EVerglades kayak camping general information

Part I - Pre-Departure Information

Part II - Whats Included?

Part III - Everglades Area Information

Part IV - Everglades Camping Details

Part V - Post-Tour Information

Part VI - Packing List 

Part VII - Participation Terms and Conditions

The following information has been designed to help you prepare for your trip and to help ease your arrival in Florida. Please carefully read through all sections of this page now (and once again shortly before departing) as it should answer most questions. If after reading through this document you still have questions, please feel free to contact us directly!

Confirming your reservation:

In order for your reservation to be confirmed, you'll need to do both of the following; 

1. Choose the adventure that's right for you! Each trip is rated at a difficultly level that increases with the number of days. Be sure to look closely at what they entail and what you feel comfortable physically. The ratings are based on number of total miles paddled in a day, continuous time spent in the kayak, exposure to tides/wind, and accessibility of campsites.
2. Complete the online Tour Reservation Form here. Its important to fill out all the basic info questions for EACH participant. (Name, age, gender, height, weight, Food restrictions, pertinent medical history, brief kayak/camp experience.)
3. Pay the balance due. A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot, with full payment due two months prior to your departure date.

Once you've completed these steps, you will be sent a confirmation email with all the necessary details for your trip…Congratulations! You've just booked your Everglades Wilderness Adventure! If you have trouble booking online, or have any questions at all you can call or message us directly.

Difficulty and Requirements:

Physical Fitness: 

All of our kayak tours are by their nature active outdoor adventure trips in the remote back country. We are fully self supported, meaning we carry all of our food, water, and gear for the trip and are responsible for getting ourselves through the itinerary without assistance.You don’t need to be a well-conditioned athlete, or an expert sea kayaker to enjoy yourself, however Sea Kayaking does require a moderate fitness level and some previous paddling experience is preferred, especially for longer trips.

At a minimum, you must be able to climb in and out of the kayak seat at ground level without assistance. 

If you are not already doing so, starting a regular strength exercise regimen today is a very sensible idea that will pay great dividends, both during your tour and throughout your life.

Adverse weather conditions: 

Head winds, waves, and  opposing currents can make the paddling difficult. You must have the strength to control your kayak in these sometimes difficult conditions. It goes without saying that the healthier you are and the better shape you are in, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. 

Sea Kayak Fit and Comfort:

Sea kayaks have narrow and confining sit-inside seats with a MAXIMUM 220lbs person capacity for singles and 250lbs per person for tandems. Folks taller than 6’4” or with shoes sizes above 12us may find the fit to be tight.

Our tandem kayaks are very stable and efficient with ample storage but do require teamwork to paddle. We will always bring at least one or two tandems(based on group size) for food storage on a tour. Even numbered groups are encouraged to be in tandem because of their safety and storage capacity.

We have single kayaks available for odd numbered groups or upon request from experienced paddlers. Single kayaks can be a bit more manueverable, but are also more tippy and require a bit more work to keep up with the tandem kayaks, especially against tides or wind.

Tour Difficulty:

Each tour is rated with a difficulty level based on distance, exposure, and accessibility. It is your responsibility to self assess your own physical limitations and abilities to choose the tour that best fits you. We are happy to answer questions and help guide you in doing so.

3-Day Beach Camping Excursion - “Beginner/Easy Active”

This tour has on average 6-8 miles and 3-4 hours of paddling per day. It is our easiest trip and is suitable for beginner kayakers and families. It's great for newcomers to active adventure travel. We basecamp both nights in one campsite to avoid spending more time with set up and break down. 

4-Day Rivers and Islands - “beginner/Intermediate”

This tour has up to 8-10 miles a day and 4-5 hours of paddling. Similar to the 3 day but with just a little extra. We will base camp 2 night in one location and have a last night in another.

5-Day Mangrove Explorer: - “Intermediate/Advanced”

This tour has up to 12-15 miles and 6-7 hours of paddling per day. It is best for individuals with some sea kayaking and primitive camping experience. On this trip will will change campsites a few times on order to reach deeper into the park.

8-Day Wilderness Waterway: - “Expert/Strenuous” 

This trip is recommended only for fit travelers and experienced kayakers. It has up to 20 miles and 10+ hours paddling per day with potentially limited breaks. This trip also requires breaking and moving camp every day to reach our required campsites with no rest days. Proof of extensive kayaking experience is required.

Custom Private Tours: 

Want a more Intimate experience with just your family or a group of close friends? Perhaps looking for more advanced paddling, or even a trip with longer duration but easier days with more time to relax? Ask about our private option! We can do the 3, 4 or 5 day trips tailored to your groups skills level and desires! The 8 day wilderness waterway option can be made private but will still be a very challenging journey, for advanced paddlers it can be done in a shorter span(bigger days) but the price remains the same. (Minimum of 4 spaces reserved regardless of group size for private tours).

Gear:

We supply all kayaks, kayaking equipment, camping gear, food, safety gear, and camp kitchen. We use high volume expedition type tandem sea kayaks of fiberglass composite construction, and rotomolded plastic single kayaks, as well as some higher end composite skeg boats available upon special request for experienced sea kayakers.

The tandems are large and stable sit-inside sea kayaks with spray skirts and foot pedal controlled rudder systems, where as the singles, though still quite long, are a much slimmer cockpit and a bit more “tippy” feeling. Because of their size, these kayaks take some practice to maneuver, especially compared to more commonly used sit-on-top kayaks. Paddlers with sea kayak experience often prefer the single kayaks, however beginners and families with children will do better in the doubles. 

All kayak equipment provided:

• Single or Tandem Kayak
• Paddle
• PFD (life jacket)
• Spray Skirt
• two dry bags for personal items (10L & 5L) 

All camping equipment provided: 

• 2/3-person freestanding Kelty dome tents 
• 3-season Marmot sleeping bags
• self inflating Sea to Summit mattresses
• packable camp pillows
• Lightweight camp chair

Of course, if you have and prefer your own sea kayak(at least 16ft long with sealed bulkheads, a cockpit that has a fitted spray skirt, deck lines and bungees) or packable backpacking style camping gear (tent, bag, mat etc), you are welcome to bring them from home, but must meet minimum requirements appropriate for the trip. Feel free to reach out to “talk gear” if you're unsure!

Professional Guide: 

Your guide will be your route finder, wildlife spotter, naturalist interpreter, camp site organizer, kayak packing expert, broken gear repairman, spirit motivator, emergency rescuer, personal chef and pot scrubber. They will share their knowledge of this unique environment with you, instruct you in kayaking skills, help you feel comfortable camping in the backcountry, and prepare delicious meals for you. They are also just plain fun! Kayak with us and you'll get to know the Everglades like the back of your hand.

Safety is the guides #1 priority for every trip we run, so they will also be keeping a close eye on weather conditions, boat traffic, currents and group management. Even if you're new to kayaking, paddling with a guide every step of the way is very safe.

Included Safety: 

We have  prepared and use an up-to-date Emergency Action Plan. As a wilderness first responder, your guide is trained to respond to medical emergencies in the backcountry. As a sea kayak instructor, they are qualified not only to perform, but to teach open water sea kayak safety and rescue skills.

Your guide will thoroughly discuss all safety procedures before we head out. Everyone is required to wear the provided life vest at all times on the water. Throughout the tour, your guide will carry kayak safety equipment such as tow system, paddle float, bilge pump, and first aid. 

Your guide carries a navigation system including compass, detailed charts, and vast experience paddling this area. They also carry communications equipment for use if an emergency evacuation is required.

You will be paddling in high quality kayaks designed to handle coastal conditions and using the best modern equipment. We keep a close watch on weather and never go out if dangerous conditions such as lightening, excessive waves or high wind threatens.

Food and Beverages: 

All meals are included from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last and are prepared by your guide in camp. We bring a large walk-in screen tent for insect protection at meal time and a complete camp kitchen. 

We feature fresh, nutritious, tasty foods and hearty meals of large portions. With our planning and experience, we've learned it is not necessary to use bland and unhealthy dehydrated meals in the backcountry. Special diets such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, etc. can be accommodated. Please list dietary restrictions and preferences on your Reservation.

We include cooked breakfast most mornings with hot coffee or tea and fresh fruit. Lunches are buffet picnic style where possible or prepared brown bag meals that we carry inside our kayaks when necessary. Dinner is a highlight that often includes local seafood, fresh salads and desserts. 

