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Lots of info below on kayaking
and camping in the Everglades and our guiding service.
Please keep scrolling down
Kayaking in
Southwest Florida is truly a unique experience. This biosphere
does not exist anywhere else in the world.
It is a unique habitat, best explored by small water craft, an
experience that you will enjoy, with our ventures into the
island and rivers ecosystems. We want everyone to have a safe
and happy trip experience.
Being well prepared is the key to your
enjoyment on this trip. Things like sunburn, having wet food,
getting
blisters, not bringing enough food or water; these can all
distract you from the kayaking and wildlife experience.
I have compiled a list of information and
tips that I hope you will find useful. Please read thru this a
few times,
and bring a copy with you. Remember that your most valuable skills
are your common sense and good humor!
Logistics and tips for a fun and safe
What is included in your trip
What do you bring
How do you get there?
Closest Grocery/Pharmacy/Camping Supplies
What fits in the kayaks?
Park Rules
What is included in your overnight kayak expedition?
We provide high quality sea
kayaks, kayak paddles, PFD's ( life jackets) paddle
floats, pump, line, signaling device,
Your FL Master Naturalist Guide will have a SPOT locator and
Marine VHF radio as well as a first aid kit. Your guide
has
current certification in CPR as well as the Wilderness First
Aid.
What does your guide do?
Your guide is a sea kayak instructor, with current certification
in CPR and Wilderness First Aid. A Florida Master
Naturalist, who
has extensive experience leading and guiding trips. Your
guide will use their navigational skills and experience to
select the best possible
camping area for the group, given tides, weather and group
abilities. Your guide will bring the kayaking gear to the
park, accompany you to
the camping area and remain with you thru the entire trip.
The guide will always be present on the water with you providing
information
on the area, history, wildlife and Everglades National Park. The
guide will go over Park rules with you and the course we will
take to get to
the key (island) we have chosen for the trip. We have
extensive experience with the Park, the 10,000 Islands, the
tides, currents and passes.
We have scouted out some of the prettiest places and make sure
your time out on the water is in these locals.
What doesn't your guide do?
Your guide does not set up
tents, cook meals, or provide firewood. Our prices are
extremely reasonable, under the assumption that there
are people who like to be self sufficient out in the
backcountry, but would like the knowledge and safety that a good
guide can provide.
It is with that assumption that we operate. If you need
help with something, please ask. But please keep in mind that
guides are there
for safety and guiding purposes and not camp host purposes.
If you do not own a tent or stove kit, we have a few that we can
rent low cost. Most
People who take our trips usually have previous outdoor
experience, but not in the Everglades and the 10,000 Island
Region. Or they have
camping experience, and kayaking experience, but perhaps not
doing them at the same time.
We are happy to offer advice pre trip on which gear works best -
what food is great to take and can answer any questions.
Who are our clients?
Adventure travelers from all over the world. People
looking to get out into nature, relax, and get a break from the
hectic world. Birders,
photographers, backpackers, kayakers, kayak club members,
families with outdoor adventure experience, anyone that is ready
to get out
into the backcountry of the Everglades and ready to enjoy the
experience.
Clients should have previous kayaking experience, the Everglades
does not loan itself to those who have not paddled before.
You don't have
to be an expert, but you should be able to paddle for a few
hours and comfortable being out in the wilderness in your kayak.
If you have any
questions about your ability, please contact us. We even
offer low cost classes to get folks up to speed who would like
to attend one of our
trips. We can work on technique, endurance or both.
With the exception of one tandem, our sea kayaks are all
singles, so each person has to be able to paddle themselves out
to our destination
and back. Your guide is not there to tow you, but show you
the wonders of the Park. Most experienced paddlers prefer
their own kayaks,
but we do have that one tandem so if you think you might need
it, please let us know. It is a beautiful Nigel Dennis Triton,
the fastest production
tandem in the world, so not a clunky old thing, but a high
performance kayak.
What do you bring?
Your food, water and camping supplies as well as personal
clothing etc. Please see our
Gear List for a
complete list of
recommended items. If there are a few things you don't
have on that list, contact us before purchasing. Sometimes
we have
extra stuff to rent at a low cost. We can also give you advice
about what items are good to buy and sometimes cheaper
alternatives.
What if you don't want a guide?
