Florida
Kayaking the Everglades: Exploring the River of Grass
Program No. 2134960MEADV-0219
Discover the delicate beauty of Florida’s Everglades with experts and naturalists, discussing the region’s unique ecology, history and culture as you kayak this great American preserve.
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800-454-5768
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DATES & PRICES
No shuttle | Roundtrip airport transfer |
---|---|
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2025
Filling Fast!
Jan 19 - Jan 24, 2025Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
Dec 7 - Dec 12, 2025
DATES & PRICES
No shuttle | Roundtrip airport transfer |
---|---|
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2025
Filling Fast!
Jan 19 - Jan 24, 2025Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
Dec 7 - Dec 12, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Everglades City, FL
2
East River, Everglades Lecture
Everglades City, FL
3
Rookery Bay, Twilight Paddle
Everglades City, FL
4
Paddle 10,000 Islands to Sandfly Island
Everglades City, FL
5
Paddle the Turner River, 10,000 Islands Cruise
Everglades City, FL
6
Wrap Up Lecture, Program Concludes
Everglades City, FL
At a Glance
When Marjory Stoneman Douglas published her book “The Everglades: River of Grass” in 1947, she called attention to the deterioration of the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi. Since then, the establishment of the national park and painstaking restoration and preservation efforts have helped maintain the Everglades as a natural treasure. With experts and naturalists, kayak the subtropical rivers that flow through it to experience the beauty of its pristine estuaries and to gain personal understanding of what makes its ecology unique.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Paddling up to six miles, walking up to two miles per day. Getting on and off motor coach and vans.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience a twilight paddle on the East River.
- Paddle through the 10,000 Islands and learn the history of Calusa Shell Mound settlers who raised tomatoes on the islands in the early 1900s.
- Learn about unique adaptations of flora and fauna from a naturalist in Big Cypress National Preserve.
General Notes
Kayaking equipment provided. Airport Transfer at added cost.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Dillon Griffin
As a professional back country navigator, Dillon is blessed to have spent most of his career sharing areas such as The Everglades, in southern Florida, and the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. He credits his education and upbringing for instilling a strong passion for the great outdoors and exposing people to new environments. His programs reflect his understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our public lands. While away from work, Dillon enjoys spending time with family, and in the outdoors.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Dillon Griffin
View biography
As a professional back country navigator, Dillon is blessed to have spent most of his career sharing areas such as The Everglades, in southern Florida, and the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. He credits his education and upbringing for instilling a strong passion for the great outdoors and exposing people to new environments. His programs reflect his understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our public lands. While away from work, Dillon enjoys spending time with family, and in the outdoors.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Kayaking the Everglades: Exploring the River of Grass
Program Number: 21349
Endangered and Threatened Animals of Florida and Their Habitats (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
A biological crossroads where temperate gives way to tropical and east blends into west, Florida has over twenty-five primary habitat types, several of which are unique to the state. Within these richly varied natural communities lives an astonishing abundance of animals and plants, making Florida one of the United States' most biologically diverse regions. At the same time, sadly, Florida is also one of the country's most ecologically imperiled regions, second only to California in the number of its animals and plants that have been federally designated as endangered or threatened.
This fully illustrated book is a comprehensive, yet convenient and easy-to-understand guide to Florida's endangered and threatened animals and the habitats that support them. Chris Scott covers all 71 species, subspecies, or populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, insects, corals, and mollusks. His species accounts describe each animal's listed status, identifying characteristics, historical and current distribution, biology, current threats, and conservation efforts. To make the crucial link between animals and their habitats, Scott also includes extensive discussions of Florida's natural regions; human impacts on the environment, including habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive, nonnative species; and ongoing efforts to conserve and restore native plant and animal communities. With this wealth of information available in no other single volume, everyone who cares about the natural environment can help preserve one of America's biological treasurehouses.
The Story of Barron Collier: A History for Younger Readers
Marya Repko delves into the story of Barron Collier; an entrepreneur whose investments in Florida early in the 1920's helped it become the place that it is today. After dropping out of high school at age 16, Collier went on to start a successful streetcar advertising business in New York City before turning his interests in Florida. He led numerous efforts to develop the Everglades swamps; building roads, hotels, and telephone systems, and attracting wealthy tourists to the region.
Adventure Guide to The Florida Keys & Everglades National Park (3rd Ed)
An adventure guide to the Florida Keys and the Everglades National Park. It offers a mix of practical travel information along with details of adventurous activities, which should be fun for everyone no matter what their age or ability. The volume provides information on the history, culture, climate and geography of the area, covering its people and their roots, museums, historic sites and local attractions. The adventures include diving, canoeing, birdwatching, deep-sea fishing, aerial tours and swamp hiking. Then there is advice on where to eat and stay, transportation, practical concerns, useful websites, e-mail addresses, tourism offices and detailed regional and town maps, that feature walking and driving tours.
The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise
The Everglades was once reviled as a liquid wasteland, and Americans dreamed of draining it. Now it is revered as a national treasure, and Americans have launched the largest environmental project in history to try to save it. The Swamp is the stunning story of the destruction and possible resurrection of the Everglades, the saga of man's abuse of nature in southern Florida and his unprecedented efforts to make amends. Michael Grunwald, a prize-winning national reporter for The Washington Post, takes readers on a riveting journey from the Ice Ages to the present, illuminating the natural, social and political history of one of America's most beguiling but least understood patches of land.
The Everglades: River of Grass
Before 1947, when Marjory Stoneman Douglas named the Everglades a ""river of grass,"" most people considered the area worthless. She brought the world's attention to the need to preserve the Everglades. In the Afterword, Michael Grunwald tells us what has happened to them since then. Grunwald points out that in 1947 the government was in the midst of establishing the Everglades National Park and turning loose the Army Corps of Engineers to control floods--both of which seemed like saviors for the Glades. But neither turned out to be the answer. Working from the research he did for his book, The Swamp, Grunwald offers an account of what went wrong and the many attempts to fix it, beginning with Save Our Everglades, which Douglas declared was ""not nearly enough.""
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Everglades City, FL
Program Concludes
Everglades City, FL
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13
| 5B |
4L |
4D |
Activity Level
When Marjory Stoneman Douglas published her book “The Everglades: River of Grass” in 1947, she called attention to the deterioration of the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi. Since then, the establishment of the national park and painstaking restoration and preservation efforts have helped maintain the Everglades as a natural treasure. With experts and naturalists, kayak the subtropical rivers that flow through it to experience the beauty of its pristine estuaries and to gain personal understanding of what makes its ecology unique.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience a twilight paddle on the East River.
- Paddle through the 10,000 Islands and learn the history of Calusa Shell Mound settlers who raised tomatoes on the islands in the early 1900s.
- Learn about unique adaptations of flora and fauna from a naturalist in Big Cypress National Preserve.
General Notes
Kayaking equipment provided. Airport Transfer at added cost.
Featured Expert
Dillon Griffin
As a professional back country navigator, Dillon is blessed to have spent most of his career sharing areas such as The Everglades, in southern Florida, and the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. He credits his education and upbringing for instilling a strong passion for the great outdoors and exposing people to new environments. His programs reflect his understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our public lands. While away from work, Dillon enjoys spending time with family, and in the outdoors.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Paddling up to six miles, walking up to two miles per day. Getting on and off motor coach and vans.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 4L | 4D |
5 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
D
Stay:
Ivey House
Activity Note
3:00 p.m. hotel check in followed by Program Registration; 5:00 p.m. Orientation followed by Welcome Dinner.
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to meet the Group Leader and confirm orientation time and place. Your program materials will be sent to you a few days before the program, digitally, through your roadscholar.org account. This includes your program itinerary, any related handouts, and restaurant/free time suggestions. Please plan to print them out and bring along to the program, utilize the hotel's business center to access them, or view them on your own personal electronic device. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Our kayaking adventure will be led by a local naturalist who will provide commentary on our surroundings. All transportation throughout the program will be via hotel van.
Dinner:
At the Ivey House, gather for a welcome dinner.
Evening:
At leisure to relax and get ready for the week of paddling ahead.
Day
2
East River, Everglades Lecture
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Ivey House
Activity Note
Kayaking up to 4 miles in 3 hours; walking up to 2 miles sometimes on uneven terrain; driving 1.5 hours throughout the day; snacks will be provided during morning paddle.
