found Everglades Area Tours I was ecstatic that we would get to take see the ecosystem of Big Cypress. Our guide, Captain Don, was welcoming and got us situated with our equipment, giving us a good safety brief and information about the trip we were about to take. He got right into the education of the park and the ecosystem and welcomed questions and conversation. The water was quite low, but he took us to all the places we could access that he felt we would see the most wildlife. He was clearly very knowledgable about the Turner River and the areas to take his tours. The area we were in was breathtaking! We were in awe at everything he showed us! He educated us on all the birds we saw, plants and flowers, and fish and alligators. You could tell that he absolutely loved his job and was excited to be out in the preserve just as much as we were. If we could have, we would have stayed out with him all day! He was patient with us when we had to navigate through some difficult areas, and would stop at any time we wanted help or wanted to talk about something that caught our interest. We didn't get to go into the mangrove tunnels because of how low the water was, and at first I thought I would be really disappointed, but in the end I couldn't believe how much I loved this excursion. Be prepared to go with the flow regarding the areas you can access on the tour because it is very dependent on the water levels, but know that wherever you go it will be an amazing experience! Request Captain Don! You won't be disappointed! This is probably one of the very best ways to experience the beauty of Big Cypress NP.
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. Don is the best in the area
Written 8 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan A
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Couples
Having only kayaked once before and that time on an open lake, I was concerned I would not be able to handle this tour. I quickly realized the kayaks are extremely stable and easy to control. Our guide, Ron, with his comfortable manner quickly became our friend, Ron,. He was extremely knowledgeable and and took plenty of time to give us an up close and personal experience in the mangrove tunnel. On our tour Ron showed and told us about the mangroves, numerous epiphytes, birds, turtles, trees and yes, alligators, one of which swam right by us. It was an amazing morning and one which I strongly recommend.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank You so glad you enjoyed your tour with our guide Ron
Written 1 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori T
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
We had a great experience on the river with Will as our guide. Despite several major challenges, including some first time kayakers who were very hard to deal with and trying to be a guide to the rest of us, Will made it a super experience. Best thing we did on our vacation.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank You
Written 6 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily W
Des Moines, IA4 contributions
May 2021
We loved this tour with Don! He was a great guide and shared so much information about the nature surrounding us. It was beautiful in the Mangrove forest tunnels and the guide also showed us around a hidden lake. We had the best time and highly recommend!
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the timeto do the review
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cndirector1
New Holland, PA238 contributions
Nov 2020
Fantastic guided kayak tour! Don is extremely knowledgeable, we learned a lot about the mangroves, symbiosis of bromeliads, Spanish moss, ferns and orchids! We booked the afternoon after Hurricane Eda and were not disappointed. Saw adult Ibis, juvenile Ibis and juvenile blue heron; several alligators, turtles, and fish. The water was glassy providing great reflections, and the serenity of the trip was remarkable. This is a must do with a fantastic reputable company!
Written 13 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Those reflections are awesome photo opportunities!
Written 3 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
swfltraveler2017
Fort Myers, FL7 contributions
We enjoyed our private tour today. Our family group was adults, teenagers, and a 7 year old (who didn’t paddle much). None of us were experienced kayakers but everyone did well with the relaxed pace. It was a little tricky navigating the mangrove tunnels. Our guide was knowledgeable about the wildlife we encountered and we felt like we learned a lot about mangroves and birds in the area. We saw several alligators from a safe distance. Bugs were not a problem this time of year.
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank You
Written 6 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EsMaemie
Homburg, Germany2 contributions
May 2022
When you are in the Everglades, don't take an airboat and do this instead!! Absolute highlight of my trip! The tour was amazing. We saw a lot of wildlife and our guide Don made us feel very safe with the alligators whom he knew by name :) I had never kayaked before, but Don made me feel super comfortable. One could tell that Don is living for the habitat of the Everglades and the ecosystem. The mangrove tunnels where stunning - even at the end of dry season. There were many picture opportunities and we got up-close and personal with some alligators. Can only highly recommend this tour!
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you
Written 26 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can we have a canoe for 2 adults and 12 yo kid. We will come July 22th.
Br Marco
00491729931461
Written 20 July 2019
is there a possibility for a 2 person kayak?
Written 12 February 2019
I see there are two kayak eco tours offered by your company - this one & "Everglades National Park Eco Tour from Naples". I can't tell what the difference is between them, other than price.
Written 1 February 2019
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