There are many companies in
Everglades City that rent mediocre plastic kayaks for $60-80 per
day and higher. Our two day trip works out to $75
per day and you get some of the best kayaks in the world to use.
Plus the guide! We do not rent our kayaks, they must go
out with
a guide. If you want to learn about navigation, we are
happy to teach you on the trip. This is an extremely challenging
environment to navigate
so a wonderful classroom!
How to get to the Everglades
National Park
We launch all overnight trips from the Southwest Entrance of the
Park. The only trip we launch from the Eastern Entrance
is
the Flamingo to
Everglades City/Wilderness Waterway Trip (at least 70 Miles)
The SW Entrance is located in Everglades City, a small fishing
and boating town in SW FL. It is located approximately
30
minutes east of
Naples/Marco Island. Airports like Fort Myers, Fort
Lauderdale and Miami are all relatively the same
distance- about
2 hours. Ft. Myers is the closest,
Ft. Lauderdale is about 2.5 hours, and Miami in between.
To
access Everglades City from any of those airports, take 75 South
if you are coming from Ft Myers
to Route 29 and head south.
There are no gas/bathroom facilities after you pass exit
101 for at least
one hour, so if you need to stop, stop there
first! Take Route
29 South and that goes right into
Everglades City. There
is no street address for the park, but the OYSTER HOUSE
RESTAURANT
is across the street, so you
can plug their address into your GPS. If you are coming
from the
East side of the state, you take 75 North/Towards
Naples and follow directions above
Oyster House 901 Copeland
Ave S Everglades City, FL 34139
Places you might need
Everglades City is very small and has very limited supplies.
Most items are simply not there.
No bank, medical facilities,
pharmacy
and very limited groceries. When the busy season
strikes,
shelves can be bare...
Closest full service grocery/pharmacy is Publix- about 30
minutes West of Everglades City
Here is their web site for that location- has map, direction,
hours etc.
http://store.publix.com/publix/cgi/selection?state-map=FL&mapid=US&lang=en&design=default®ion_name=Florida®ion=&place=&map.x=322&map.y=299
Publix Grocery Freedom Square
(Store #00516) 12663 Tamiami Trl E Naples, FL 34113-8423
Main: (239) 775-7383
Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #3417 6650 Collier Blvd Naples,
FL 34114 (239) 417-1252
http://www.walmart.com/storeLocator/ca_storefinder_results.do?serviceName=ALL&sfatt=ALL&rx_title=&rx_dest=%2Findex.gsp&sfsearch_zip=34113&%23.x=31&%23.y=11
Camping-Closest
state park where there is camping (for before or after the trip
if you need it)
Collier Seminole State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/Collier-Seminole/
Hotels
In Everglades City-www.captainstablehotel.com
The Captains Table - reasonable rate efficiency (small
kitchen) 102 E Broadway St Everglades City, FL 34139
(239) 695-4211
Port of the Islands Resort- about 15 minutes away, between E
City and Naples. Close to
Collier Seminole State Parking
for hiking and also they have manatee watching tours offered
at the local
marina. Awesome Breakfast buffet on weekends for $4.50
25000 Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34114-9602 (239) 394-3101
Air Travel and your Gear
Remember that there are things you cannot carry on the plane –
most common item is fuel for your stove.
Research the area that you fly into for an outdoor store.
Call them in advance to be sure they carry the brand that
you need and check their store hours as well as getting
directions from the airport. Also research where the closest
grocery
is, so you can pick up any last minute fresh food items that you
wish to bring with you.
Water
There is not any freshwater in the Everglades and 10,000 Islands
area where we will be camping out from our kayaks.
All water must be carried in. Please be sure you bring enough
containers, to carry your water.
Allow a gallon of water per day. Preference is for bladder
type containers that can be stored in the kayak or hard sided
containers that will fit in the hatches easily. Some of the
islands have raccoons that will break into your water supply.
Also, plan to bring a little extra water to share with someone
else. If anyone looses their water, spills it, or whatever
happens, if we all have extra water, it will be a happy trip!!–
Some meal ideas
Most importantly, bring what you really like to eat.
Fresh Food to prepared/packaged, to canned soup or chili, it is
all ok.
Things to keep in mind is how much space will it take up, and
how much water do you need for preparation.
