Naples: Everglades w/ a Wet Walk, 2 Boat Trips & Lunch!

Experience the Everglades from Naples with Wild Lime Adventures
This full-day tour from Naples offers a captivating glimpse into the Florida Everglades, combining wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and a unique walk through wetlands with a biologist. For around a whole day, you’ll visit two national parks, explore remote islands, and enjoy a hearty local lunch—all in a small, manageable group. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a well-rounded, authentic experience for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we love most about this trip are the personalized wet walk led by a biologist, giving you an insider’s view of wildlife and plants, and the chance to visit a remote Miccosukee village accessible only by airboat. These elements turn what could be just another boat cruise into something truly memorable.

A potential drawback? The tour involves a fair amount of activity and movement, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions. Also, it’s a full-day, so travelers looking for a quick, casual glimpse might find the schedule a bit packed.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy learning about ecosystems firsthand and want to see wildlife in its natural habitat—it’s perfect for families (above age 5), wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager for a genuine Florida adventure.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, pelicans, and more in their natural environment.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable naturalists lead the wet walk and eco stops, offering insights you won’t get on a typical boat tour.
• Remote and Authentic: Visit a Miccosukee village accessible only by airboat, experiencing genuine local culture.
• Two Scenic Boat Trips: Explore the 10,000 Islands and other prime wildlife habitats via guided boat rides.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes stops at a local artist gallery, the smallest post office, and a museum, adding cultural flavor.
• All-Inclusive Transportation: Round-trip transport from Naples makes the experience seamless and stress-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins in Naples, where a shared van with “Wild Lime Adventures” picks you up. The small group size—limited to 14—ensures a more personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The vehicle is comfortable, and the journey into the wilds is smooth, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead.

Big Cypress National Preserve — First Encounters with Nature

The day kicks off with a guided tour of Big Cypress, where you get your first taste of the area’s diverse flora and fauna. We appreciated how the guides seamlessly combined education with storytelling, making complex ecosystems accessible. Expect to see rare orchids and epiphytes, growing high in cypress trees, and to learn about the delicate balance of this wetlands habitat.

Wet Walk with a Biologist — A Unique Perspective

The highlight for many is the wet walk through wetlands and cypress domes. Led by a naturalist, this slow, guided walk offers an up-close look at the plants and animals that thrive in these conditions. It’s a rare chance to see wild orchids and other epiphytes, hanging from the trees, and to observe wildlife like herons, frogs, and perhaps a lurking gator. The walk is mostly flat but includes some uneven sections, so good footwear is advisable.

Visitors have noted that this experience “gives you a real sense of the ecosystem” and that the guide’s enthusiasm makes it especially engaging. Another remarked, “We loved how the guide pointed out the tiny orchids, which we’d never notice on our own.”

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Boat Trips — Scenic and Animal-rich

Next, two boat tours take you into prime wildlife habitat. The first is an 80-minute cruise of the 10,000 Islands, where dolphins often swim alongside the boat and pelicans soar overhead. The tour visits eco-stops and a historic trading post, adding a touch of local history and culture. Expect to see dolphins, manatees, sawfish, and roseate spoonbills in their natural environment.

The second is a 75-minute airboat ride into the “River of Grass.” This high-speed adventure provides a different perspective, allowing you to glide across the water at impressive speed, often spotting alligators basking on the banks. The airboat is a highlight for many, who find the thrill of it unmatched and a great way to see the vastness of the wetlands.

Visiting a Remote Miccosukee Village

One of the tour’s most cherished stops is the visit to a tree island village inhabited by the Miccosukee tribe. Accessible only by airboat, this part of the tour offers insight into how indigenous peoples have adapted and survived in this environment for generations. Guides share stories about their way of life, and you get to see their traditional homes and crafts.

Lunch and Cultural Stops

A well-deserved break follows for lunch at a local spot, where you can choose from a menu including vegetarian and vegan options. Many reviews praise the quality and authenticity of the meal, seeing it as a fitting way to support local businesses.

Additional stops include a local artist gallery, showcasing regional artwork, and the smallest post office in the world, both adding local color and charm. These cultural touches make the day more well-rounded and memorable.

Final Thoughts on the Day

Returning to Naples in the late afternoon, you’ll probably feel exhausted but enriched. The tour includes cultural elements, wildlife watching, and educational moments, offering a comprehensive look at the Everglades’ ecosystems and communities.

Practical Details and Value

The cost of the tour covers transportation, guides, boat trips, and lunch, making it a convenient all-in-one package. With small group sizes, you’ll benefit from more personalized attention and fewer crowds. The permit status of Wild Lime Adventures means you’ll visit protected areas legally and responsibly—a plus for eco-conscious travelers.

The duration—about a full day—may be lengthy, but it’s packed with activities that keep you engaged and moving comfortably. The walks are flat and manageable for most, but some uneven terrain means sturdy shoes are a good idea.

Why It’s Worth It

For travelers seeking a full immersion into the wildlife and culture of the Florida Everglades, this tour offers excellent value. The expert guides and diverse stops make it more than just a boat ride—it’s an educational and authentic experience. The opportunities to see animals in the wild and visit a remote indigenous community are particularly compelling.

Who Should Consider This Tour

It’s ideal for nature lovers, families with older children (above age 5), and anyone interested in learning about ecosystems firsthand. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive day of wildlife, scenery, and culture, this tour fits the bill well. Active travelers who enjoy walks and boat rides will find it especially rewarding.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Naples, making the trip seamless and hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately one full day, with activities scheduled throughout the daylight hours.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the lunch is a local, thoughtfully prepared meal.

What is the group size?
Limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the walk difficult?
The walk is mostly flat, with some uneven sections. Good walking shoes are recommended, but it’s manageable for most.

Can children participate?
Children under 5 are not suitable, but older children and teens should enjoy the adventure.

Are animals kept in captivity during the tour?
No, the tour does not include visits to places where animals are caged or penned. All wildlife is observed in its natural habitat.

To sum it up, this Naples: Everglades with Wet Walk, Two Boat Trips, and Lunch tour offers an engaging, educational, and authentic way to experience Florida’s most famous wetlands. Led by passionate guides, visiting remote islands and indigenous communities, and offering multiple opportunities for wildlife sightings, it’s a well-rounded option for travelers eager to see the Everglades beyond the usual tourist spots. If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines scenery, wildlife, and culture, this tour deserves serious consideration.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby