Kayaking and Beach Camping Adventure - Everglades, FloridaJanuary 23-29, 2022
*Custom dates also available |
Spend five days kayaking and camping in the northern region of the Everglades "10,000 Islands Region!" This trip takes you into the winding mangrove waterways along the coast, as well as out to the pristine white sandy beaches that are scattered throughout the region. Padding the Gulf of Mexico waters as we island-hop,we'll be looking out for dolphins, rays, and a wide array of birds including osprey, bald eagle, anhinga, roseate spoonbill, herons, and egrets. Many of the islands of this region were originally shell mounds created by the Calusa Indians, and over time these islands grew to be quite large. White sand beaches stretch along many of these islands and offer inviting lunch and camp sites. During our paddles and nights in camp you’ll also learn about the Everglade’s colorful history as the “last frontier” – a history not so far away in time that includes alligator hunters, drug runners, and murderers! Our four nights will be spent at campsites at various island beach and ground sites. After setting up camp, there is plenty of time to explore the islands, go shell-hunting, read a book, or fish the flats for the redfish, sea trout, and snook the Everglades are famous for. The evenings are spent enjoying dinner, watching the sunset, and relaxing by the campfire.
This trip is designed for paddlers with some previous kayaking experience. Basic paddling and safety instruction will be reviewed at the beginning of the trip. You should be in good health and accustomed to regular exercise. The cost of the trip includes all equipment (kayak and paddling accessories), local transportation (as needed), and all on-water meals. Not included in the cost is air or land transportation to the Everglades City, Florida area, lodging before or after the trip, any meals not previously mentioned, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for the guides, or medical expenses due to injury or illness. You will want to secure your own lodging in Everglades City or nearby for the night before the trip begins and the night after the trip ends. You will need to provide your own tent, sleeping bag, and pad. However, tents and pads are available for rent.
This trip is designed for paddlers with some previous kayaking experience. Basic paddling and safety instruction will be reviewed at the beginning of the trip. You should be in good health and accustomed to regular exercise. The cost of the trip includes all equipment (kayak and paddling accessories), local transportation (as needed), and all on-water meals. Not included in the cost is air or land transportation to the Everglades City, Florida area, lodging before or after the trip, any meals not previously mentioned, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for the guides, or medical expenses due to injury or illness. You will want to secure your own lodging in Everglades City or nearby for the night before the trip begins and the night after the trip ends. You will need to provide your own tent, sleeping bag, and pad. However, tents and pads are available for rent.
Trip Highlights
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"We knew nothing about Scott when we went on our first trip. We were VERY impressed. Scott is not only an excellent paddler, he is an experienced and responsible outdoor guide, and an accomplished group leader. Though Scott was easy going and good humored, we were very aware that he was watching the weather and the tides at all times. He had alternative plans for each day based on conditions and it was clear that if the weather created conditions beyond the ability levels of anyone in the group, we would not paddle. When we were on the water, Scott clearly was watchful of everyone in the group, without being over-protective. "
Mike Thompson - Potsdam, NY
Itinerary (subject to weather and tides)
Day 1 - Arrive in Everglades City, settle in, re-pack for the trip and head out to dinner.
Day 2 - After breakfast at a local eatery, we pack up and head to launch in Goodland, Florida where we pack our boats and head out for the week. Our first night will be spent on Whitehorse Key where you'll enjoy evening cocktails and dinner watching the sun set.
Day 3 - After a hearty island breakfast, we'll pack up the kayaks again and head further south for a couple of nights on either Lulu Key or Panther Key. Another beautiful sunset awaits with dinner on the beach and nothing but the sound of the Gulf of Mexico to lull you to sleep.
Day 4 - Is our day to explore towards the mainland paddling into back bays and through mangrove "alleys". The afternoon will be left for hanging out and reading a book, fishing, beach-combing or anything else you desire.
Day 5 - After breakfast, we break camp again and head back towards White Horse Key or Hog Key for the night. After landing and setting camp we'll go for an afternoon paddle back into the mangroves. We'll enjoy our last island dinner and sunset overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Day 6 - After breakfast and breaking camp, we head back to our launch, break down and clean gear and then return to Everglades City for hot showers and cold drinks.
Day 7 - Unfortunately, is when we say our "goodbyes" and head back to the airport and reality.
Day 2 - After breakfast at a local eatery, we pack up and head to launch in Goodland, Florida where we pack our boats and head out for the week. Our first night will be spent on Whitehorse Key where you'll enjoy evening cocktails and dinner watching the sun set.
Day 3 - After a hearty island breakfast, we'll pack up the kayaks again and head further south for a couple of nights on either Lulu Key or Panther Key. Another beautiful sunset awaits with dinner on the beach and nothing but the sound of the Gulf of Mexico to lull you to sleep.
Day 4 - Is our day to explore towards the mainland paddling into back bays and through mangrove "alleys". The afternoon will be left for hanging out and reading a book, fishing, beach-combing or anything else you desire.
Day 5 - After breakfast, we break camp again and head back towards White Horse Key or Hog Key for the night. After landing and setting camp we'll go for an afternoon paddle back into the mangroves. We'll enjoy our last island dinner and sunset overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Day 6 - After breakfast and breaking camp, we head back to our launch, break down and clean gear and then return to Everglades City for hot showers and cold drinks.
Day 7 - Unfortunately, is when we say our "goodbyes" and head back to the airport and reality.
What's Included and Trip Cost
- First and last nights lodging in Everglades City, Florida.
- First and last nights dinners in Everglades City, Florida.
- All on water meals and snacks.
- Entrance fees to state parks.
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling and camping equipment (except sleeping bags).
- Scott Locorini as your kayak guide.
- Ft Myers, FL airport pickup available for a fee
- $1495 double occupancy
- $150 single occupancy fee
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the tours. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us or call (315) 316-1125 with questions.