We were picked up at our hotel at 7:30am, nice comfortable van. Marc our guide was amazing. He was helpful, courteous, friendly and super knowledgeable about all aspects of the Everglades, including the plants, wildlife, ecology, water, and even development and politics. We drove to the park and embarked on a 1-hour airboat ride. It started to rain, and Marc provided ponchos to those without rain gear.
Next we continued to Everglades City where we had a very tasty lunch that was included. We added cash to the included gratuity. We drove on to Chokoloskee Island and had a boat ride in the ten thousand islands area where we say dolphins, white pelicans, and numerous other birds. We toured the Smallwood store and museum, and then returned to Ft. Lauderdale via Alligator Alley.