We provide plenty of fresh drinking water for the duration of the tour. You are welcome to bring additional soda, beer, wine, or liquor but be aware it's not possible to keep drinks cold. You’re also welcome to bring any personal snack food that you especially enjoy.

Where do we meet?

All tours depart and return from the boat ramp at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.  The kayak ramp is located to the right of the green fence, look for the full size van with kayak trailer. Transportation to and from this start/end point is not included in the tour price.

The address is:

815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139.

Everglades City is located at the southern end of Highway 29, three miles south of the junction with Tamiami Trail (Route 41) and 20 miles south of exit #80 off Alligator Alley toll road (I-75). You are encouraged to drive your vehicle or rental car to Everglades City and park for free at the secure visitor center lot for the duration of the tour. Additional luggage that you will not be taking on the kayak tour can then be easily and securely locked in the vehicle's trunk.

PRE/POST TOUR LODGING:

Lodging before and after the tour is not included in the tour price. You are welcome to make your own reservations at one of several hotels in Everglades City or nearby communities. Keep in mind, you must meet your group at 9:00am the first morning of the tour at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

The closest campground to Everglades City is Trail Lakes Campground only a 10-15 minute drive from town.

Located at:

40904 Tamiami Trail E,Ochopee, FL 34141

Trail Lakes Campground has private air conditioned Cabins, Indigenous style Chickee huts, tent camping and full hookup RV spaces. There are hot showers, flush toilets and powered sites available. As well as several ponds that allow catch and release fishing, and guided traditional pole boat day tours on the famous Turner River in the heart of Big Cypress. 

For more information visit:  www.evergladescamping.net

Convenient hotel lodging can be found in Everglades City at the Ivey House.

Located at:

605 Buckner Ave NEverglades City, FL 34139

The Ivey House is a full service bed and breakfast style hotel. They offer rooms with two doubles/one king, private bath, central air, mini fridge, television and telephone. All rooms include a buffet style hot breakfast and use of screened swimming pool. For more information visit: www.iveyhouse.com.

Please contact either directly for a reservation and tell them you were referred by us and are taking an overnight kayak camping tour. All reservations and room types/campsites are subject to availability. Rates are subject to change.

Dining: 

Breakfast on the first morning or dinner on the last day are not included on any tour. No matter where you are staying, please have eaten breakfast, be dressed for kayaking and be at the visitor center at 9:00am. 

There are several options for breakfast in Everglades City; Nely's Corner at Everglades Fising Co., Ivey House Buffet, and Island Cafe. 

The Ivey House has a hot breakfast buffet included for all guests staying in their rooms or an extra charge for walk-ins. The Island Cafe is a full service restaurant with large menu and is open for breakfast. It's located on the right side of Collier Avenue, half mile past the bridge after entering Everglades City. Nelys's Corner is a small breakfast and lunch spot that is only Open on weekends, but also offers espresso, lattes, and smoothies. Located inside Everglades Fishing Company a bit Further up the road beyond Island Cafe. 

Post tour or the night before there are also great chioces. Camelia Street Grill is a wonderful dinner option  with water front seating along the edge of the Baron River. The Havana Cafe is a charming Cuban style restaurant open for lunch and dinner.

Travel Options:

There is no regularly scheduled public transportation to this small community located in the heart of the Everglades. Most visitors find that driving here is the most economical and convenient method. However, there are relatively expensive private taxis or affordable ride sharing services (Uber/Lyft) available from nearby communities and airports. Please note that ride sharing services DO NOT pickup in Everglades City at the end of the trip.

The three international airports discussed below have all major rental car companies located directly at the terminal and the price for renting a car in Florida is often surprisingly low. Many visitors find it most economical and convenient to fly to one of these airports, rent a car, drive to Everglades City, park for free during the tour and then return the car to the airport when they depart. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center has free long term parking and parking for the duration of the tour is very safe. We have never had a break-in of a guest's vehicle.

Florida Flights: 

Airfare to and from Florida is not included in the tour price and you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. As all tours begin at 9:00am on the first morning, you must arrive at least one day prior to the tour departure date (at least the night before). There are three international airports located close to Everglades City and all three are about equal driving time of 90 minutes. 

Miami International (MIA) typically has the most flights from the western US and foreign countries. This airport is located near the center of Miami and can have significant traffic delays during rush hours, which greatly increases the 90 minute driving time. 

Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) is also about 90 minutes driving time from Everglades City, but is located for very easy and fast access. Ft Lauderdale typically has the most flights from eastern US cities.

Southwest Florida International (RSW) is located near Ft Myers and also has very fast and easy access. It's also approximately 90 minutes driving time to Everglades City and typically has the most flights from midwest US cities.

Return Flights: All of our tours end at the boat ramp at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City before 4:00pm on the last day of the tour (barring some unexpected delay). Although it is possible to fly home the same evening your tour ends, make sure the scheduled departure time of your flight is after 8:00pm. After spending several days in the backcountry, most guests prefer having a shower and spending a night post-tour before boarding a plane and traveling home. Please note that there are no public showers in Everglades City.

First Morning: 

All tours begin at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center boat ramp at 9:00am on the first morning of the tour. The ramp is located to the right (north side) of the green fence. Look for the full size passenger van and kayak trailer. 

Please don't bother the national park rangers or the sightseeing boat staff with questions about your tour, they don’t work for us and know nothing. It's your responsibility to be at the access at the appointed time. If you are staying out of town, you will need to drive to the visitor center. If you are going to be late, please call us immediately. 

Make sure you've had breakfast, filled your water bottles and are appropriately dressed for kayaking (see below). We will begin sea kayaking on the first morning of the tour and you should be dressed accordingly. Wear your protective kayaking shoes, a sun protective long sleeve shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. 

Upon arrival, we will collected the signed waivers, hand out dry bags for packing personal items and start loading our kayaks. Your guide will instruct you where to park for the duration of the tour. The long term parking at the visitor center is very secure and we've never had a vehicle break-in. Once everyone is ready, we’ll all do introductions and your guide will cover the first day's schedule. 

We will provide you with one small 5L dry bag to hold your camera, binoculars, or anything else you want to have handy in the kayak seat(things like water bottles, suncreen and bug spray need not go in a dry bag). 

All other personal items will be packed in one provided 10L overnight dry bag. This bag will be stowed inside your kayak hatch and will be inaccessible while on the water.

Large items such as camp shoes, rain jacket or wine bottle do not have to fit into the 10L dry bag and can be stored directly in the kayak hatch. See the Packing List for more information. Please do not over-pack as space in a sea kayak is very limited.

Be sure to bring your FLEXIBILITY, PATIENCE AND A SENSE OF HUMOR! As you’re undoubtedly aware, regardless of the precision of one’s preparations and fervency of one’s desires, things don’t always go exactly as planned! We always make all reasonable efforts to adhere to the itinerary as outlined, but if something unforeseen or otherwise out of our control does come up or limit us in any way, we ask for your patience and understanding as we do our best to improvise. Flexibility, patience, a positive attitude, and senses of humor and adventure are as important to bring along with you as your sunglasses and bug spray. Thank you!

Luggage Storage: 

Space is very limited in our sea kayaks, so you will not be able to bring anything more than you really need during the tour (see our Packing List below). If you are traveling independently before or after the tour and have excess luggage, gear, gifts, etc, please store these in your vehicle's truck before joining the tour. If you do not have your own vehicle, please inform your guide as soon as possible and we will make alternate storage arrangements.

Wildlife: 

Believe it or not, we have never had a guest or guide harmed or even threatened by any wildlife. Many folks visiting the Everglades for the first time are nervous about encounters with "dangerous wildlife" such as Alligators and Snakes, and though they can be present they present very little danger as long as they are respected.

Alligators are actually timid reptiles that are fearful of kayaks and people. Both Gators and snakes quickly submerge and swim quietly away whenever we approach. Incidents of alligator attacks in Florida are extremely rare, and its not likely to see a venomous species of snake where we go, so its not something to fear.

We also have native American Crocodiles, a different species entirely from more aggressive crocodiles found in the Africa, Australia or SE Asia. Similar to the alligator, the crocodiles found in south Florida are easily spooked and weary of people In general.

The widely reported invasion of non-native Burmese pythons is actually only a threat to the natural Everglades ecosystems and native wildlife, but not to people. Python are non-venomous constrictors which feed on small prey they can swallow whole (small mammals, frogs, birds, etc.). 

