Kayak through the Everglades

Kayaking is part of the Everglades experience. There are several routes and you can rent a kayak for a few hours, as well as for a few days. This is possible both in Everglades National Park and the nearby Big Cypress.

You can organise multi-day tours yourself, but you can also do this with a park ranger. With the latter, you get an enormous amount of information about the animals and plants. A multi-day canoe or kayak tour takes you right through the park. This is the real adventure. 

Where you can spend the night in tents at rustic locations where Indians used to live. Far away from most other tourists.

Also, you're most likely to encounter unique animals, such as the American crocodile. You must not confuse this rare reptile with an American alligator. Ask for information about these tours at the visitor centre. 

Pay attention to the various islands in Everglades NP on the way, where you can camp in an almost deserted place. Hire a canoe and pitch your tent. Make sure to ask about the mosquitoes and sand fleas, which are more prevalent on some islands than others. So keep an eye on this.

You can also hire a canoe for a few hours and go exploring. Various routes have been set out. Do bear in mind the wind, after all, you also need to kayak back.

Take a detailed map with you. These are available at the visitor centre. Also, ask for the weather forecast. Make sure you have enough clothes with you. And mosquito repellent.

You can paddle in Everglades National Park, and there are countless opportunities. But you can also do it in the nearby Big Cypress Nature Reserve, which is part of the larger Everglades basin. The latter is an immense wilderness area, but with different rules. There, you may encounter noisy All Terrain Vehicles, which are allowed in Big Cypress. 

More information: evergladesadventures.com