Sea Kayaking Day Tours

While not the only way to experience the Everglades, sea kayaking is without a doubt one of the best and our favorite. Quiet and unobtrusive to wildlife, it is a great way to see things "up close and personal". Everglades Area Tours' three and six hour tours are an excellent introduction to sea kayaking and the Everglades for anyone of any age.

The Everglades Area is a very unique, yet dynamic and diverse system. This wild environment changes daily with the changing weather, stages of the moon, as well as, the different seasons. Our guides have a pulse on these changes and have chosen to live and work in the area as a way of life and a passion. Everglades Area Tours operates sea kayaking tours all year long, not seasonally as all other do.

None of our tours are "canned". Each is tailored to the specific day and our group of guests. As such, we do not have fixed departures times or locations. While we typically target 10:00 am for the morning tours, that varies with the local conditions, the season, the tour, location and our clients desires and needs. Some prefer the "crack of dawn"; other sunset. When you call to book a tour with us, you will be talking directly with an owner or one of our guides, not a remote office. We can discuss your needs and arrive on a departure that is best.

The area is vast and there is much to see, so where we actually launch depends is based on the local conditions that day. The Parks expansiveness can make navigating the area daunting. You will be paddling in state-of-the-arts sea kayaks and using the best of equipment. Safety is paramount, however, rest assured that each guide carries safety, navigation and communications equipment. You will be in good, experienced hands.

Each tour begins with a brief paddling lesson and safety equipment orientation. From there we venture out into Everglades National Park waters for the day's experience. On some tours we paddle up the tidal rivers near Chokoloskee and Everglades City, on others we venture into the mangrove tunnels, swamps and grassland prairies of the Park. A paddle amongst the 10,000 Islands is a wonderful experience and a great introduction to the saltwater marine estuaries that make this place so special. A paddle trip to an isolated remote sand beach is a very special trip that few will forget. Each tour offers something different and special. If you are a returning guest and, for example, you did a river trip on one tour with us and you would like a different experience on your next tour, please let us know. We will make it happen. This is your tour!

The day tours typically last about six hours, but, of course, we take rest stops and breaks. The six hour tours, however, are best for those seeking an energetic adventure. The sea kayaks are simply a wonderful tool to experience the area. We are not trying to condition you as an athlete, so bring the whole family and let the youngsters paddle a tandem kayak with an adult. You will want to bring with you with you whatever you wish to eat or drink. A "six pack" cooler with snacks, lunch and some bottled water is perfect …Don't worry, there is room on the sea kayaks for your gear. For those that would like a three hour tour, you may wish to reserve the three hour ECO tour that is led by a Florida Master Naturalist Click here for more information

We do recommend good sun protection … hats, Polaroid sunglasses, and sun block. Most importantly, you will want to bring some good protective footgear so that you can get out the kayaks and wade in the shallows to see the "water critters" (and stretch your legs). Don't forget your camera!! (For more details and answers to many questions, … Click Here)

Most guests wanting to sea kayak the Everglades, choose the six hour tours. However, this is a six hour paddling event and much more energetic than the three hour or the ECO tours. For those interested in a true Ecological Educational Experience, you may wish to consider one of our tours led by an environmental professional. Click here for more information