One prepackaged, pre cooked meal we all like are the Vegetarian
Dishes by Tasty Bite
www.tastybite.com
These are Indian style, veggie dishes that are flavorful and
easy to prepare. We also purchase packaged chicken to add to
these, or instant rice or both. Pita bread is another
accompaniment that makes this a really filling meal. There are
also many prepared soup mixes that just require heating, such as
ginger carrot soup or roasted pepper and tomato soup.
All of these items are available at my local grocery –check
yours!
Want Fresh? A small soft sided cooler with
chicken, sausage or some other meat will certainly keep your
first day out, so will
yogurt, and fruits. Fresh
vegetables
do well for many days as do cheese, hummus, pita bread, salads
and more. How about
left over pizza? Cold chicken from the nights dinner
before? Three Bean Salad? So many options, have fun with
it
Snacks- bring plenty of high energy
snacks. Bars, nuts, and certain fruits, are all good choices.
Stay away from anything that contains chocolate that will melt
in the heat! Yogurt coated granola bars can also melt!
Gummy bears will give you a good boost and not melt…These are
just some ideas, be creative and see what you can
come up with!
Packing your food. Food items must be 100% waterproof.
If you are using Ziplocs, please double or triple the bags.
Even those should ultimately go into a dry bag. Minimize what
you carry, get rid of any packaging that is not needed.
You can write down cooking directions and take them with you,
instead of bringing the whole box or bag along.
Minimize what you take with you, and that will minimize the
garbage you have to return with, as well as give you
more space
for more
food and snacks!
Medications
If you are taking Medications please be sure to bring more than
enough. You may want to consider
packing what you will need, and then backup in a different bag.
There is nowhere to purchase medications
in Everglades City, and once we are out on the islands,
replacing soggy pills is even a greater challenge.
Most towns are 1-2 hours drive from Everglades City. Be prepared
and have anything you need safe and in a watertight container or
bag.
Glasses/contacts
Please bring spare – if you lose them, or they get lost in the
water, broken etc, there is nowhere close to replace them.
It will be a long drive into the city and take most of the day.
Don’t let your whole trip be ruined by not having a backup plan.
Wildlife/Marine Life
There are plenty of wonderful things you will experience on this
trip. The animals are certainly one of the highlights of the
trip.
We will pass through areas that include: dolphins, manatees,
sharks, jelly fish, sting rays, sea urchins, huge variety of
fish, waterfowl,
sea turtles, wild hogs, panthers, crocodiles, snakes spiders,
insects, cranes, great blue heron, egret. woodstork, deer,
roseate spoonbills,
vultures, Anhingas, white ibis, etc.
Remember it is illegal to harass the wildlife, so please keep
your distance and use a spotter or binoculars for a better view
You should view any wildlife from a distance, and never approach
or harass an animal.
Steer clear of all wildlife and if you want a close up look,
bring your telephoto lens, or binoculars.
Southwest Florida is one of the last strongholds for many of
these animals that are on the endangered list. Please respect
them!
Insects
Winter time is also the dry season for the Southern tip of
Florida, which means less bugs! Mosquitoes are rarely out at
dawn and dusk,
No See Ums may come out come out at dawn and dusk if the wind
dies down, the best protection is to keep covered.
Long pants and long sleeved shirt, and a scarf or bandana.
Usually, we don't encounter too many problems - sometimes going
for
a paddle at that time is a great solution too!. Bringing a pair
of lightweight loose fitting long pants and top will help with
both the sun,
and the bugs! Socks will protect your ankles and feet from
pesky bites.
Air and Water Temps
The conditions are usually 70-80 degrees during the day, and
50-60 at night. Water temps are about 65-70.
For sleeping, if it gets chilly, a bag that is rated 30 and
higher will keep you warm, even if there is a cold snap.
A bag warmer than that, will have you roasting! You may want to
consider bringing a lightweight sheet/fleece blanket,
so that if it is really warm, you can still sleep covered
without creating a steam bath, and if it gets a little colder,
you have extra warmth. Remember, even though it is warm, if you
wake up to a rainy, windy day, you certainly can get chilled.
Sun protection:
The Sun in Southwest Florida is intense. Sunburn will strike in
minutes, instead of hours if you are unprotected.
This can also
result in heatstroke. Sunscreen, adequate protection for
your head, and sunglasses will make you a happy
camper. Plan on
paddling in lightweight clothing that will cover you.