We do encounter a few aggressive raccoons at some of the campsites we visit. These raccoons have learned to steal food and water from previous campers or is some cases have been purposely hand fed. Some people cannot resist their cute faces as they beg for food. The old adage; “a fed raccoon is a dead raccoon” is definitely true. It’s very important not to leave any snack food in our tents, life jacket pockets or open kayak seats. We will always securely store our food and water in the sealed kayak hatches. By being knowledgeable and prepared, we have the experience to deal with all wildlife.

That said, the wildlife in the Everglades is incredibly diverse and beautiful. Winter is a fantastic time to catch sight of dozens of colorful and unique bird species. Long leggedwading birds like herons, egrets, storks and the elusive Roseate Spoonbill. Migratory song birds , flocks of white pelicans and raptors are also plentiful. Not to mention chances of encounters with dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and other marine life. 

Mosquitos and Insects: 

The winter months are the dry season in the Everglades when the insect levels are greatly reduced but never 0. At certain times in camp (warm/humid, dawn/dusk, no wind, near trees) the bugs can be irritating. We have both mosquitos and tiny biting gnats called a "no-see-um". When we're out kayaking on the open water we never have a problem, and if there's a breeze camp is fairly clear through most of the day. Our tents all have fine no-see-um mesh screens, which assures you of a good night's sleep. We also provide a large screened kitchen tent for use during meals if the bugs are bad. 

The best way to protect yourself is with a long sleeve shirt, long pants with socks and a head net. A skin repellant with 15-30% Deet is effective for mosquitos, although it has limited effectiveness against the no-see-um. DO NOT bring any 100% maximum strength Deet, it will melt the mesh screen of your tent and burn your skin. An essential oil based repellant like lemon-eucalyptus works best for no-see-ums. Treating your clothing with permethrin prior to the trip can also help. 

Climate and Weather: The Everglades enjoys a subtropical climate and the "winter" months are the best time of year to visit. No tours are run during the summer hurricane season. This is due to limited wildlife, hot and humid weather, unbearable insects, daily afternoon thunderstorms, dangerous lightning, and increasing regular hurricanes. 

It's best to visit the Everglades during the beautiful "winter" dry season. Temps can range from lows of 50 to 70 degrees at night and 60 to 85 degrees during the day. November to April is the dry season with abundant sunshine, warm days, cool nights, low humidity and little rain. The infamous clouds of biting insects are also greatly reduced. However, temperate cold fronts do reach the Everglades in winter. 

These cold fronts can bring occasional thunderstorms and be followed by strong north winds. Because of this, a packable rain/wind jacket and one set of warm camp clothes can still be necessary on our overnight camping tours, bring them with you to FL, then check the forecast the night before to decide what to bring. A specific full personal Packing List is provided below.

Campsites and Hygiene: We camp each night in primitive backcountry campsites with no facilities. The campsites DO NOT have electricity, fresh water, cell service, flush toilets or showers. Some campsites do have picnic tables and port-a-potty type toilets. As necessary, your guide will review appropriate leave-no-trace bathroom practices as specified by the park service. 

We carry ample freshwater for drinking and cooking, but it's not possible to bring enough fresh water for washing. We wash our dishes in saltwater using biodegradable green soap. It’s possible to wash ourselves in saltwater with the green soap, you may bring a small personal pack of wet wipes and hand sanitizer for cleaning hands and face. A small amount of freshwater can be used for brushing teeth.

Camera/Cell Phone: Bringing a cell phone for pictures is essential. You will almost certainly want to have it accessible in your kayak. However, there is a chance of getting it wet with ruinous saltwater, which only happens when it's out of the dry bag. If you don't want to take that chance, consider a one-use or inexpensive point-and-shoot camera or a waterproof phone case with a lanyard.

There is limited cell coverage in some of the places we visit, so if you want the phone for emergencies, to be in touch with family or for discrete private conversations, that’s fine. However, we strongly discourage you from using it while kayaking, in front of the group or even leaving it on. Thank you for respecting your fellow travelers’ desires to enjoy a vacation away from the connected world!

Last day of the tour: 

Barring some unexpected delay, all tours end before 4:00pm at the visitor center boat ramp (same place we started). From here you can immediately load your vehicle and depart to your previously booked hotel or the airport. You are welcome to use the restroom facilities at the visitor center to clean up and change clothes before you depart. Be aware that there are no public showers in Everglades City. 

