3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour
Everglades Area Tours
4.9
charlesdeseg
29 days ago
This was an exceptional experience. We were lucky with the weather, admittedly, but bright blue skies and pleasant temperatures are what Florida is known for in January. We saw alligators up close (as in, perhaps 10 feet away), great blue herons, egrets, little blue herons, a snake, and plenty more. Our kids (aged 9 and 13) had a great time doing "monkey bars" on the mangroves to help propel the kayak along in the parts where the river was more closed in by the trees. The trip takes places on the Turner River Paddling Trail, which is slightly to the north east of Everglades City. It was almost exactly 3 hours long, and we had 3 other two person kayaks with us. Our guide had completed the Florida Master Naturalist program, and gave excellent, age-appropriate answers to our (and our kids') questions. One of my favorite parts was a discussion of two co-habiting trees - one was a tropical tree, at the northern edge of its range; the other found in temperate climates, and the very southern edge of its range. The two trees together hosted several other plants on their branches. All in all, educational, peaceful, relaxing and fun. It certainly felt more in tune with nature than an air boat ride, which are loud and fast.
This is a wonderful alternative to an airboat ride … quiet, peaceful and surreal. It is a leisurely paddle experience with a naturalist guide who throughout the tour will be interpreting and explaining what you are seeing. It is a great learning experience in a very unique part of the Everglades. The Everglades is a vast and varied ecosystem containing the largest mangrove forest in North America. Throughout the forest are brackish "lakes" whose waters are a mix of "sweet" fresh water and salt water. They are refuges and nursery grounds for alligators, herons, egrets, stilts, ducks, wood storks, spoonbills, otters, orchids and bromeliads and a gamut of fishes. Interconnecting these lakes are narrow, flowing tidal creeks. The mangrove forest grows to the very edge and over the tops of these creeks forming a canopy or a tunnel. The dense canopy regulates moisture and humidity allowing to thrive. Note: June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.
Departure Point
- Please 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.
Return Details
- Please 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.
Duration
3 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Everglades Area Tours
238 Mamie St, Everglades City, Florida
Located just a 1.5-hour drive south of Fort Myers lie the incredible Florida Everglades. On this 3.5-hour eco-tour, enjoy a kayak adventure through the lush mangrove tunnels and discover the area’s diverse ecosystem. Your tour will begin with a brief introduction on how to maneuver your single-person kayak (no experience required). Once you feel comfortable with the kayak, paddle down the lake and arrive at a narrow entryway, where the mangrove tunnels form a canopy approximately 10 feet (3 meters) overhead. This is one of the largest mangrove forests in North America! Follow your naturalist guide as you explore the vast and varied ecosystem and keep your eyes out for herons, egrets, ducks, spoonbills, alligators, otters and a variety of fish species. Along the way, your guide will provide an interesting, informative overview of the area and its incredible ecosystem.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Professional guide
- Kayaking equipment and safety briefing
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Everglades Area Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
This is a wonderful alternative to an airboat ride … quiet, peaceful and surreal. It is a leisurely paddle experience with a naturalist guide who throughout the tour will be interpreting and explaining what you are seeing. It is a great learning experience in a very unique part of the Everglades. The Everglades is a vast and varied ecosystem containing the largest mangrove forest in North America. Throughout the forest are brackish "lakes" whose waters are a mix of "sweet" fresh water and salt water. They are refuges and nursery grounds for alligators, herons, egrets, stilts, ducks, wood storks, spoonbills, otters, orchids and bromeliads and a gamut of fishes. Interconnecting these lakes are narrow, flowing tidal creeks. The mangrove forest grows to the very edge and over the tops of these creeks forming a canopy or a tunnel. The dense canopy regulates moisture and humidity allowing to thrive. Note: June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.
Departure Point
- Please 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.
Return Details
- Please 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.
Duration
3 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Everglades Area Tours
238 Mamie St, Everglades City, Florida
Located just a 1.5-hour drive south of Fort Myers lie the incredible Florida Everglades. On this 3.5-hour eco-tour, enjoy a kayak adventure through the lush mangrove tunnels and discover the area’s diverse ecosystem. Your tour will begin with a brief introduction on how to maneuver your single-person kayak (no experience required). Once you feel comfortable with the kayak, paddle down the lake and arrive at a narrow entryway, where the mangrove tunnels form a canopy approximately 10 feet (3 meters) overhead. This is one of the largest mangrove forests in North America! Follow your naturalist guide as you explore the vast and varied ecosystem and keep your eyes out for herons, egrets, ducks, spoonbills, alligators, otters and a variety of fish species. Along the way, your guide will provide an interesting, informative overview of the area and its incredible ecosystem.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Professional guide
- Kayaking equipment and safety briefing
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Everglades Area Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
4.9
based on Groupon 350 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
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Reviewed on
charlesdeseg
This was an exceptional experience. We were lucky with the weather, admittedly, but bright blue skies and pleasant temperatures are what Florida is known for in January. We saw alligators up close (as in, perhaps 10 feet away), great blue herons, egrets, little blue herons, a snake, and plenty more. Our kids (aged 9 and 13) had a great time doing "monkey bars" on the mangroves to help propel the kayak along in the parts where the river was more closed in by the trees. The trip takes places on the Turner River Paddling Trail, which is slightly to the north east of Everglades City. It was almost exactly 3 hours long, and we had 3 other two person kayaks with us. Our guide had completed the Florida Master Naturalist program, and gave excellent, age-appropriate answers to our (and our kids') questions. One of my favorite parts was a discussion of two co-habiting trees - one was a tropical tree, at the northern edge of its range; the other found in temperate climates, and the very southern edge of its range. The two trees together hosted several other plants on their branches. All in all, educational, peaceful, relaxing and fun. It certainly felt more in tune with nature than an air boat ride, which are loud and fast.
Beverly_B
Chris was an amazing navigator through the mangrove trail. His knowledge of the foliage is vast. We really enjoyed the experience and will do this excursion again!
Paul and Beverly B
G6288JVirisw
The tour was absolutely worth seeing. Everything was as discussed and booked. A great guide who knew a lot about the flora and fauna. I would do this trip again and again and recommend them to anyone
J1126LPpeters
This is an incredible way to experience the Everglades "up close and personal - don't miss this opportunity! Our fabulous guide Chris shared his love and knowledge of the unique flora and fauna. We got (respectfully) close to alligators of all sizes - from 12 inches to 15 feet. Our group (grandparents, parents, and kids age d 7 to 11) all had a great time! Highly recommended!
Paulinchen273
We didn't expect as much before so that we're positively surprised from the amazing tour. We were a small group that made it much more special. Chris is a fantastic enthusiastic guide - we've learned a lot about the ecosystem.