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EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Our Everglades tours are the most comprehensive in the business. Praised in the New York Times, Miami Herald, BBC Wildlife Magazine, Florida Keys Free Press, Lonely Planet and hired as guides by Columbia Sportswear, GQ Magazine, Disney IMAX, Netflix, and National Geographic Films, this trip is our passion. Our guides have over 20 years of experience in the Everglades. It is our mission to provide a safe and fun adventure for those seeking out the heart of Florida's largest wilderness. Seasonality controls much of what you will see and do in the Everglades. If you have something in particular you are looking to see, just ask one of our guides and we'll make sure you come during the right season. While every trip is different, catered specifically to fit the needs of each client, there are some things you can expect when signing up for our Everglades tour. Our Everglades National Park tour typically contains the following main activities:
Hiking
Come romp with us through mazes of cypress trees in the famous "domes" of dwarf and bald cypress. In these ecosystems, depending on the season, you can hope to find orchids and other epiphytes, as well as frogs, snakes, alligators, and owls. During certain times of the year, wildflowers blanket the ground and zesty lemon becopa crackles beneath your feet as you tread beneath the tropical canopy. Our clients love visiting the "gator holes" where often times hatchling alligators can be found. Don't worry, we wouldn't take you there if it weren't safe. With our guides, we respect the distance of native wildlife.
Freshwater Paddle
We'll rinse off our muddy feet in the cool waters of a very unique Everglades ecosystem: the freshwater dwarf mangrove habitat. Paddle through tunnels of arching mangroves and out into the shallow flats of needlerush and periphyton. This is truly an incredible experience as American alligators bask on the banks and in the dry season clog the arteries of creeks and deep basins. Here you will have a chance to see many different fish species as well as crocodiles and myriad birds.
Saltwater Paddle
A favorite for birders, the saltwater paddle is consistently the most productive wildlife viewing experience of the trip. Paddling out on the emerald waters of Florida Bay, an 850 square mile estuary, you will get unparalleled access to the abundance of wading birds, particularly the colorful roseate spoonbill, raptors, and the frequent appearance of bottlenose dolphins and lemon sharks. On rare occasions flamingos can also be seen.
PRICES
Questions? Drop us an email at garlscoastalkayaking@gmail.com
Be sure to bring watershoes, long pants as well as any snacks/drinks you will want- the guide will have a cooler for you
All prices are PLUS admission to Everglades National Park- see the link for further information. The general rate is $15/person or $30/family (vehicle) and the pass is good for 7 days. At this time, due to COVID 19 and other illnesses, we are having our guests drive in their own vehicle into the park and follow our guide to the various activities. We are not transporting guests at this time. Please have a full tank of fuel. Electric charging stations are available in the Flamingo Visitor Center area but please charge fully prior to your trip, as we sometimes do not end up at Flamingo as part of the tour (due to conditions) Management reserves the right to change this policy as needed.
A Day in the Glades - $160 (+tax/fees)/adult - $125 (+tax/fees)/child - The Day in the Glades will include all of the activities listed above that conditions allow and if weather and time permit, an additional night walk. (night walk is generally a winter activity) Trips meet at 11 am from November to March and continue until the evening to accommodate all of our adventures—this is a full helping of the real Everglades. ** Please note: deposits and payments are non refundable except when Garls has to cancel due to weather or other issues. You may be offered a raincheck.
If the full Day in the Glades seems like a bit much or you have small children with you, you are more than welcome to book a partial day and depart early. Please bear in mind,
Group Rates - Inquire within, prices vary depending on size of group and itineray. Special discounts are given to school groups, non-profits, and other education-based entities. We have many years of experience with school groups and impeccable references.
School groups: Please apply as soon as possible to Everglades National Park for an educational fee waiver here:
https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/fees.htm