Before we depart, we'll take one last "after" picture, exchange addresses and say good-bye to our new friends. 

Guide Gratuities: Your hard-working and conscientious guide is the single biggest factor in determining the success or failure of your tour and the quality of your Everglades experience. Our top-notch guides make it happen, working long hours to assure that your tour is fun, interesting, memorable and providing you with numerous personal services (including feeding you and looking after your personal safety) all with good cheer and genuine friendliness! As in other service industries, it is customary to show your appreciation at the end of the tour with a gratuity. 

While the amount is of course is up to you and should be based on the quality of your overall experience, the industry standard is generally 18-22% of the tour price (average of $40-60 per person per day). Guides are happy to accept cash, personal checks, or online services like PayPal or Venmo; whatever is easiest for you.

We want to hear from you: We do not distribute any kind of post-tour evaluation form. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to hear from you! We are always very happy to receive feedback from you, our valued clients, positive or otherwise. It is only through such feedback that we know what you especially enjoyed and what can perhaps be improved. If it’s not too much trouble, please take a few moments after your tour to share your thoughts and feelings about your experience with us. 

Also, many potential future guests use Trip Advisor to research their travel plans. It would be a great help to them and us, if you would like to post a review. We are also happy to see your photos and videos of your experience with us. Feel free to tag us on Facebook and Instagram. We may even publish some of the best photos you send us on our website or in our marketing. 

Thank you, we look forward to your visit!

Return Discount:

For those interested in other tours or lessons we appreciate your business, and we would love to extend a discount to returning customers!

Everglades Packing List:

**This list represents our professional recommendations, you should pack with the weather forecast and length of trip in mind and are allowed to add/remove some items based on your own personal experience. Remember, space in the kayak hatches is limited so less is more! Items that don't fit can be left behind in your vehicle.**

Clothing:

• Paddle Shoes - One pair water shoes or strap-on sandals, They will get repeatedly wet all day as we enter and exit the kayak. The shoes must not pull off your feet if we must walk in deep soft mud, and need thick soles and cover the entire foot to protect from sharp oyster beds. 

• Rain Jacket - One lightweight rain/wind jacket, "GoreTex" or other breathable material recommended, no umbrellas. A heavy weight paddle jacket is not necessary.

• Long Sleeve Shirts - Two max, lightweight synthetic shirts to wick away water and sweat. Athletic or “fishing” shirts work great. Long sleeve with a hood is recommended for sun and insect protection. High humidity, and heavy morning dew can keep clothing feeling clammy, but synthetic materials will dry quickly in full sun, cotton will not. 

• Shorts - Two pairs max for paddling, quick drying, lightweight synthetic. 

• Paddle Gloves - Synthetic gloves for blister and sun protection.

• Sun Hat - Full brim for sun protection, Very Important.

• Underwear - One set per day of synthetic material for paddling. 

• Camp Clothes - One set of comfortable clothes to be kept dry for sleeping. Cotton is fine. When lows are forecast below 65° aim for one long sleeve shirt, one pair of long pants(not jeans or bulky cargo), one pair of underwear, one pair of long socks. 

Personal Items:

• Water Bottles - TWO one-liter, wide mouth, refillable water bottles per person, Nalgene or aluminum. Staying hydrated is very important and we carry plenty of fresh water for drinking.

• Sunglasses - With 100% UV protection. Even if you don’t wear sunglasses at home, you will need them here. A leash or retainer will save them from being lost. Very Important.

• Sunscreen and Lip Balm - High SPF and waterproof.  Very Important.

• Insect Repellant - No 100% Deet! It destroys synthetic clothing and tent screens. Our recommendation is REPEL LEMON EUCALYPTUS, it works well for noseeums and is deet free. 

• Toiletries - tooth brush/tooth paste, wet wipes(for camp bathing), hand sanitizer(travel size), contact lenses/solution etc. Be aware that no fresh water is available for wash up. 

• Personal First Aid Kit - A small one in a ziplock bag. Bandaids, blister protection, OTC meds you frequently use(Tums, Aspirin, Benedryl, etc) personal prescription medications(PLEASE inform your guide where you will keep emergency lifesaving meds like heart pills, epi pens, inhalers etc).

• Headlamp - With spare batteries.

