Everglades National Park: 3 Hikes + 90 minute Boat Tour + Lunch

Visiting the Everglades is often high on the list for nature lovers heading to Florida—and for good reason. This tour, operated by Wild Lime Adventures, promises a comprehensive day exploring this iconic landscape through three diverse hikes, a 90-minute boat trip, and a delicious picnic lunch. With a small group limit of less than 12 guests and guides who are either Florida Master Naturalists or trained biologists, this experience aims to blend education with authentic adventure.

What we love most about this tour is the expert guidance—having guides who genuinely know their stuff makes all the difference. Their ability to spot wildlife or explain the subtleties of each habitat adds a layer of richness to the experience. On the flip side, some travelers might find the full schedule a bit packed, especially if they prefer more leisurely exploration. This tour is best suited for those who want an active, immersive day and are eager to learn from knowledgeable naturalists.

If you’re seeking an authentic, non-touristy look at the Everglades, this guided adventure could be perfect. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and want a well-rounded day that includes boat rides and local stops. Now, let’s take a detailed look at what awaits.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Less than 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention and space to ask questions.
• Expert Guides: Guides are either Florida Master Naturalists or trained biologists, offering deep insights.
• Diverse Habitats: The tour explores three different ecosystems within the park, including the “River of Grass,” Pinelands, and hardwood hammocks.
• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see alligators, crocodiles, manatees, wading birds, turtles, and more.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines hiking, boat excursions, and stops at notable sites like Robert Is Here fruit stand.
• Value for Price: At $275 per person, the tour covers transportation, multiple guided hikes, a boat trip, lunch, and entrance fees—making it a comprehensive day out.

An In-Depth Review: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

An Introduction to the Everglades via Expert Guidance

Starting early at 7:00 am from Homestead, Florida, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the Everglades’ unique ecosystems. Your guides—like Elijah, who received praise for his readiness and friendly demeanor—are the backbone of this experience. They’re not just guiding you through the scenery but actively pointing out wildlife, explaining ecological relationships, and sharing stories that bring the landscape to life.

The Journey Begins: From Miami to the Park

The trip kicks off with a short hour-long drive from Miami, which is a great chance to get to know your fellow travelers and settle into the day. Your guide will fill you in on Miami’s history en route, setting the stage for the natural wonders ahead. Leaving behind the cityscape, you’ll transition into the wild, lush environment of the Everglades.

Stop 1: Visitor’s Center and Park Maps

A quick 30-minute visit to the park’s Visitor Center lets you gather maps, park stamps, and perhaps a bit of background on the park’s conservation efforts. It’s a practical start that helps orient you and enhances the self-guided parts of your day.

Stop 2: Anhinga Trail—Best for Wildlife Spotting

One of the highlights here is the Anhinga Trail, where you’ll walk through the “River of Grass”—a nickname for the Everglades’ famous sawgrass marshes. According to reviews, this trail offers the best chance to see American Alligators in their natural habitat. Travelers also frequently spot a variety of native birds, fish, and turtles. The trail’s accessibility and the chance to see iconic wildlife make it a favorite, with one reviewer calling it the “best” part of their day.

Stop 3: The 90-Minute Boat Tour—A Deep Dive into the Backcountry

The boat ride is the tour’s centerpiece, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. As one reviewer pointed out, this is a rare permit-held experience, allowing access to the second-largest mangrove forest in the world. You’ll glide through this complex ecosystem, keeping an eye out for white pelicans, flamingos, dolphins, crocodiles, and manatees. The boat trip not only offers stunning views but also a chance to see the park from a different perspective.

The boat is a perfect way to observe the diverse habitats and get close to wildlife that may be shy or hidden on land. Many guests appreciated the knowledgeable narration, which added context to what they were seeing.

Stop 4: Pineland Trail—Rare Ecosystem

Next, you’ll walk through the endangered Pinelands habitat, where only a small percentage remains. This area is home to threatened and endangered creatures, including butterflies and snails. The trail is about an hour long and offers a quieter, more delicate ecosystem to explore. Many reviewers appreciated this stop for its less crowded, more fragile environment.

