Frequently Asked Questions

It is nature and it is wild. Every trip is different. Some days, we are fortunate to see a lot of wildlife, some days less. That is up to Mother Nature. However, all our guides are experienced outdoors men and women, naturalists and educators. We will have a handle on where the wildlife is on a any given day, but we can view only what is there. Most days, you can see ospreys, various breeds of herons and egrets, pelicans, numerous species of shorebirds and raccoons. Most every tour,in the warmer months, manatees are typically spotted from the transport boat. However, our guests also commonly see dolphibns, rosette spoonbills, bald eagles, various hawks, white pelicans, owls, sea turtles, kites and black vultures. We have seen wild hogs, bobcats, white-tail deer and even black bear on some occasions from the kayaks. We really never know until we are there.

Please bring wharever you wish to eat or drink. We do suggest plenty of water, but please adhere to our "Leave No Trace" policy. Clothing should be appropriate for the season and the day's weather. The transport boat is open and we travel swiftly. A light jacket is needed on most trips. Sun protection is always a good idea ...hats, sun block, etc. Along the beaches, you may wish to get out of the kayaks and walk in the water or you may wish to take a bit of time on the beach by yourself. Protective footwear, that you do not mind getting wet, is a good recommendation. Bring a camera (in a plastic zip lock bag if it is not waterproof). Binoculars and field glasses are also a good idea.

The kayaks that we use for the ECO tours are state-of-the-art. You actually sit on a comfortable cushioned seat with very good back support. You simply sit down in the seat just as you would sit in a chair. You do not crawl into these kayak as with other types. They are sealed and will not fill with water or sink. They are dry, very easy to paddle and very stable. However, as you paddle, drops of water can run down the paddle shaft. This paddle drizzle can get on your legs. Many wear shorts or light fast drying pants (like nylon fishing clothing) when on these trips ... some bring the pants from their rain suits ... others swimming suits.

The total tour is 3 1/2 hours but we request that you allot 4 hours of your day. There is a 1/2 to3/4 hour interpretive boat tour each way; the paddling part of the trip is about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. If we do a beach walk,the paddle time is broken up with the walk and we sometimes do not paddle as long. Many tell us the boat trip alone is "worth the price of admission". These trips are not canned, so the times can vary depending on the day. If you have a time constraint, please let us know at the beginning of the tour.

The Everglades Area is famous for alligators. However, the alligators are not a problem for our guests. They keep a safe distance away and so do we. They are fond of fish and fowl. A person in a kayak simply does not resemble anything close to a wading bird!

During the rainy season (June through September) we can see them on our Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tours. However, on the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tours we see them on most every tour throughout the year.

Everglades Boat Tours requires a credit card with a deposit to secure your reservation, Once confirmed, we will send you a confirming email with all the needed details. As a matter of convenience, we will charge the balance of your trip to your card the day of the trip. If your experience is booked within 21 days of the departure date, we will collect the entire fare. We do offer a 5% cash discount. Should you wish to pay with cash, please let us know at the time of your reservation.

Fortunately, we are in an area where weather rarely forces us to cancel a tour. We have many choices and options in this wonderful area. However, the captain and guide has the ultimate responsibility for your safety and will make all "GO" or "NO-GO" decision. In the case of a "NO-GO" decision, you will have an option to re-schedule, receive a full refund or join another tour that is not affected.

During the months of June through September, South Florida becomes a tropical/sub-tropical paradise. The heating of the land mass triggers afternoon thunderstorms and convective sea breezes, so we encourage guests to book our experiences in the mornings during these months. The mangrove tunnel tours are rarely affected by the breezes and the warm rain showers can be pleasant. We will conduct the tours in the afternoons if desired by our guests. If the tour departs and we must return due to bad weather, we will a refund prorated up to 50% of the tour value.

Everglades Boat Tours wants you enjoy our tours and have a great time so you can tell others!!! All our tours are reserved in advance. However, we realize that situations occur that alter travel schedules and plans. If you cancel your tour prior to 14 days from the schedule tour date, your deposit will be completely refunded. If you cancel the tour within 14 days prior to the tour date, you will be offered an option to re-schedule the tour to another date. However, if the tour cannot be rescheduled, the deposit amounts may be forfeited or a gift certificate issued for the deposited amount at Everglades Boat Tours sole discretion. If a tour date is cancelled within three days of the tour date, the complete tour booking fees may be forfeited or the trip re-scheduled at the sole discretion of Everglades Boat Tours.