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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking required.
Wildlife
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.
Aquaterra Excursions
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.
Aquaterra Excursions is a Marco Island, Florida-based outfitter specializing in guided sea kayaking, boat and shelling excursions across the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. The company operates multi-day sea kayak camping trips along the Wilderness Waterway and shorter guided eco-tours, combining wildlife viewing with hands-on interpretation by experienced guides.
Trips include family-friendly boating, shelling and fishing outings, three- and five-day kayak camping itineraries, boat-assisted kayak adventures, mangrove tunnel paddles, swamp walks, and photographic safaris in remote islands.
Aquaterra partners with local experts and runs select tours guided by Florida Master Naturalists, offering interpretive information about manatees, dolphins, birdlife, mangrove ecology, and coastal habitats. The fleet and equipment are organized to support guided paddling and boat-assisted logistics for remote access to beaches, shelling grounds, and tidal creeks. Private and customizable tour options are available for groups seeking tailored itineraries, photography-focused trips, or family experiences.
Safety protocols, route planning on the Wilderness Waterway, and logistics for multi-day camping trips are core operational elements, ensuring guests can focus on wildlife viewing and paddling. Aquaterra’s location on Marco Island positions it for direct access to the Everglades National Park, the Ten Thousand Islands, and nearby mangrove systems. The company emphasizes small-group experiences, expert-led interpretation, and configurable tours that suit a range of abilities and interests.
Reservations, detailed itineraries, and packing lists are available through Aquaterra Excursions’ booking channels; guests are encouraged to book early for peak seasons to secure preferred dates for guided eco tours, shelling trips, and multi-day kayak camping routes regularly.
Location
Marco Island, FL
Gateway to Everglades & 10,000 Islands
Tours Offered
21 tours
Kayak, boat, shelling, camping
Guided Tours
Florida Master Naturalists
Select tours led by experts
Private Options
Private & Custom
Photography and family trips available
Choose guided kayak trips, boat-assisted eco tours, private excursions, or multi-day Wilderness Waterway camping — limited spaces on multi-day and private tours.
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.
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
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield you from sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities on the walk.