Stop 5: Mahogany Hammock—Tropical Hardwood Forest

The lush Mahogany Hammock trail takes about 45 minutes, walking among towering mahogany, ferns, and gumbo limbo trees. The rich vegetation attracts birds and snakes, and guides often point out barred owls and other avian species. One reviewer remarked, “Walking among the ferns and trees here was like stepping into a jungle scene,” which captures the lushness of this spot.

Stop 6: Robert Is Here Fruit Stand—A Taste of Local Florida

The day ends with a visit to this famous fruit stand, where you can indulge in smoothies or milkshakes. It’s a fun, relaxed way to wrap up the adventure, with many guests noting how refreshing it is after a day of hiking and boating.

Practical Aspects: What Travelers Should Know

Transport and Comfort

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation from the meeting point in Homestead, Florida. This is a comfort, especially considering the early start and Florida’s warm climate. The group size, capped at 28, ensures enough space and personalized attention, though most smaller groups tend to have a more intimate feel.

Timing and Pacing

Starting at 7:00 am, the tour wraps up back at the meeting point in approximately 8 hours. The schedule is quite packed but well-balanced, with enough breaks to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Reviewers noted the guides keep things engaging without rushing through the activities.

Price and Value

At $275 per person, this tour includes park entrance fees, all hikes, the boat trip, lunch, and snacks. When you consider the cost of a private boat ride, guided hikes, and a full day of expert narration, it offers good value—especially given the ecological depth and the chance to see rare habitats and wildlife.

Dietary Needs

Lunch options are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making the experience inclusive for various dietary preferences. Guests appreciated the quality and freshness of the picnic lunch.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if your plans change. Weather cancellations are handled with options for rescheduling or full refunds, which is reassuring given Florida’s unpredictable weather.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Visitors

Multiple reviews emphasize the expertise of guides like Elijah and Mike, who were praised for their readiness and enthusiasm. One reviewer mentioned, “Elijah greeted us with a smile and a confident welcome,” and others highlighted how guides not only identified wildlife but also shared engaging stories that made the experience memorable.

The wildlife sightings—alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and numerous bird species—are consistently mentioned as standout moments. One reviewer shared, “We loved seeing both alligators and crocodiles, thanks to the guides’ sharp eyes,” illustrating the value of having experienced naturalists leading the way.

The small group size makes the experience less touristy, allowing for more interaction and learning. Guests appreciated being able to ask questions and receive detailed explanations about the ecosystems they were exploring.

The Sum Up

This tour from Wild Lime Adventures offers a comprehensive, nature-packed day perfect for those eager to truly experience the diversity of the Everglades. The combination of guided hikes, wildlife-rich boat rides, and exclusive access to protected ecosystems makes it a standout option for wildlife enthusiasts, eco-educators, or anyone looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail.

The knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, turning each stop into a lesson in Florida’s fragile ecosystems. The included lunch and snacks make it convenient, and the small-group setting ensures a personal touch.

While the full day schedule might feel intense for some, the variety of activities keeps things engaging. If you’re after authentic, educational, and visually stunning explorations of the Everglades, this tour is highly recommended.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate active outdoor pursuits, are comfortable with a packed schedule, and want to learn directly from experts. For nature lovers eager to see iconic wildlife and explore multiple habitats in one day, this experience offers genuine value and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from the designated meeting point in Homestead, Florida.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 28, but most bookings are for small groups of less than 12, offering a more personalized experience.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day.

Are vegan and vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, the picnic lunch includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, accommodating various dietary needs.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see alligators, crocodiles, manatees, turtles, and numerous bird species such as wading birds, pelicans, and flamingos.

Is the boat tour included?
Yes, the 90-minute boat trip through the backcountry is included, along with all other activities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with options for refunds or rescheduling.

Who leads the tour?
Guides are either Florida Master Naturalists or trained biologists, ensuring expert insights throughout the day.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the active nature of the tour makes it suitable for families with children who enjoy outdoor adventures.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $275 per person, which covers transportation, hikes, the boat trip, lunch, and park fees.

This guided tour combines educational value with stunning scenery and wildlife encounters, making it a compelling choice for adventure-minded visitors wanting a true taste of the Florida Everglades.