Two Everglades airboats docked among lush aquatic vegetation with palm trees and dramatic Florida sky behind them.

Tour Operator

Everglades Area Tours

Guided kayak tours and backcountry shuttles deep into the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades wilderness.

(4)

$$$$Chokoloskee, FL

About

Everglades Area Tours runs guided kayak trips and backcountry logistics out of Chokoloskee, right on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands. This is the kind of outfit that makes a serious Everglades wilderness trip actually happen for people who don't want to figure it all out themselves. They handle the planning, the gear, and the knowledge so you can focus on being out there.

The shuttle service is a big deal. Multi-day paddling trips into places like Pavilion Key are genuinely remote, and having someone drop you off means you're not burning your legs on the approach before the real trip even starts. That's the kind of logistical thinking that separates a good outfitter from a great one.

Their guides know this ecosystem well. Expect quiet water, mangrove tunnels, wildlife, and the kind of stillness you can't find anywhere near a road. Chris and Wyatt get consistent praise for being knowledgeable and easy to be around, which matters a lot when you're spending hours in a kayak with someone.

If you're coming through the Homestead or Florida City corridor to visit Everglades National Park, consider tacking on a day or two on the Gulf Coast side. Chokoloskee is about two hours from the main park entrance, but the Ten Thousand Islands backcountry is a completely different experience. Slow, quiet, and worth the extra drive.

Amenities

Accepts Credit Cards

Reviews (4)

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5.0

4 reviews

Google Reviews

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Justin Talley

6 months ago

We had an incredible experience with Everglades Area Tours. Our group did a three night, four day trip starting at Pavilion Key and these guys made the whole thing possible. They shuttled us out there so we did not have to exhaust ourselves trying to paddle all the way in, which made the trip way more enjoyable and safe. A big shout out to Wyatt for helping coordinate everything and making sure we had what we needed. They helped us get the right gear lined up and gave us great advice before heading out. Our boat captain Dawn was fantastic. Even though he was technically just giving us a ride out there, he ended up being a great guide as well. He shared helpful tips about the area, the water, and what to expect in the backcountry, which made the whole trip better. If you are planning anything in the Everglades whether it is rentals, a guided trip, or just getting out to the islands, I would absolutely recommend giving these guys a call. They helped turn a good trip into a great adventure. 10/10 would recommend!

Bronson Baker

6 months ago

Wyatt did such an incredible job setting us up with all we needed! Already excited to go back next year!

Mark Sutton

7 months ago

Excellent kayaking tour by Chris. Hugely knowledgeable, very peaceful, and highly recommended. Tons of reviews on tripadvisor for these guys but none on Google for some reason. Saw people on airboats and looks (and sounds!) incredibly disruptive to the beautiful tranquility of this place - get down at the level of the nature in a less negatively impactful way with someone who truly knows their stuff.

Sad Goat

Small-group boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands with a seventh-generation local who knows every oyster bar, gator hole, and family island by heart.

(147)

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