Go there if you want to have some magic in the eyes and a wonderful experience being part of nature ! Don’t miss the fantastic (and sadly endangered) Everglades!
Don’t go there if you are in a rush, or not sensitive to nature and environment, or not patient (wildlife does not come in front of you like in a zoo!).
Meeting point at 12 for about 12 hours of activity until night, 150$ / people.
Group of 8, pretty lucky to have Garls himself as guide! A passionate guide, walking barefoot, expert in Everglades wildlife and knows the spots where to find animals.
What is included:
All the group gathers in the same big car.
Mosquito repellant is provided, little leaflet in the car showing the most commons animal species to see. Wine provided for sunset.
Recommendation:
Be curious and ask questions to enjoy Guide’s knowledge!
Good level of English required (don’t imagine getting an audioguide, you’re in the middle of nature :) )
Bring a camera that you don’t fear to lose or get wet (or protect it !) otherwise you will spend the time being worried about it
Bring 1 bottle of water / person, bring fruits to hydrate (the ones sold at “Robert is here” are simply excellent), light clothes and shoes to walk in water.
Our experience:
Very dry and low level of water, very hot weather = not the best conditions to see wildlife.
A lot of interesting comments from our guide tough, on trees, ecosystem, we managed to see various birds, 2 alligators, an alligator nest, a tortle and snakes during the day.
Walk through water and sawgrass, then through water and cypresses
Kayaking among mangroves, then close to ocean + sunset (brackish water)
Nightwalk (we saw 1 crocodile, spiders, snakes..)
What we liked best : this magic touch being immersed in the middle of nature, passion from the guide. Feeling of a unique type of visit, nothing comparable to a “trolley” tour or any other “safe” visit.
What we liked least: weather conditions not best to see wildlife, and somehow we were wondering about the 'business-side' of this kind of visit (probably routine speech, as guide seem not deeply interested in our reflections or comments?). Last but not least: guide takes a lot of pictures during the day, and sends them per email..but seems to cost extra if you want them.