Everglades Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour Everglades City, FL

Paddle through the largest mangrove forest in North America on a guided Everglades kayak eco tour from Everglades City. This small-group adventure takes you into brackish lakes where freshwater meets saltwater, creating nurseries for fish, otters, and a wide range of birdlife including herons, egrets, spoonbills, and wood storks.

Follow tidal creeks into shaded mangrove tunnels, where arching branches form natural passageways overhead. Sunlight filters through the canopy, orchids and bromeliads cling to the trees, and the forest comes alive with the sounds of water and wildlife. This setting is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Everglades.

Wildlife sightings are frequent. Watch dolphins surface in nearby bays, manatees grazing in shallow waters, and alligators resting along the shoreline. The relaxed pace of kayaking gives you time to notice details while your naturalist guide shares insights about the ecosystem and its delicate balance.

Tours commonly take place on the upper end of the Turner River in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve or inside Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park—two of Florida’s most remarkable protected areas. Early morning and afternoon departures are available.

No kayaking experience is needed. Guides provide instruction and set a comfortable pace so you can focus on the scenery. Unlike airboats, kayaks move quietly, allowing a closer connection with the natural surroundings. This eco tour is one of the best ways to experience the Everglades: peaceful, immersive, and filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.