Quiet pontoon boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands, where dolphins, birds, and nursing sharks show up uninvited.
Everglades National Park Adventures runs pontoon boat tours out of Everglades City, pushing through the calm backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands. These aren't airboat tours. The boat is quiet, the pace is relaxed, and the wildlife doesn't seem to mind. Dolphins have a habit of swimming right alongside the hull.
The tours run about 90 minutes on the water. You'll stay on the boat the whole time, so come ready to sit back and watch. Guides like Lewis, a multi-generational Everglades local, bring the kind of knowledge you won't find anywhere else. Guests consistently rave about how much they learn just by asking questions.
One thing worth knowing before you book: you'll need a National Park pass on top of your ticket price. That's an extra $35 at the gate, and it catches a lot of people off guard. Plan for it and you won't be annoyed about it.
Bird sightings are reliable. Dolphins are common but never guaranteed (that's wildlife for you). Nursing sharks have made an appearance or two, which is exactly the kind of thing that makes a boat tour memorable. The Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park is right here, and this is one of the better ways to actually experience it from the water.
503 reviews
7 months ago
I took the a thousand island tour on pier 629 and staff was very descriptive and knowledgeable. It was a beautiful day with birds, and dolphins swimming around. Have in mind when you buy tickets you also need a national park pass for another $35. I enjoyed my trip I hope you enjoy it too when you do.
7 months ago
We really enjoyed this tour through the nature preserve. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and plenty of birds, and overall we had a wonderful time. What we especially loved was how calm and peaceful the tour was. The boat is quiet and relaxed — not loud or hectic like the airboats, which we specifically wanted to avoid. A perfect way to experience nature in a gentle and respectful way.
2 months ago
This was such an amazing experience doing the pontoon boat tour from seeing nursing sharks mate to dolphins swimming next to the boat. I'd have to say it was the best.. plus are captain and co captain were awesome. I would definitely do this again
8 months ago
The dolphins made it worth it! The information online is NOT correct. This is a one and a half hour boat ride not a 2 and a half hour excursion. You do not get off the boat and you do not get shells. You will see birds and possibly dolphins. The captain was really nice. The $35 extra parking fee was not necessary, at least not for me. No one ever asked to see anything. We had an amazing experience seeing dolphins. They were super active. We were told by the captain that it was very rare to see them as active as we did! If I could have bent over the side of the boat I could have pet some they were so close!
5 months ago
Wow just wow! Our tour guide Lewis was awesome!! He's a multi generational guy! He knows more about the Everglades than Google does! He gave us so much information, so many little extras! It was a great adventure, saw some wild life learned a lot and asked a bunch of questions! Definitely a must do in Everglades City!
A welcoming stop on the Gulf Coast side of the Everglades, with knowledgeable staff, trail info, and gear up for kayaking or camping.
Your starting point for boat tours, backcountry camping, and wildlife watching on the Gulf Coast side of Everglades National Park.
Cold drinks, live music, and an outdoor patio that feels exactly like Everglades City should.
A small-airport experience with big scenery, right in the heart of Florida's fishing and airboat country.
A scenic causeway connecting two of the Ten Thousand Islands' most storied fishing villages.
Fresh Gulf seafood, Cuban coffee, and a family-run kitchen that puts real care into every plate.