Everglades National Park Tours Guide

Are you looking for a place for learning, recreation and viewing wildlife? Just about an hour's drive from the bustle of Miami, you will find the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States - Everglades National Park.

Designated as a World Heritage Site, Everglades National Park is home to over 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles. It is also thought to be one of the most biologically diverse parks in the South Florida area, with a fragile ecosystem.

Do you want to explore this wonder in person? The park is open 365 days a year. Whenever you visit the park, the Everglades will always await you on southern tip of Florida, just west of the city of Miami. With so many adventures to explore, there are many different ways to spend your day at Everglades National Park, including concession tours and alternative tours in the park.

Concession Tours in Everglades National Park

1) Shark Valley Tram Tours

To have an educational trip into the heart of the park, join the Shark Valley Tram Tour. This is a guided two-hour narrated tram tour, helping get visitors into the "River of Grass" along a 15-mile loop. Tours set off from the benches, giving a great opportunity to see the natural habitats of wildlife and learn about the freshwater ecosystem.

Reservations are encouraged when Everglades National Park is at its busiest during the dry and winter season. Prices and hours are subject to change. To get current information, call 305-221-8455.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/

2) Everglades National Park Boat Tours

Everglades National Park Boat Tours will take visitors on an exploration of Ten Thousand Islands. The tours depart from the park's Docks on Chololoskee Causeway on RT. 29, one half miles south of Traffic Circle at the Ranger Station in Everglades City.

Boat tours are available all year long, leaving every 30 minutes or so. Reservations could be made by fax (239-695-2553). Hours and prices are subject to change. For current information, call (239) 695-2591.

Everglades National Park Boat Tours

http://evergladesnationalparkboattoursgulfcoast.com/

3) Everglades National Park Boat Tours II

Everglades National Park Boat Tour II provides an opportunity to explore the Whitewater Bay backcountry north of Florida Bay. Tours start off from Flamingo Marina, 38 miles from the park entrance gate, leaving about every 30 minutes also. Visitors can enjoy a quiet, guided 90-minute boat ride by joining the tours.

Reservations are available by fax (239-695-2553). If you want to know the specific info about hours and prices, call 239-695-3101.

Everglades National Park Tours II

http://evergladesnationalparkboattoursflamingo.com/

Alternative Guided Tours

1) Kayak and Canoe Tours

A superb way to explore the Everglades is via canoe or kayak. Slinking through the mangroves, sliding across sawgrass prairies… the unique environment of the park can be seen at water level by tours in kayaks and canoes. Expert guides will lead you in the right direction. Here, we share you some kayak and canoe tour providers located in Florida.

- Chokoloskee Enterprises (Address: 620 Collier Avenue Everglades City; Phone: 239-695-9107; Website: evergladesareatours.com)

- North American Canoe Trips (Address: 107 Camellia Street Everglades City; Phone: 239-695-3229; Website: evergladesadventures.com)

- Everglades Hostel and Tours (Address: 20 SW Second Avenue Florida City; Phone: 305-248-1122; Website: evergladeshostel.com)

- Florida Bay Outfitters (Address: 104050 Overseas Highway Key Largo; Phone: 305-451-3018; Website: kayakfloridakeys.com)

2) Eco Tours

With abundant natural wonders, wouldn't it be wonderful to explore the Everglades by eco-tours? Eco tours will take visitors to traverse parts of the park by boat trips and watching various native and migrating birds by bird watching trips. Some recommended eco tour providers are listed below:

- Avianscapes (Address: 10 Aragon Avenue, #1408 Coral Gables; Phone: 305-710-7748; Website: avianscapes.com)

- Orchids & Egrets (Address: 4807 SW 91st Drive Gainesville; Phone: 352-376-4685; Website: naturetour.com)

- Amoray Dive Resort (Address:104250 Overseas Highway Key Largo; Phone: 800-426-6729; Website: amoray.com)

3) Everglades by Car Audio Tour

Audio tour is also an interesting way to explore the unique landscape. There are 13 narrated tracks leading listeners on a guided exploration down the main park road. Making stops at all the park's main visitor areas, the tour is a fabulous way to make the most of your Everglades visit. For more info and details, visit this page:

Everglades by Car Audio Tour

http://www.nps.gov/ever/photosmultimedia/podcast.htm

Besides appreciating the wonderful sights by various tours, the Everglades National Park also boasts many great activities and events to give you a more enjoyable Everglades experience. To get to know these activities and events, click here:

Outdoor Activities at Everglades National Park

http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm

Schedule of Events at Everglades National Park

http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/events.html