Foot Protection
So many ways to hurt your feet. Be Foot Aware – look where you
are stepping.
Oysters live in many of the bays,
these are sharp, and can
slice your foot pretty easily.
Please have boating shoes on that cover your feet properly
(instead of sandals/flip flops).
Charts and Maps.
If you would like to purchase your own copy, you can do so at
www.waterproofcharts.com
here is a specific link to the chart you will need
which is #9E
http://www.waterproofcharts.com/floridalargeprint.htm#9E
The price is $24.95
plus tax. A good general map is available from National
Geographic from their online store –
this is a general area map with hiking trails and roads. This
is not a marine chart for navigation, but handy for the area,
and of course, if you want to do some hiking! You can use this
link, or google national geographic everglades
map
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/jump.jsp?itemID=406&itemType=PRODUCT
Group Travel
Remember that we will all be spending a lot of time together.
This is a great way to learn about each other, and learn from
each other.
Please be courteous and polite while on the trip. Share
stories, gear, food, whatever you wish.
Alcohol and Drugs
There is a strict policy on this trip – no drugs ever! Alcohol
may be consumed in camp, when the kayaking day is done.
If you are observed impaired in this manner, during the day,
when we are out kayaking and exploring, you will not be
allowed to continue that day, and may be asked to leave the
trip. If you are using drugs, you will be expelled from the
trip immediately.
So save the libations for the evening around the campfire. Keep
your head when you are out. Remember when you put yourself at
risk,
you put the whole group at risk. If you see a problem, alert one
of the group leaders immediately.
Fires
Having a fire is perfectly alright on our island trips.
Per Park Regulations, all fires (and all cooking) must be done
below the high tide line.
Fines are steep, and if you build your fire low, the high tide
overnight will wash away the remains and you will wake up to a
nice white
sandy beach instead of a black hole where the fire was. That
also leaves it really nice for the next person
Cell phone Use:
We will be out in the wilderness, but will have cell phone
coverage most of the time. This is great for emergencies, or
quickly checking in –
but please remember, that your fellow participants do not wish
to paddle with anyone constantly on the phone. If you need to
use your
cell phone, please step away from the group and speak quietly.
Respect the natural world in which you will be traveling.
FL Wilderness
Be aware, that we will be kayaking and camping in true
wilderness, where medical care is not readily available.
Know yourself and know your abilities, and know your body. If
you have concerns, please let us know before signing up.
Out on the water
if we are kayaking, please let the leader know right away if you
are feeling tired, sea sick,
sunburned, dehydrated, overly warm, or anything else that can
affect your ability to kayak.
We paddle as a group. No exceptions!
While we plan a steady pace, there will be times when we need to
hurry to beat a tide, or slow down to observe or give
room to
wildlife. If you have a special request – just let us know. We try to
accommodate all reasonable requests.
If you feel that the trip is going too fast or too slow
for your ability, again, let us know. We can make most
reasonable
accommodations if we are aware.
Important: Raccoons on the islands will attempt to steal and all food/water
items left on the beach, in your tent, pfd pocket, etc.
All food and water must be stored securely in your kayak
bulkhead, covers secure when on land unless you are
actively cooking or eating or sitting by your provisions.
You are responsible for any damage to a kayak/tent/pfd etc. that
gets damaged from not storing these items properly.
PARK RULES
Protected Resources
All plants, animals, and artifacts are
protected;
do not collect or disturb them. Do not cut mangroves and other vegetation in any manner.
Unoccupied shells may be gathered—up to one quart per person.
Pets
Pets are not permitted at backcountry campsites, beaches, or ashore anywhere in the
wilderness. Pets can disrupt feeding, nesting, and mating activities of wildlife.
Wildlife
It is illegal to feed wildlife.
Do not leave food unattended. Store food in a secure compartment aboard a vessel or in a hard–sided
cooler (not foam).
Raccoons are aggressive and may chew through plastic water jugs.
Do not approach wildlife so closely that it interrupts their natural behavior.
Enjoy the diverse wildlife, but from a safe distance.
Do not feed any animals, regardless of whether they have feet, fins, or feathers.
Your Vessel
All vessels must conform to Coast Guard
regulations. Air boats and personal watercraft (jet skis) are prohibited.
Portable Motors
Generators, chain saws and other portable
motors are prohibited at wilderness sites.
