Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will we paddle far?
2. Will I get eaten by an alligator?
3. What is the difference between the 3 and 6 hour Sea Kayak Tours?
4. What can I realistically expect to see?
5. What do I Need to Bring?
6. Are the kayaks stable?
7. Where do you suggest for lodging?
8. Can I pay cash for a tour?
9. What is your cancellation policy?

1. Will we paddle far? 

 Not on our most popular tours … the Mangrove Tunnel, the Alligators and Orchids and the Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tours. We do not paddle far or fast. The kayaks are simply a means of accessing unique Everglades Ecosystems. However, on the Everglades National Park Six-Hour Sea Kayak Tours and the Turner to Chokoloskee Tours, we may paddle up to 12 miles and for six hours.
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2. Will I get eaten by an alligator?

No. You are not on their diet. Fish, turtles and birds are. They are not aggressive to you or your kayak and really do not seem to care that you are there. In the decades of conducting tours with 1000’s of guests, we have never had a problem. We always keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.
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3. What is the difference between the 3 and 6 hour Sea Kayak Tours?

Obviously, there is a difference in duration, but also the distance paddled Both tours are educational based and guided by a Coastal Naturalists.  However, the six-hour tour is a true sea kayaking tour and intended to cover much more water than the three-hour tour. If tides are favorable, we like to paddle to and explore an uninhabited barrier island beach. There is not enough time on the three-hour trip for this.
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4. What can I realistically expect to see?

We never really know until we are on tour. Wildlife is just that .. wild. With fins, feathers, and feet, they move throughout the wilderness at will. However, all our guides are experienced outdoors leader, naturalists and educators that are on the water every day. We usually have a good handle on the wildlife patterns. On most tours we see herons, egrets, ospreys, and various shorebirds. If you wish to see the American Alligator, the Mangrove Tunnel or the Alligators and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour is the right choice. It is rare not to encounter these iconic animals on these tours. Similarly, we almost always see dolphins on the Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour. To see both alligators and dolphins, you should book the morning Tunnel Tour followed by the afternoon Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour.
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5.What do I Need to Bring?

Weather appropriate clothing. Hats, sunblock, and sunglasses. Shoes that strap to your feet and that you do not mind getting wet. Water to stay hydrated. You are welcomed to bring whatever you wish to eat or drink, but please adhere to our "Leave No Trace" policy.
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6. Are the kayaks stable?

We select our kayaks based on comfort and stability. Presently, we are using state-of-the-arts Wilderness Systems Pamlico kayaks. While any kayak can tip over, is it EXTREMELY rare on our tours.
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7. Where do you suggest for lodging?

• Parkway Motel and Marina - Click Here
• Chokoloskee Island Park  Click Here
• The Captains Table  Click Here
• River Wilderness Click Here
• Outdoor Resorts  Click Here
• Rod and Gun Club
• The Everglades City Motel  Click Here
• The Ivey House Click Here • Port of the Islands  Click Here • Springhill Suites (East Naples) Click Here
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8. Can I pay cash for a tour??

Absolutely! And we offer a 5% cash discount. A credit card is required to secure your reservation. If you are booking more than three weeks before your tour date, a deposit equal to one full adult fare will be charged if you are not paying cash. If booked within 21 days, the entire fare is collected. Online reservations require the full tour amount. Should you wish to pay with cash, please let us know at the time of your reservation.  
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9. What is your cancellation policy?

When you make a reservation, we will email you a confirmation with all the needed details. We strive to provide you an intimate, immersive experience and try to keep the tour size small. An advanced reservation assures that will we save your place on the tour and that your “seat” will not be sold to another.

We do realize that things come up beyond both of our control. The weather and paddling conditions are usually excellent here. However, not always. Your guide, ultimately, is responsible for your safety. As such, he/she will make all the decisions about the weather and if the tour can be conducted. Many times, a simple delay is all that is needed. If a tour must be cancelled, you will be given the option to reschedule, receive a refund or join another tour that is not affected by the weather.

During the warmer months, in our rainy season, the Everglades becomes a tropical paradise. Afternoon thunderstorms and convective sea breezes develop most everyday somewhere in the area. We encourage guests to book mornings experiences during the summer. If you wish to do an afternoon tour, we certainly will accommodate. If the weather develops during the tour and we must return early, we will a refund a prorated amount up to 50% value of the tour.

If you need cancel your tour prior to 14 days from the schedule tour date, your deposit will be 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 amount of one adult fare may be forfeited, or a gift certificate issued for the deposited amount at Everglades Area 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 Area Tours.  Customer cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
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