Water
Everglades & Florida Keys
Miami / Everglades / Keys · 3 days · Easy
About This Trip
Florida's wild side bears no resemblance to its beaches. The Everglades is a slow-moving freshwater river fifty miles wide: kayak its mangrove tunnels, spot manatees, and photograph roseate spoonbills at dusk.
Highlights
- Nine Mile Pond kayak loop, mangrove tunnels and open sawgrass prairie
- Anhinga Trail, wildlife within yards of nesting herons and anhingas
- Florida Keys coral reef snorkeling, sea turtles and 30-ft visibility
- Everglades alligator and manatee sightings
- Sunset at Flamingo Marina, the most remote spot in South Florida
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
Everglades National Park: Wildlife & Kayak
- Nine Mile Pond kayak loop, 5.2 mi through mangrove tunnels and open sawgrass prairie
- Anhinga Trail, 0.8 mi boardwalk, best wildlife viewing in the park (alligators guaranteed)
- Shark Valley tram road, flat 15-mile loop, dozens of alligators, observation tower
Day 2
Flamingo + Florida Bay
- Bear Lake canoe trail, mangrove-lined freshwater lake, bird colony nesting area
- Eco Pond wildlife loop at dusk, roseate spoonbills, herons, alligators at golden hour
- Flamingo Marina kayak into Florida Bay, remote wilderness coastline and seabird islands
Day 3
Florida Keys Snorkeling
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkel or glass-bottom boat on America's only reef
- Molasses Reef, 30-ft visibility, sea turtles, parrotfish, and brain coral
- Anne's Beach on Islamorada, tidal flats, mangroves, and gentle open-water swim