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5 Day Mangrove Explorer (Advanced Level) $1,325/person
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.
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Sample Itinerary
**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. This is a very popular campsite with permit availability competitive, there's a ground site near by as alternate.
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 a wild story of Everglades outlaws.
Day 3: 8-10 miles.
We base camp at our midden 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, crocodiles and other unique flora and fauna.
Day 4: 10 miles
A day cruise down the 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.
Is this tour right for me?
This tour is suitable for fit intermediate to advanced paddlers ages 15-72. This should NOT be your first time in a sea kayak.
Participants should be comfortable paddling up to 15 miles in a day often against tides or headwind in open water, sometimes for extended periods or in waves up to 3ft (rare).
We try to take ample breaks but may be seated in the kayaks for up to 3 hours max at at time and 7+ hours in a day. This route takes us deep into the mangroves where dry land is only available at low tide. We will have to stand on sharp oyster beds and may encounter thick "shoe stealing" mud.
Participants should be comfortable helping to lift and carry fully loaded boats short distances as well as getting in and out of a Sea Kayak onto a ladder from the water with or without reasonable assistance.
Whats included?
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.
Whats NOT included?
Transportation to and from Everglades City
Meals or hotels before or after the tour
Personal items