Everglades 10,000 Islands Expedition

Highlights

Description

Journey into the wild heart of Everglades National Park on the 10,000 Islands Expedition, a naturalist-led adventure designed for travelers who seek connection, not crowds. This 3.5-hour small-group tour reveals the hidden beauty and layered history of one of America’s most biodiverse coastal regions. Departing from Chokoloskee or Goodland, your boat winds through narrow mangrove tunnels into open water where dolphins leap and manatees glide. Birds fill the sky—roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and pelicans painting the horizon in motion. Your naturalist guide provides expert insight into the Everglades’ ecology, explaining how tides, freshwater flows, and ancient coral reefs sustain this intricate ecosystem. The adventure continues as you step ashore on a remote barrier island, untouched by development and refreshed by each tide. Here, walk among tidal pools and shell-strewn sands, learning how the Calusa people once lived, fished, and traded in these same waters. Discover clues of their presence in the shells and structures they left behind, silent witnesses to a culture that thrived for centuries. Each expedition is personal, limited to just six guests for a more immersive and respectful experience. The boat’s stable design allows comfortable wildlife viewing and photography, while your guide tailors commentary to your interests. With bottled water, snacks, and storytelling included, this is more than a sightseeing trip — it’s a deep dive into the soul of the Everglades. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful alternative to airboat tours, the 10,000 Islands Expedition promises a day of discovery, reflection, and awe within Florida’s most storied waters.

Itinerary

8:30 AM — Check in at Everglades Boat Tours office; 9:00 AM — Depart marina; 9:15 AM — Cruise mangrove tunnels; 9:45 AM — View dolphins, manatees, and birds; 10:30 AM — Land on barrier island for guided walk; 11:00 AM — Explore tidal flats and shell-covered beaches; 11:30 AM — Learn Calusa history; 12:00 PM — Return cruise with wildlife viewing; 12:30 PM — Arrive back at marina.

Price & Availability

Adults $199.95 • Children $129.95. Private charters available. Refundable with 24-hour cancellation notice.

Food & Drink

Light snacks and bottled water provided; guests may bring lunch.

Instructions

Arrive 30 minutes before departure at Everglades Boat Tours office.

Restrictions

Minimum age 10. Not wheelchair accessible. Moderate mobility required.

Transportation

Transportation not included.