Everglades Wilderness Lodge Expedition
Paddle through mangrove tunnels, hike tropical forests, and snorkel a living reef — all from a comfortable lodge.
Everglades Wilderness Lodge Expedition
Explore one of the most unique wilderness landscapes in North America — from water, trail, and reef.
This four-day lodge-based expedition travels through the diverse ecosystems of South Florida, combining guided exploration in Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. From mangrove tunnels and coastal waterways to tropical forests and coral reefs, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience multiple environments in a single trip.
Each day is spent exploring by kayak, canoe, or on foot, while evenings return to comfortable lodging — allowing for a balance of adventure and restoration.
A Landscape Defined by Water
The Everglades is unlike any other national park in the United States.
Often described as a “river of grass,” this vast subtropical wilderness is shaped by slow-moving water flowing through sawgrass marsh, mangrove forests, coastal estuaries, and tropical hardwood hammocks.
This region is known for its:
- winding mangrove tunnels and coastal waterways
- expansive sawgrass prairies
- tropical hardwood forests and pine rocklands
- abundant and diverse wildlife
Wildlife sightings are a defining part of the experience. The park is home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, and a wide range of bird species, all thriving within this delicate ecosystem.
The Everglades Expedition Experience
This expedition is designed to explore the Everglades the way it is meant to be experienced — from the water and along its hidden trails.
Participants travel through a combination of:
- canoe and kayak routes through mangrove tunnels and coastal waters
- short hikes through tropical forests and boardwalk trails
- wildlife-rich estuaries and inland waterways
- a guided snorkeling experience in Biscayne National Park
The trip culminates with a snorkeling excursion over part of the Florida Reef Tract, one of the longest coral reef systems in the world.
Each day offers a different perspective on the landscape, creating a well-rounded and immersive experience.
Quick Facts
Location: Everglades and Biscayne National Parks
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 4-12 Participants
Total Mileage: 8-10 Hiking Miles | 5-8 Canoeing Miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Terrain: Mangroves, Sandy Trails, Boardwalks
Fitness Level: Easy / Active
Cost: From $3,499
Everglades Wilderness Lodge Expedition Overview
Day 1
Everglades Wildlife-watching & Sunset Stroll
Meet your guides and fellow travelers later in the morning at our designated host hotel in Miami, Florida. We will make our first stop at Robert is Here, a Florida institution, where we’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and have an opportunity explore the market. By late afternoon we’ll hit the trail for an extraordinary wildlife opportunity along the Anhinga trail. Alligators, turtles and countless bird species call this picturesque sawgrass marsh home, and a raised boardwalk provides the perfect opportunity for wildlife viewing. We’ll wind down the day relaxing at our Lodge before enjoying a scrumptious dinner.
Lunch & dinner included. Transfer: 1 hour; Hiking: up to 2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: none
Day 2
Mangroves Water Safari
We start the day with a canoe journey through the backcountry waterways of Everglades National Park. Mangrove tunnels and islands give way to expanses of sawgrass while the sounds of birds and frogs singing provide a melodious soundtrack for this morning’s adventure. We’ll keep an eye out and cameras ready for a glimpse at the “Nine Mile Giant”, an American crocodile who is known to frequent the shores of the area.
Our afternoon will be spent soaking in the remarkable flora and fauna of the park. We’ll start with a boardwalk hike on the Pahayokee trail. Offering one of the best views in the park, the overlook is accessed via the boardwalk and provides sweeping view of what indigenous tribes termed Pa-hay-okee, meaning “grassy river”. Later we’ll head over to the Gumbo Limbo trail where we’ll walk through a quintessential tropical hammock.
All meals included. Canoeing: up to 5 miles; Walking: 1-2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: none
Day 3
Tropical Forest Hiking & Manatee Habitat Sea Kayaking
We’ll start the morning hiking under towering slash pine along the Long Pine Key Trail. Known as a pine rockland, Long Pine Key has the distinction of being a complex subtropical ecosystem home to a unique range of plants and animals. We’ll learn more about the importance of fire in keeping the area healthy, and also spend some time identifying the wide array of flora that makes up the forest’s understory. This afternoon we’ll head out to the open coast, home to Flamingo Visitor Center and our jumping off point for an afternoon of kayaking. Depending on weather and wind conditions we’ll either skirt the edge of the bay or make our way up Buttonwood Canal. Either way, this area provides spectacular opportunities for wildlife sightings, with American alligator, crocodile, manatee, and osprey being regular visitors.