• Watch - With alarm for morning wake-up. 

----------------

----------------

Optional Items:

**these are not required items, but space allowing can add value**

• Sleeping bag/pad - although we have them available to use, many people prefer their own. MUST be small backpacking style, rated for 45-50 degrees recommended.

• Long Pants - One pair quick drying, lightweight synthetic for insect protection or cool nights.

• Sweatshirt - NO BULKY COTTON HOODIES, lightweight, backpacking style synthetic, smartwool, or packable puffy jacket, only needed midwinter if temps dip below 65 degrees.

• Camp Shoes- one pair only. Flip Flops, Sandals, or Crocs are great.

• Bathing Suit - For swimming at some campsites.

• Pack Towel - No bulky beach towels, backpacking style packable or shammy only.

• Sarong - has many uses(towel blanket, privacy screen etc), lightweight and packable.

• Waterproof Phone pouch - with lanyard 

• Camera - Waterproof point and shoots or disposables are great, if you plan to bring an expensive DSLR keep in mind there's always a chance of getting wet.  Saltwater destroys electronics.

• Binoculars - For wildlife viewing. 

• Earplugs - May be needed for restful sleep. 

• Book - A book, journal, sketchpad, or deck of cards for downtime at camp can be wonderful.

• Hammock - Not suitable for overnight but great for during the day(must be small, think ENO)

• Beverages - if you like soda, beer, wine, or alcohol with dinner you can bring your own but it can't be kept cold, and glass is not recommended. We will provide fresh water drinking and coffee/tea for breakfast. 

• Personal Snacks - We provide all meals and bring plenty of extra snack bars, but if you have a favorite small snack you prefer you're welcome to bring it.

• A tip for your guide - Gratuity is not included in the tour price. If you enjoyed your trip, guides will greatly appreciate any gratuities, and accept Cash, Venmo, PayPal or Zelle. ($40-$60 per person per day is common, but tipping is 100% at your discretion.)

We provide all Tents, Kayaks, Paddling and Safety gear, Dry Bags(Two 10L one 5L per person), Camp Chair, Meals starting with first day lunch, ending with last day lunch, and Water. If you have high quality personal gear you prefer to use you are welcome to bring it. 

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call.

Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required for the booking to be confirmed. The full balance is required if the booking is made within two months of the departure date. Once payment is received, we 

will issue a confirmation email and a contract will exist between us at that date. Payment of the balance is due two months before the departure date. If any payment is not made on or before the due date, we may treat your booking as cancelled. In order for us to confirm your reservation, you must provide all requested details in the Tour Reservation Questions. Necessary details include full name, age and sex of all people included in reservation, height and weigt for equipment sizing, any food allergies or restrictions, and any pre-existing conditions which may affect anyones ability to participate in the tour.

Cancellation by Wild Bones Expeditions: We may cancel a tour at any time for any reason up to two months before departure. We may cancel a tour at any time prior to departure if external events outside 

our control such as travel restrictions, government shutdown, natural disasters, national park closure, campsite limitations, guide illness or injury, unsafe weather conditions, etc make it not viable for us to operate the trip. If your trip is cancelled by us, you will be able to reschedule at a later date or may receive full refund. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including but not limited to lodging, transportation, and travel insurance. You are strongly advised to take out personal travel 

insurance at the time of booking which will cover non-refundable payments. Because we operate under national park commercial use authorization regulations, this cancellation policy is firm in all situations. 

Cancellation by Client: We require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of tour cost per person to confirm your reservation. The balance is due two months prior to departure. Cancellation by you for any reason at any time prior to departure is not eligible for refund of any payments submitted. You may however be able to transfer amounts paid to a later tour or to another individual. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave prior to completion, no refund will be made 

for unused services. A cancellation by you will only be effective when we receive written notice. You are strongly advised to take out personal travel insurance at the time of booking.

MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age is 10 years old on the departure date. All minor children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian is responsible for the minor’s day-to-day care. Each minor child is required to paddle in a tandem kayak with one adult family member. This means all 

family bookings with minor children must have one adult participant for each child.

