I didn't even take a car down to the Everglades; I took the 38 Max bus from Dadeland South Metrorail station which leaves something like three times an hour and takes 70 minutes to get down to Florida City. Get off at Busway and W. Palm Drive, which is also called SW 344th Street. This is near a few motels and the bus goes on to stop near other hotels. In the morning, the walk to Robert Is Here is eminently walkable as it is on SW 344th St. aka W. Palm Drive. You can get your beverages on the way and buy sandwiches at Robert though know that it's only Cuban sandwiches there. Garl brings the kayaks and handles all driving around the Park. He knows where to find the alligators and crocs and birds and manatees rare orchids in periods where they are hard to find -- and it's all seasonal down there so you can indeed be there in periods where these things are hard to spot. He also provides sorely needed bug pants and pullovers and has extra water shoes if that is needed. So all that in mind, it's a very good value as it's aggravating to have to haul kayaks around on your own and he's got them and the trailer. Plus he's an enthusiastic and knowledgeable naturalist who sees the things you simply won't and points them out and you won't get lost in 9 Mile Pond and won't freak out if you do come upon some kind of gator spectacle. But the highlight for most people is the Cypress Dome hike where there are territorial alligators around and you simply aren't gonna find this or try this on your own. Think of it at the very least as saving on rental car and kayak rental.
Response from Host
Aug 2019
Great review Amanda, and thanks for the travel advice regarding the bus transport. That's always so helpful to our guests and appreciated. Glad you had a great time and got to see the real Everglades with us. Hope to see you again!