Ideal for those who have paddled before and are comfortable with a few more miles each day. During this trip we change campsites a couple times to maximize what we can see.
We aim to explore each of the coastal Everglades ecosystems; the mangrove estuary, Gulf of Mexico, and a day paddling up river to fresh water.
**Subject to change based on tides/weather**
Day 1: 8-12 miles
Start at the Everglades Gulf Coast Visitor center, paddled up the backwaters of Everglades city to a Chickee Platform tucked away in the mangroves.
Day 2: 10-12 miles.
Breakfast on the Chickee then breaking camp to head out along winding creeks and across several expansive bays to a shell mound campsite. Made famous by the wild story of Mr. Watson.
Day 3: 8-10 miles.
We base camp at "Watson's Place" for two nights to allow this to be our free day to paddle up a freshwater river in light unloaded kayaks, in search of Alligators and other freshwater species.
Day 4: 10 miles
An easy day down the Chatham River as we make our way out to the open Gulf of Mexico in search of an island beach paradise. We often aim to get to camp a little earlier to provide time to explore the beach before dinner.
Day 5: 10 miles
Saying goodbye to our beach campsite as we enter the maze of mangroves that make up the ten thousand islands. Sometimes we stop at the Smallwood store on Chokoloskee Island, or a swing by Sandfly Island for a quick hike on our way back to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
This tour is suitable for reasonably fit intermediate to advanced paddlers ages 15-72.
Participants should be comfortable paddling up to 15 miles in a day, sometimes against tides or headwind.
We try to take ample breaks but may be seated in the kayaks for up to 3 hours max at at time and up to 7 hours in a day.
Participants should be comfortable getting in and out of a Sea Kayak onto a ladder from the water with or without reasonable assistance.
Each trip is fully outfitted. We provide all meals starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, accommodations can be made for those with food allergies or special dietary restrictions. We also provide tents, kayaks, paddling and safety equipment, dry bags, and a professional guide.
Transportation to and from Everglades City
Meals or hotels before or after the tour
Personal items
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