The Everglades is one of the most fascinating canoeing and kayaking destinations on earth. A vast wonderland encompassing 8 different ecosystems, Everglades National Park was established in 1947. Covering 1.5 million acres, the Everglades are the largest National Park east of the Mississippi. On this trip paddlers will explore the 10,000 Islands Region, a fascinating maze of mangrove islands, rivers, and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Participants may encounter many rare and endangered species including manatee, florida panther, atlantic leatherback turtle, and dolphins. Guides will help you identify rare and exciting birds like the wood stork, roseate spoonbill, red shouldered hawk, snail kite, osprey, bald eagles, and many others.

Typical Itinerary

Prior to Day 1 the group will assemble for 2 pretrip meetings. During the pretrip meetings participants will learn to kayak as a group and receive an orientation to sea kayaking (safety, paddling techniques, what to expect from your kayak and the environment).

Day 1: This sea kayak trip begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Get Outdoors store in Greensboro . Transportation will be provided via van to Collier-Seminole State Park in Florida where participants will spend the first night camping in southern Florida .

Day 2: On day two we will drive 30 minutes to Everglades City to obtain a backcountry permit for the trip. From there your guide will take you to several wildlife observation areas to take pictures and study alligators, wood storks, ibis, herons, egrets, and other birds. At midday we will return to the park to pack and prepare for departure.

Day 3-6: On day three we will depart Collier-Seminole State Park and travel to Everglades City launch site. Once the food, equipment, and water is packed we will depart. We will paddle to various chickees (raised platforms), ground sites, and islands to camp and explore for 5 days and 4 nights.

Day 7: Upon returning to Everglades City , participants will camp again at Collier-Seminole State park .

Day 8: Return to North Carolina around 11:00pm

Your Responsibility

Guests are responsible for transportation to and from the meeting place, camping gear and all personal items. Please remember that all of your gear must fit inside the hatch of a sea kayak! Gear lists will be handed out at pre trip meetings.

Weather Conditions

The weather is always a factor that demands attention when going out on the water. Kayaking is a very versatile activity; if you’re prepared it’s easy to enjoy the mystical atmosphere provided by light rain or cloud cover. Decisions to cancel trip due to weather (thunder/lightning) will be made at the location of the paddle only.

Reservation Terms & Conditions

A 50% per person deposit is due at the time the reservation is made. The balance is due 30 days prior to the trip. Reservations made during the 30 days prior to the trip must be paid in full at the time the reservation is made.

Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the trip will receive a full refund minus a 10% per person cancellation fee retained from the refunded deposit.

Any cancellation made in less than 30 days, but more than 10 days, before the trip or class begins will result in a 50% credit towards a future trip. Any cancellations made in the 10 days prior to the trip beginning will receive no refund or credit. No-shows will receive no refund or credit.

If the trip or class is postponed because of bad weather, it will be rescheduled. If the trip or class is cancelled by Get:Outdoors or if the participant can't reschedule to the new date, the trip fee will be refunded.

All participants are required to fill out a trip application form and sign a liability waiver before participating in any trips or classes.