Although all of the guides who run Garl's tours are excellent and hired under very high standards, my wife and I had the great fortune of getting a private full day tour from Garl himself after another group cancelled. Garl is "the guy" when it comes to the Everglades. His knowledge knows no bounds, and his passion and professionalism can put even the most hesitant of trekkers at ease. He is very good at putting worries to rest, as he has done and seen it all over his 20+ years in the glades. After all, we did slog to alligator holes and kayak over gators and crocs! Be advised, you most likely will see large reptiles and come close to them. However, Garl never put us in any unsafe positions or situations we were uncomfortable with. He makes it certain that his guests leave Everglades National Park on a positive note, and with a little piece of his immense love for its incredible beauty. Garl also took beautiful pictures throughout, so my wife and I could take in the landscape and its wonderful inhabitants without constantly stopping to fiddle with a camera (look for some of his photos/video footage on Nat Geo and BBC!). Garl, thank you for an adventure we'll never forget, and for showing us up close and personal the beauty of Everglades National Park!