Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition worth booking?
Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition is a 3.5-hour experience in Everglades National Park, United States, from $200 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (31)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Everglades National Park is unique on our planet. It is a wonderful, water-filled paradise that is best accessed by a quiet, slow-moving, shallow draft boat. One of the best loved residents of the Park are Bottle-Nosed D
What you get
About this experience
Everglades National Park is unique on our planet. It is a wonderful, water-filled paradise that is best accessed by a quiet, slow-moving, shallow draft boat. One of the best loved residents of the Park are Bottle-Nosed Dolphins. Watching dolphin, in their natural habitat, interacting with each other, something that you will never forget. Our full-time, formally trained, Florida Master Naturalist guides will safely take you deep into the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades. While searching for dolphins, manatees and some of the 300 different species of birds that call the Park home, you will learn about the different Everglades ecosystem, its long history and rich culture. You will have fun and learn a lot. Don't forget your cameras! Note: June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.
What's included
Included
- Walking Tour
- Boating
Not included
- Gratuity
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Everglades National Park
"The Quiet Alternative to an Airboat ride" A quiet, comfortable, Naturalist guided Eco-Educational experience directly in Everglades National Park that is great for all ages. Explore Everglades National Park's 10,000 Islands with a Florida Master Naturalist guide on this Hands-On experience. Learn about the Everglades varied ecosystems, its wonderful wildlife, its long history and its rich culture while searching for wildlife. (Please note: Loud Airboats are not allowed in the Park due to their impact on the environment)
180 minutes here
Chokoloskee Bay
You will also depart the boat to explore an uninhabited barrier island beach with your naturalist guide. A great hands-on experience. Dolphins. Eagles. Ospreys. Pelicans. Sea Turtles. Egrets. Herons. Manatees. Rosette Spoonbills. Shore Birds. Cameras are a must. Be sure to bring water, hats, sunglasses, and your binoculars. This a great experience for ages. Each tour is limited to just six guests to keep the experience intimate, so reservations are required.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Everglades National Park
After turning off US 41/Tamiami Trail onto County Rd 29 go through Everglades City to the Parkway Marina at Chokoloskee and meet the captain at the boat dock.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
After turning off US 41/Tamiami Trail onto County Rd 29 go through Everglades City to the Parkway Marina at Chokoloskee and meet the captain at the boat dock.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Everglades Boat Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guest must decend a 2-3 rung ladder to board the boats
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointing - This "expedition" was a ride on a motor boat and walking on a sandbar.
Arrangements may vary but our "expedition" was a ride in a small boat with outboard motor propulsion, maybe room for 6 passengers. The boat took a great deal of time chugging up a man-made channel then finally went out into the "10,000 Islands" area of the Florida coast. You may pass within the boundaries of the national park on occasion, but you won't notice. You just look at the coastline of lots of little island channels, all bounded by mangroves. Our guide kept his mouth shut most of the time, but did stop ocasionally to tell us about this or that bird he spotted. The walking part of the expedition was just beaching on a sandbar and letting us out, unaccompanied, to look for seashells. We were quite disappointed with the whole thing and told the guide to cut it short. On the way back we drew him out and got good suggestions for a restaurant and sightseeing for our trip back to Miami. Yeah in some ways the whole thing was our fault, for failing to understand that the Everglades is a big place and is not just swamps and alligators. We didn't research carefully enough and expected something quite different from what was provided. Still, this was a poor quality "expedition." We expected a guide to "talk it up" and not just silently pilot a small motorboat. And we expected the walking to be more than being let out by ourselves to roam around on a sandbar. Hence the two stars.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re genuinely sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond. It’s clear that the tour did not align with what you were hoping for, particularly in terms of narration, engagement, and the guided portion of the shelling experience, and for that we sincerely apologize. As you saw, The Everglades is very vast and diverse and we would love to offer a chance for you all to see it again with us if you'd like on one of our many other tours in the Everglades. We truly regret that the overall experience fell short and appreciate your honesty. Please reach out to us directly so we can make this right!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect trip
Great trip! First of all, this is not the trip I originally booked. Due to scheduling changes, my shorter morning trip became unavailable but the director phoned me immediately and offered me a choice of another trip at the cost of my original booking. So my friend and I ended up on this longer trip, guided by Captain Don. It was just us and another couple. Don was so knowledgeable and so eager to show us around. He had spotted a group of dolphins mating earlier in the day, so we zipped right out and he located them -- I mean, how often do you get to watch dolphins canoodling right in front of you? Then we headed further out and Don took us to whatever looked interesting, which was a lot. We stopped at 2 small islets/cays/beaches? I don't know the proper word. But anyway, he showed us all sorts of interesting marine and bird life, as well as local vegetation and objects of historic interest such as the ancient oyster shell wall. Believe me, it's impressive. If you are guided by Captain Don, make sure to ask him about Nyad -- he has a lot to tell you. All in all, a wonderful outing with a very pleasant and knowledgable guide. I'd repeat this trip if I were in the area, that's how good it was.
Response from the operator: Sounds like a great turn of events! Seems the scheduling mix-up ended up being a blessing in disguise. Captain Don has a way of making the trips educational and fun for everyone and loves sharing his passion and knowledge of the Everglades with everyone that comes out! Thank you so much for coming out with us! So glad you had a great time!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience in the Everglades - wildlife, mangroves, indigenous artifacts, and a great guide!
We had am amazing time - Dan was our captain, and it ended up being just our family group on the boat. We saw a lot of wildlife during the tour - baby horseshoe crabs, nesting birds, and several dolphins (including a group that played near the boat for a while). The sandbar where we anchored to walk was beautiful, and we also got a chance to see some really interesting artifacts from the first people who had lived in the Everglades. Dan was a great captain - tremendously knowledgeable and friendly - and we got a chance to see things on the tour that we wouldn't have even known to look for without his expertise. Cannot recommend the tour highly enough!
Response from the operator: You got to see so many wonderful parts and creatures, always makes for great memories. So glad Dan got share his knowledge and insights and show off this wonderful area to you. Thank you so much for touring with us and taking the time to leave a review.
via Tripadvisor
Great time in the Everglades
-Incredible and knowledgeable guide -Learned about the history and indigenous people -We saw lots of wildlife -Small group of kindred spirits -Lots of fun!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day!
Amazing morning in the Everglades! We loved seeing dolphins, manatees, a bird rookery and a stingray. The tour was perfect for our family. We loved hearing about the history and the wildlife.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Everglades National Park.
How much does Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Everglades National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Everglades National Park is not rushed.
Is Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Everglades National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Everglades National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Everglades National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Everglades Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Everglades National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Everglades National Park?
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Everglades National Park draws visitors for its landscapes, wildlife and guided outdoor experiences. Outty tracks every bookable tour here, scores it with the Outty Ranking, and shows what is worth your time, from full-day guided trips to short scenic outings. On Outty we rank every Everglades National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour Everglades, Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour, Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park?
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Late spring through early fall for full access and the widest tour availability, with quieter trails in the shoulder weeks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Everglades National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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