All meals included. Hiking: up to 4 miles; Elevation gain/loss: none; Kayaking: 2-3 hours; mileage varies depending on route
Day 4
Snorkeling & Sunshine at Biscayne National Park
We’ll start the morning with a hearty breakfast. We’re then on our way to Biscayne National Park for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Before hitting the water, we’ll gear up and enjoy a beachside lunch. We’ll then hop aboard our boat and start our journey to the country’s only underwater archaeological trail in the National Park System. Depending on conditions, our captain will guide us to the best snorkel location to observe the diverse beauty of the underwater park. The adventure concludes with a transfer back to Miami, where we’ll say our final goodbyes to new friends and amazing southern Florida. We anticipate arriving back to Miami in the early evening.
Breakfast & lunch included. Snorkeling: 2.5 hours; Transfer: up to 2 hours depending on Miami traffic
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.
Lodge-Based Comfort
Unlike backcountry expeditions, this trip is built around comfortable lodge-based accommodations.
Each evening, participants return to lodging to relax, enjoy meals, and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
This format allows for:
- deeper daily exploration without carrying overnight gear
- access to remote environments by water and trail
- a comfortable and social end to each day
Why the Everglades
Few places in North America offer this combination of tropical wilderness, wildlife density, and water-based exploration.
The Everglades and surrounding coastal environments provide:
- some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the United States
- a rare chance to explore ecosystems shaped entirely by water
- access to both inland wilderness and coastal marine environments
Paired with a visit to Biscayne National Park, this expedition connects two of Florida’s most unique and complementary landscapes.
Participant Experience
Your Expedition Leadership
Every expedition is led by professionals with decades of combined field experience across the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Our leaders know these landscapes intimately—from seasonal weather patterns and trail conditions to water sources and emergency exit routes—and plan each trip accordingly. All guides are trained in wilderness risk management, decision-making under changing conditions, and group safety protocols, ensuring trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in professional judgment rather than improvisation.
Inclusions
- Professional Guide Leadership
- Permits & Logistics
- Pre-Trip Planning Support
- Expedition Briefing Materials
- Gear Rental as Needed
- Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks
- Transportation Throughout Trip
- Small Group Format
Exclusions
- Personal Items (toiletries, clothing)
- Prefered Comfort Food / Snacks
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Airport Transfer
- Lodging before/after Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need kayaking or canoeing experience?
No prior experience is required. Guides provide instruction before each outing and select routes based on conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants should be comfortable on the water and able to paddle for several hours at a relaxed pace.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
We strongly recommend that all participants be comfortable swimmers. While life jackets are worn during paddling and snorkeling, confidence in the water will help you fully enjoy the experience.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the planning involved in these trips, we require a 60 day cancellation. A refund will be provided for cancellations up to 60 days prior to arrival. Cancellations between 59 and 30 days of your trip will be refunded half of the full trip charge. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice. If the guide cancels your trip due to hazardous weather conditions prior to starting the trip, you will be refunded the full trip price. If the guide or a member of another group on the trip ends the trip early, you will be refunded a prorated portion of the cost. If we begin the trip and you or anyone in your group decides to end the trip early for any reason, there will be no refund. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies. If you need to be evacuated for any reason, you will be responsible for the cost. Transportation costs can range from $75 to $300 depending on where you are at the time of the evacuation. If staff needs to hike in to hike you out or assist in an evacuation, you will be responsible for the cost.
We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Assure offers insurance for our overnight trips. Trip Assure provides plans with benefits to protect the cost of your travel arrangements; your belongings; and most importantly, you, in case your trip gets disrupted. Please see the following link for more information: Trip Insurance with Trip Assure
What is the lodging like?
This is a lodge-based trip, so participants stay in comfortable accommodations each night rather than camping. Lodging provides a relaxed place to unwind after full days of exploring the Everglades and surrounding coastal environments.
What kind of wildlife might we see?
The Everglades is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the United States. Sightings may include alligators, crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide variety of bird species. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, opportunities are frequent.
Is the water calm for kayaking?
Most paddling takes place in protected mangrove tunnels, inland waterways, or sheltered coastal areas. Conditions can vary depending on wind and weather, but routes are chosen to match group ability and ensure a safe experience.
What is the snorkeling experience like?
The snorkeling portion takes place in Biscayne National Park, typically over coral reef or marine habitat. Participants travel by boat to the best available site based on conditions and explore the underwater environment with guides and crew support.
Are there bugs in the Everglades?
Yes — insects are part of the ecosystem, especially in warmer months. Guides plan activities and timing to minimize exposure, and we recommend bringing appropriate clothing and insect protection.
How physically demanding is this trip?
This trip is considered easy to moderately active. Expect short hikes on flat terrain, paddling for several hours at a time, and time in the water for snorkeling. The pace is steady but not strenuous.
Join the Expedition
Everglades Wilderness Lodge Expedition
Paddle through mangrove tunnels.
Walk beneath tropical forest.
Snorkel above a living reef.
Experience the wild side of South Florida — from land, water, and sea.