From Miami: Everglades Tour w/90 minute boat trip & 3 Hikes!

If you’re visiting Miami and craving a true taste of Florida’s unique wilderness, this Everglades Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and education. For $285 per person, you get a full day of exploring Florida’s most iconic ecosystem, including a 90-minute boat trip, three guided hikes through different habitats, and a packed picnic lunch. Led by a Florida Master Naturalist or trained biologist, this tour promises a deeper understanding of the Everglades’ fragile environment and its incredible wildlife.

Two things stand out immediately. First, the length of the boat trip—a full 90 minutes—gives you ample time to see a variety of animals like alligators, manatees, and countless bird species. Second, the three hikes through distinct habitats mean you’ll experience more than just a boat ride; you’ll walk through different ecosystems, each with its own character.

A consideration to keep in mind: the tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the pickup points. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy organized small-group adventures but are comfortable managing their own logistics.

This tour suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers wanting a comprehensive, educational experience without the crowds or gimmicks of more touristy attractions. If you’re eager to learn about Florida’s ecosystems from knowledgeable guides and want a combination of boat and land exploration, this experience fits the bill.

Key Points

• In-depth Exploration: Combines boat and land activities, offering a well-rounded view of the Everglades.
• Expert Guides: Led by Florida Master Naturalists or trained biologists for authentic insights.
• Wildlife Encounters: Longer boat trip increases chances of seeing alligators, manatees, birds, and more.
• Flexible Experience: Includes vegan and vegetarian boxed lunches, snacks, and drinks for a comfortable day.
• Small Group Setting: Ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Transportation: Round-trip from Miami included, but arrange your own pickup.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Truly Rich Experience in the Everglades

The Everglades National Park isn’t just a swamp; it’s a delicate, interconnected system of ecosystems that support a stunning variety of wildlife and plant life. This tour offers a thoughtful way to experience it firsthand, with a focus on education and conservation.

From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel or a central Miami location—be it South Beach, Downtown, or Brickell—you’ll enjoy a narrated drive that sets the stage for your day. The guide, often a Florida Master Naturalist or a biologist, shares insights that elevate your experience beyond sightseeing. You’ll learn, for example, that the park is home to three distinct habitats—the sawgrass marsh, the hardwood hammock, and the mangrove shoreline—each teeming with life.

The Itinerary: A Day in the Wild

Upon arrival at the park’s visitor center, you’ll receive a Florida National Parks stamp, a small but satisfying memento for those who collect park memorabilia. Your guide will lead you on three hikes, carefully chosen to showcase different habitats. We loved how each hike was tailored to reveal the ecological diversity, and how knowledgeable guides explained the importance of each environment.

The first hike takes you into a habitat where you can observe hardwood hammocks, dense with trees and home to various bird species. The second explores sawgrass marshes, where the water teems with fish and the air is filled with the sounds of wading birds. The third hike ventures into mangroves along the shoreline, offering excellent opportunities to spot marine life and learn about the crucial role these plants play in coastal protection.

After the hikes, you’ll board a longer-than-usual 90-minute boat trip into Florida Bay. This is where the magic happens. We loved the way guide Melissa pointed out herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills, making the experience lively and educational. As you glide through the water, keep your camera ready for crocodiles and alligators basking on logs, and maybe even a manatee surfacing nearby.

Wildlife and Environment: What You’ll See

Expect to see and learn about alligators, crocodiles, manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and an array of wading birds. The boat ride is narrated, and guides are experts in wildlife behavior, so you get more than just a scenic trip—you gain insight into how these animals coexist in the Everglades.

Reviewers appreciated the longer duration of the boat trip, noting that it increases your chances of wildlife sightings. One visitor mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the animals’ behaviors, and the boat was big enough to feel comfortable even in the water’s gentle chop.”

A Picnic Lunch for All Diets

After a morning of outdoor excitement, you’ll settle down for a boxed picnic lunch. The inclusion of vegan and vegetarian options is a thoughtful touch, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, keeping energy levels high.

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Practical Details and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Miami, which simplifies logistics for visitors. The pickup points are convenient, and the vehicles are marked with the Wild Lime Adventures logo, so you can easily identify your guide.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather—sun protection like hats and sunscreen are provided, but it’s best to come prepared. The tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with back problems or wheelchair users. It’s a full day of walking and boat riding, so physical comfort is important.

What’s not included? Mainly, your hotel transfer. You’ll need to make your own arrangements to the pickup point, but the company’s logistical setup simplifies this process.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike some other options, this tour holds permits for all South Florida National Parks, including the Everglades, Big Cypress, and Dry Tortugas. This means they are officially authorized to operate within protected areas, providing an authentic and legally compliant experience.

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the longer boat ride, which stands out compared to other tours with shorter trips or less ecological focus. The small group size allows for a more personal and relaxed experience, ideal for those who prefer meaningful engagement over large crowds.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Everglades experience is perfect for travelers who want more than a quick glance. If you’re interested in ecology, wildlife, and authentic natural experiences, this tour offers an excellent balance of education and adventure. It’s especially suitable for those comfortable with walking, boat rides, and outdoor conditions.

If you’re traveling with kids over 5 who are curious about nature, they might find this engaging. Conversely, it’s probably not ideal for pregnant women or anyone with mobility issues, given the physical aspects involved.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For its comprehensive itinerary, expert-guided insights, and the value of a full day in the wilderness, this tour offers a compelling way to see the Everglades without the stress of organizing separate activities. It balances educational value with wildlife sightings, making it a memorable addition to your Florida trip.

While the price of $285 may seem steep at first glance, remember that it covers transportation, guided hikes, a lengthy boat trip, and lunch. If you’re eager to connect with the environment and learn about Florida’s most famous ecosystem from qualified experts, this tour delivers on all fronts.

This experience is ideal for those wanting an authentic, educational, and small-group adventure to truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Everglades. It’s also a smart choice for eco-minded travelers looking to support a licensed, environmentally responsible company.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour? The tour includes round-trip transportation, a 90-minute boat trip, guided hikes, a boxed picnic lunch with vegan and vegetarian options, snacks, and drinks.

• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, snacks, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

• Is hotel pickup included? No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the designated pickup points in Miami.

• Are there any restrictions? Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

• How long is the boat trip? The boat ride lasts approximately 90 minutes, longer than many similar tours.

• Can I collect a park stamp? Yes, upon arrival at the visitor’s center, you can get a National Park stamp.

• What habitats will I see? Expect to explore hardwood hammocks, sawgrass marshes, and mangroves, each home to different wildlife and plant species.

• Do guides explain wildlife behavior? Absolutely, guides are experts who share detailed insights about animals like alligators, manatees, and various birds.

• Is the tour suitable for wildlife photography? Yes, the boat trip and hikes provide many opportunities for wildlife photography, especially with guides pointing out animals.

• What makes this tour different from others? Its longer boat trip, permits for all South Florida Parks, and environmentally conscious approach set it apart.

This Everglades tour from Miami offers a genuine chance to see, learn, and appreciate one of Florida’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you’re a dedicated nature lover or simply seeking a memorable outdoor experience, this journey promises plenty of meaningful moments in the wild.

You can check availability for your dates here: