Everglades National Park, Florida - Canoe and Kayak Tours

Immerse yourself in the mysterious and ancient landscapes of the Everglades National Park, where the wild beauty of Florida's nature is on full display. Spread across 1.5 million acres, this national treasure includes the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Reserve—a labyrinth of waterways, white sand beaches, and lush mangroves.

family friendly wildlife tour — Everglades Pelicans

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands by Kayak or Canoe

The Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park is a vast coastal wilderness made up of mangrove islands, shallow bays, tidal channels, and estuaries. The region is best explored by kayak or canoe, and our guided Everglades kayak and canoe trips allow you to travel quietly through this intricate ecosystem. Traveling at water level allows you to move quietly through this intricate ecosystem, providing an immersive experience of one of the most biologically rich areas in North America. These waters serve as vital nurseries for young marine life and support a remarkable diversity of species year-round.

retreat everglades overnight camping — Morning Meditation in Everglades National Park

As you paddle through narrow mangrove tunnels and open coastal waters, you’ll encounter wildlife at every turn. Dolphins frequently surface nearby, manatees glide beneath your boat, and wading birds line the shorelines. With the absence of roads and crowds, paddling here feels remote and unhurried, offering space to slow down and truly connect with the landscape. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, peaceful exploration, or a deeper understanding of the Everglades’ coastal systems, kayaking or canoeing the Ten Thousand Islands provides an unforgettable perspective.

Multi-Day Backcountry Camping Routes, Customized for Your Group

Our multi-day Everglades camping trips are customized based on group size, experience level, and desired pace, allowing guests to travel deeper into remote coastal areas. Each itinerary is thoughtfully planned based on group size, experience level, desired pace, and interests—whether that’s wildlife viewing, quiet exploration, or a mix of both. Our trips typically span two to three nights, allowing enough time to travel deeper into remote areas while maintaining a comfortable rhythm on the water.

Camping routes may include island camps, beach sites, or chickee platforms, depending on conditions and preferences. Our guides handle all logistics, from route planning and permits to boats, gear, meals, and camp setup. This approach allows guests to focus on the experience itself rather than the complexities of backcountry travel. Traveling by paddle into areas only accessible by water offers a rare sense of remoteness and discovery, making each trip feel personal and intentional.

Wildlife-Rich Mangrove Mazes and White-Sand Island Camps

The Everglades’ coastal backcountry is defined by its dense mangrove forests and hidden island camps, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Paddling through mangrove mazes reveals winding channels, sheltered estuaries, and calm waterways that support abundant wildlife. These ecosystems provide habitat for birds, fish, crustaceans, and mammals, making every day on the water an opportunity for discovery.

Evenings are spent at remote campsites where white-sand beaches and quiet island clearings offer space to relax after a day of paddling. As the sun sets, the sounds of wind, water, and wildlife take over, creating a peaceful atmosphere far removed from daily life. These camps are intentionally chosen for their scenery, protection from tides and wind, and overall experience. With guides managing camp logistics and meals, guests can enjoy the simplicity of being outdoors while still feeling well cared for.

Best Season to Paddle the Everglades (Nov–Mar)—Plan Your Trip

family friendly wildlife tour everglades national park — Explore wild places in Everglades National Park

The best time to paddle and camp in the Everglades is during the dry season, which runs from November through March. During these months, temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and mosquito activity is significantly reduced. Water levels and weather conditions are also more favorable for multi-day paddling, making this the ideal window for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands and the surrounding backcountry.

Winter months bring increased wildlife activity as migratory birds arrive and marine life becomes more visible in the clear, calm waters. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for paddling, while evenings are well-suited for backcountry camping. Winter is also the most popular time to visit, so we recommend planning ahead and checking available Everglades trip dates early. Breakwater Expeditions helps guests choose the best timing based on conditions, group goals, and availability.

Travel Seamlessly with Expert Guides—Start Your Everglades Adventure

Planning an Everglades paddling and camping trip involves complex logistics, specialized knowledge, and careful attention to safety. Breakwater Expeditions removes that burden by providing fully guided, stress-free adventures from start to finish. Our experienced guides manage all aspects of the trip, including route selection, navigation, tides, weather considerations, gear, meals, and campsite setup.

This level of support allows guests to relax and fully engage with the experience, whether it’s paddling through mangrove tunnels, spotting wildlife, or enjoying quiet evenings at camp. Our guides bring local knowledge, strong leadership, and a calm presence that enhances both safety and enjoyment. With everything taken care of, all you need to do is show up ready to explore one of America’s most unique coastal ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paddling in the Everglades is a quiet, immersive experience through coastal waterways, mangrove forests, and remote island chains. Most routes wind through sheltered channels and open bays, offering a relaxed pace and frequent opportunities to observe wildlife. The region is best explored by kayak or canoe, allowing access to areas that can’t be reached any other way.
No prior experience is required. Our trips are designed to be accessible to beginners while still engaging for more experienced paddlers. Routes, daily mileage, and pacing are adapted to the group, and guides provide instruction, support, and leadership throughout the journey.
A multi-day Everglades paddling trip follows a relaxed, intentional rhythm that balances time on the water with time to explore and unwind. Trips typically begin in Everglades City, Florida, where you’ll meet your guide, review the plan, and pack group gear into provided dry bags. Depending on your customized route and arrival timing, you may begin paddling the same day or launch the following morning.
Once on the water, each day includes a few hours of paddling through mangrove-lined channels and open coastal areas, with plenty of breaks to rest, swim, or explore small islands. Campsites vary by route and may include remote beaches, island camps, or backcountry platforms. Evenings are spent setting up camp, sharing freshly prepared meals, and watching the sunset over the water.
Mornings begin with coffee and breakfast before breaking camp and continuing deeper into the Everglades. Routes are planned around tides, weather, and group goals, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. On the final day, you’ll paddle back toward the mainland and wrap up the journey feeling grounded, refreshed, and connected to the landscape.
Most Everglades paddling trips begin near Everglades City, Florida, a small coastal town that serves as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands. Once you book, we provide detailed meeting instructions, timing, and logistics so arrival feels straightforward and stress-free.
Daily paddling distances typically range from 5–10 miles, depending on tides, weather, campsite availability, and group goals. Routes are intentionally designed to balance time on the water with time to explore, relax, and enjoy camp.
Camping in the Everglades may include beach sites, island camps, or raised platforms depending on route and conditions. Camps are selected for safety, scenery, and comfort within a true backcountry setting. All group gear, meals, and logistics are handled by our guides so guests can focus on the experience.
The Everglades is one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in North America. Guests commonly encounter dolphins, manatees, shorebirds, wading birds, fish, and other coastal species. Wildlife sightings vary by season and conditions, but each day brings new opportunities for observation.
If you’re curious about exploring the Everglades by kayak or canoe, the best next step is to connect with our team. We’re happy to talk through timing, trip styles, and whether an Everglades adventure is the right fit for your goals.