Host: Roger Dykstra When: Year round. Length of tour: One day Minimum number for tour: Two Fees: To give you an indication, but pls. contact me at the bottom of this page for your offer: Cost per person is $79.00 per adult and $47.50 for children (8-12 years old) plus 6% sales tax where applicable. Program outline: This is a fully narrated, interpretive day trip through the Western Everglades to experience the four major geographical areas of this unique Ecosystem. We depart from Naples at approximately 8:00 am and return around 5:00 PM.
After leaving the Pine Forest we board an historic pontoon boat for a 1½ hour narrated boat tour of the 10,000 Island NWR, which is a protected Mangrove Forest. The shoreline is habitat for Manatees, Dolphins, Egrets, Ibis and Herons, while overhead are nesting sites for Ospreys and Bald Eagles. The vital importance of the Mangroves, to both Nature and Humanity, will be explained as well as some very early history of Southwest Florida. After lunch at a local restaurant, (serving home-style food instead of touristy foods), its on to the sawgrass prairie and a look at a critical resource that is presently being lost at an enormous rate... water. Along the way we look for numerous wading birds such as Egrets, Stilts, and possibly Roseate Spoonbills. Sometimes during the winter and spring we find the largest flying bird, White Pelicans, along the route we follow to our next area. Entry into a Cypress Swamp reveals more birds, such as, Anhingas, Red Shouldered Hawks as well as other animals. One of the most impressive parts of this section is our close proximity to a large group of alligators. Also keep your eyes open for otter, deer, wild pigs, butterflies and other interesting animals that call the swamp home.
Included in the tour’s cost is the service of a professional naturalist tour guide; 1½ hour narrated boat tour; printed guides and maps; a full lunch, including free non-alcoholic beverage, luxury Coach or Safari Wagon transportation (fully air-conditioned and coaches are also equipped with lavatory and videos). Warning Flag: ITEMS TO BRING ALONG : |
First we travel through the Pine Flatwoods to learn about alien invaders of the plant
kind. The history of the area and a visit to a rare landscape are part of the first
portion of the morning. Swallow-tailed kites and red-shouldered hawks patrol this area,
that also provides habitat for the endangered Florida Black Bear and Panther. Stops for
leg-stretching and photo opportunities are made.
We then travel on to the Fakahatchee Strand which scientists call "one of the most valuable biological assets remaining in Florida". This area was severely devastated by Cypress logging in the 1940's and 50's, yet it is a testament to the power of water and other natural resources in it's remarkable recovery. Our short walk into this complex mosaic of plants and trees will involve discussions about Orchids, snake poachers and many other interesting facts about this area. Sometimes the Resident Biologist is available for an on-site presentation (subject to the Park Service work schedule). 