MAXIMUM AGE: We have no maximum age limit, however we remind you these are physically demanding sea kayak tours. At minimum, you must be able to climb in and out of a confining sit-inside sea kayak seat from ground level without assistance. This can be especially difficult for those age 70 years and over. Our tours also operate in 

remote backcountry areas where quick evacuation is not possible. We are not medical experts, it is your responsibility 

to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice concerning active adventure travel in remote areas. If you suffer personal injury or death, we have no liability for any cost/loss/damage, nor will we refund any unused portion of your travel arrangements.

PHYSICAL FITNESS: These kayak tours are active outdoor adventure trips in the remote backcountry. We use sit-inside sea kayaks that have narrow and confining seats with a MAXIMUM 220 POUNDS person capacity. Each tour participant must have the strength and flexibility to climb in and out of the kayak seat at ground level without assistance. In addition high winds, large waves and strong currents can sometimes make paddling difficult. Each participant must have the physical strength necessary to control their kayak in difficult conditions. Each adult on the 

family tours must also have the strength to paddle a double kayak by themselves with little assistance from their minor child in the front seat. 

INCLUSIONS: The price of your trip includes: the paddle routes described in the Sample Itinerary, wildlife viewing opportunities described in the What's Included, guide services described in the What's Included, all meals listed starting with lunch day one ending with lunch the last day, all camping accommodation listed, all kayaks and safety equipment, all necessary camping gear, all required national park camping fees and permits. 

EXCLUSIONS: The price of your trip does not include: transportation to/from your home to Everglades City, pre and post tour accommodation, pre and post tour meals, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal travel/trip insurance, guide gratuities, and personal items listed in the Packing List.

PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE: Personal travel/trip insurance which offers comprehensive coverage and peace of mind is strongly recommended for all tour participants. These policies are designed to protect you in case of lost/damaged luggage, flight cancellation/delay, medical expenses, emergency evacuation costs, trip cancellation 

and other covered situations. If you must cancel your trip for any covered reason (illness, injury, family emergency, etc) the policy should reimburse you. Short term policies of this sort are relatively inexpensive and routinely issued by most travel and insurance agencies (available online). 

DISCLAIMER: Regardless of the precision of our preparations and fervency of our desires, things don't always go exactly as planned. National park permit restrictions, campsite limitations, participant's skill levels, hurricanes, other adverse weather conditions, water levels, tidal currents, winds, waves and other factors subject to and beyond our 

control mean that we cannot absolutely guarantee the advertised itinerary will be precisely followed. Sometimes alternate campsites must be used, the direction of travel reversed or specific routes altered. While reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the itinerary, we cannot be held 

responsible for changes. Although infrequent it is also sometimes necessary for us to cancel a trip. Under no circumstances will a refund in whole or part be issued due to a cancellation or any itinerary changes. We also cannot be held responsible for any resulting expenses (lodging, transportation, etc) incurred by the clients. If something 

unforeseen does occur, we ask for your patience and understanding as we do our best to deal with the conditions. All final decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the guide. 

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: While safety is our constant concern, all clients are at all times participating solely at their own risk. Active/remote adventure tours such as this and sea kayaking itself contain inherent risks. Your participation in the trip signals your explicit acknowledgment and acceptance of these risks and your own personal 

responsibility for the safety and well being of yourself, your minor children, and your personal property. 

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: Neither Wild Bones Expeditions or any entities acting in 

any capacity on his behalf will be liable under any circumstances for any personal injury/illness/accidental death or loss/theft/damage to any personal property. It is the responsibility of all clients to obtain, read and sign a copy of the Liability Waiver form before the start of the tour. Your payment of the tour price constitutes your legal acceptance of these terms. A comprehensive personal travel/trip insurance policy is strongly recommended. 

SEVERABILITY: In the event that any term or condition contained in this contract is unenforceable, void by law, or 

against public policy, then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended only 

to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding. 

COMPLAINTS AND CLAIMS: If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your guide immediately in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing within seven days of the end of the tour. 

PHOTOGRAPHY/WRITTEN COMMUNICATION RELEASE: By participating in this tour, you are agreeing 

to allow the use of your photographed/videotaped image or written communications to appear on our website, 

Facebook page, email marketing, print literature, or any other type of advertising or promotion without notification or compensation. 

PRIVACY POLICY: Any personal information that we collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of the tour or future marketing. This information may be disclosed to others. 

UPDATING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wild Bones Expeditions reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at anytime, and it is the client's responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions will supersede any previous versions.