Fires
Fires are not permitted at ground sites or chickees.
Fires are only allowed at some beach sites.
Build fires below the highest tide line, and use only dead and downed wood.
Weapons
Possession of weapons is prohibited.
Closed Areas
All keys (islands) in Florida Bay are closed to landing, except Bradley Key (open sunrise to
sunset), and those designated as campsites.
In Florida Bay, the mainland from Terrapin Point to U.S. 1 is closed to landing .
Sleeping on Board
If you sleep aboard a vessel, anchor out of
sight of chickees and ¼ mile from other sites.
Trash
Carry out all your trash; do not bury it or dispose of it in toilets.
Use toilets where provided, for human waste only.
International laws prohibit dumping trash at sea.
Fishing Regulations
Park fishing regulations are available from visitor centers.
A state fishing license is required; purchase one at the Flamingo Marina
or from area bait and marine supply stores.
You may also obtain a fishing license by calling 1-888-347-4356.
Human Waste
Use toilets where provided. Bring a trowel for use at other times.
If there is no toilet, dig a hole at least six inches deep and cover it after use.
At beach and coastal ground sites, urinate directly in the water. Pack out toilet paper.
To avoid soap pollution in local waters, wash dishes (and yourself) away from waterways
and sprinkle the gray water over the ground to
soak in below the current high tide line
For Your Safety:
Park’s 24-hour dispatch at (305) 242-7740.
Boating Safely
Canoeists will encounter powerboats. Angle
into the wake of a boat to minimize the chance
of overturning. Powerboaters should reduce
speed in narrow channels. Idle past canoeists
and give them plenty of space. Approach last
100 yards of any backcountry campsite at idle
speed to avoid prop dredging and excessive
wave action. Watch for manatees! Paddlers:
when powerboats slow to idle speed, please
stop paddling to allow them to pass you, and
try to stay to sides of channels.
If You’re In Trouble
Stay with your vessel near a navigational marker
or campsite. Set anchor immediately. Try to
attract the attention of other boaters. If you
have a marine radio, transmit on channel 16.
Tides
Beware of swift currents and tides when
securing vessels overnight; tidal ranges can
exceed four feet in some locations. Beach
canoes above high tide line or anchor from
three points at landings/docks. Use tides
to your advantage in travel. Tide tables are
available at Flamingo and Gulf Coast VC’s.
Winds & Weather
Numerous canoes and boats have been
swamped by rough seas on windy days.
Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer.
Hurricane season is June through November.
Be prepared for sudden wind and weather
changes at any time.
Important Regulations
Attention Boaters:
Manatees
Manatees frequent many of the waterways
in Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.
Because they are slow–moving and feed in
shallow water, many manatees are killed each
year by boat propellers. Be especially careful
in
areas posted with manatee signs. If you see an
injured or dead manatee, please report it to the
Florida Marine Patrol at (800) DIAL FMP.
What’s back there?
Remember to secure everything in your boat
before heading home. Valuable items including
fishing poles, life vests, seat cushions,
coolers,
and clothing often blow out of boats and are
found along the roads. Garbage left in boats
also finds its way to the roadsides. Please help
keep south Florida national parks litter–free!
Boat Wisely
Boating in Florida Bay and the Everglades
backcountry can be a challenge. Much of the
water is quite shallow, and you can ground
your boat quickly. In addition to damaging
your boat, groundings destroy precious
seagrasses that provide food and shelter to
creatures inhabiting these waters. Always refer
to nautical charts as well as tide charts for a
safe boating excursion. When in doubt, go with
someone familiar with the area.
Water
There is no fresh water available anywhere
along the coastal portions of the Marjory
Stoneman Douglas Wilderness or the
Wilderness Waterway. You must bring all
of your drinking and cooking water. As a
minimum, plan on bringing one gallon of water
per person, per day. Hard–sided containers
should be used, as raccoons often chew
through soft–sided containers (such as “milk
jugs”) to get to your drinking water. In
addition
to ruining your trip, when raccoons get your
drinking water, it allows artificially large
numbers of them to survive in a given area. In
the summer, sea turtles nesting on these same
remote Everglades beaches lay their eggs, only
to have over 90% of the nests destroyed by
the hungry raccoons. Don’t upset the balance
of nature. Keep all water and food away
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