Our Story

Florida's Oldest Kayak Tour Outfitter

Everglades Kayaking is a division of Everglades Area Tours — a family-owned operation dedicated to the experiential education of students, families, and travelers from Florida, the Americas, and the World. We have been conducting guided kayak tours in the Everglades since the 1990s.

Our Mission

Dedicated to Education & Conservation

Only through education do we have the opportunity to preserve the Everglades, its culture, and its heritage. Every tour we conduct is an act of conservation — guests who understand this ecosystem become its advocates and protectors.

Our guides are formally trained biologists, botanists, engineers, photographers, and outdoor leaders. They bring decades of intimate knowledge to every tour, turning a kayak paddle into a living classroom.

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Florida Master Naturalists

All guides hold the Florida Master Naturalist certification — the highest standard for naturalist training in Florida.

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Florida SEE Certified

Certified by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism for responsible, low-impact tour operations.

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US Coast Guard Licensed

All captains hold current US Coast Guard operator licenses. Your safety is our first priority.

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NPS Permitted

Officially permitted by the National Park Service to operate inside Everglades National Park.

Our Guides

Meet Captain Don McCumber

Captain Don McCumber Everglades Kayaking

Lead Naturalist & Owner · 25+ Years

Don "Woodkayaker" McCumber is a Florida Master Naturalist who has been kayaking in Southwest Florida for over 25 years. Don brings all of his knowledge and experience to Everglades Area Tours, guiding multiple-night kayak camping trips and kayaking day experiences.

A member of several local kayak clubs, he has led many trips, organized "Kayak Camping 101" to help introduce new kayak campers to wilderness camping, and helped organize the "No Motor Angler's Club" — a kayak fishing club that now boasts more than 300 members in and around SW Florida.

Dedicated to the experiential education of students, families, and travelers from Florida, the Americas, and the World. Only through education do we have the opportunity to preserve the Everglades, its culture, and its heritage.