Guided Swamp Walk with Aquaterra Excursions in Everglades City
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking required.
Overview
Step into the heart of the Florida Everglades with Aquaterra Excursions’ guided swamp walk. Discover rare plants, spot wildlife, and learn about this vital ecosystem on a memorable three-hour adventure through Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. Dive into the wilderness and uncover nature’s secrets beneath towering cypress and lush canopy.
Guided Swamp Walk
Starting at $99.95 • 3 Hours • All Ages
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating three-hour walking tour through the enchanting cypress swamps of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, known as "the Amazon of North America." Led by passionate naturalists, discover diverse ecosystems, rare plant species, and the impact of human activity on this unique wilderness. A memorable adventure awaits!
Walk through the Cypress Swamps of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park!
Rates
Adult (Ages 13+): $99.95 Child (Ages 12 & Under): $69.95
Duration
3 Hours
About
Our most popular walking tour takes us through the cypress swamps of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The Fakahatchee Strand is known as "the Amazon of North America." The Everglades is made up of a variety of habitats: sawgrass marshes; marl prairies; pinelands; hardwood hammocks; cypress swamps, sloughs and domes; mangrove forests; and marine estuaries. It is one of the very unique and special places on our planet.
For thousands of years of moving, clean freshwater has carved away in this spectacular environment. The Park is a 75,000-acre wilderness area and is approximately twenty miles long by five miles wide. A protective canopy of bald cypress trees covers a slow-moving shallow "river" or "slough" running north to south. The canopy and water below create a unique "humidity-controlled" environment that neither gets too cold in the winter or too warm in the summer. Flora and fauna flourish and the Strand is home to rare and endangered tropical plant species. It contains the richest diversity of native epiphytic orchid and bromeliad species in North America (44 and 14 respectively) as well as the largest groves of native royal palms.
Take a three-hour excursion with one of our knowledgeable (and passionate) naturalists to explore the many wonders of these environments. Discuss the natural history of the Everglades, as well as the last 120 years of human impact to the ecosystem, and the current Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) - the largest restoration project our planet has known.
What to Bring
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Bug spray
- Sunblock
- Rain gear
- Lunch and plenty of water for this full-day experience!
Adventure Tips
Wear Waterproof Footwear
Expect to walk through muddy, waterlogged areas—sturdy, waterproof shoes are essential.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife sightings with binoculars, especially for birds and distant animals.
Dress for Sun and Mosquitoes
Light, long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent will keep you comfortable and protected.
Arrive Early
Arriving a few minutes before start time ensures you don’t miss any part of the adventure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great blue herons
- American alligators
History
This area was historically inhabited by Indigenous Seminole tribes, and the swamp has served as a vital ecological corridor for centuries.
Conservation
Aquaterra Excursions emphasizes low-impact tourism to protect this sensitive habitat, supporting ongoing preservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Naples
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Shoes
Necessary for walking through muddy, flooded areas and staying dry.
Insect Repellent
Protects against mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months.
summer|fall specific
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield you from sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall specific
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities on the walk.