Breakfast:
At the inn, we will have a selection of hot and cold items including fresh fruit, plus coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Boarding a van, we will ride to our launching point for our first kayaking trip in the East River. Start by getting acquainted with our kayaks while paddling through mangrove tunnels, into the saw grass prairies. Snacks provided.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch
Afternoon:
Return to the Ivey House with some time to freshen up. After having an opportunity to shower and change, we will hear from a park ranger on the history of the Everglades and the conservation of this unique environment.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure
Day
3
Rookery Bay, Twilight Paddle
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ivey House
Activity Note
Depending on time of year and daylight savings time, paddle will be a twilight or night paddle. Kayaking up to 5 miles in 3 hours; transfers via hotel van; snacks and headlamps provided during paddle.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
Board the van for a visit to Rookery Bay. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a prime example of a nearly pristine subtropical mangrove forested estuary. You will have an opportunity to walk the trails and spend time at the visitor center with local volunteers.
Lunch:
Plated meal at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Return to the hotel for free time before we set out on our evening paddle In the late afternoon with our naturalist, we will ride to the put-in for our next kayaking field trip from Seagrape Drive to Halfway Creek. Paddle into the twilight feel the mystery of the encoraching Mangrove estuary of Big Cypress National Preserve. As we paddle among the mangroves, learn about some of the unique adaptations of flora and fauna of the Everglades. Snacks and headlamps provided.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Paddle 10,000 Islands to Sandfly Island
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ivey House
Activity Note
Kayaking up to 6 miles in 3 hours; walking up to 2 miles; snacks provided during paddle excursion.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
Kayak the 10,000 Islands. We will make our way to Sandfly Island, a shell mound created by the Calusa Indians after they arrived in the area more then two millennia ago. While paddling, learn about the history of the Everglades from a local naturalist. Snacks provided.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
Return to the Ivey House for some time to freshen up, relax or explore before we meet for this evening's lecture and dinner. Meet the group leader and walk to the Museum of the Everglades for a self-guided visit. Back at the Ivey House we'll gather for a lecture from the Florida Public Archaeology Network on "Who Made the Everglades?".
Dinner:
Plated meal at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Paddle the Turner River, 10,000 Islands Cruise
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ivey House
Activity Note
Kayaking up to 6 miles throughout the day; walking up to 2 miles; due to a limited number of kayaks allowed on the Turner River, you may need to share a tandem kayak.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
From our launching point, we will paddle up the Turner River and into the heart of the Everglades, entering a Bald Eagle/Pond Apple ecosystem. As we glide through the fresh water observing air plants and herons, we may also see alligators basking in their natural habitat. Heading towards the prairie, we start meeting salt water and entering the mangrove tunnels.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
We will have an opportunity to freshen up and relax before a boat ride in the Everglades. Departing with our Group Leader we will walk over to the dock for a guided boat trip. We will learn about stone crab fishing, see historic landmarks and further explore the 10,000 islands.
Dinner:
Enjoy a plated farewell dinner at a local favorite restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Share your favorite experiences of the program with your fellow Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure tomorrow.
Day
6
Wrap Up Lecture, Program Concludes
Location:
Everglades City, FL
Meals:
B
Activity Note
10:30 a.m. after expert lecture program concludes; hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.; airport shuttle leaves at 11:00 a.m.; please book departures no earlier than 2:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
Expert lecture on the Everglades at Big Cypress National Preserve. This concludes our program. Shuttle to the airport departs at 11:00 a.m. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
- Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
- Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
- Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
- Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
- Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 69 Reviews
Sort By:
This was a great trip. I learned a lot about the everglades. The group leaders were very knowledgeable and always concerned about our safety. Thank you so much.
— Review left May 6, 2024
If you enjoy kayaking in beautiful water with an amazing guide (Dillon) and wonderful companions this is the trip for you.
— Review left April 13, 2024
Had a fantastic time! Our leaders Dillon & McKenzie? were both patient , kind and knowledgeable.
I was anxious at first that our group was so large but every day they broke us into two groups and that made all the difference. We had great weather, saw all kinds of wildlife, the food was great and the hotel was just right. Would highly recommend, but I would also recommend reading the suggested books beforehand. It had so much meaning for me to see in person what I read about. Thank you!!
— Review left March 15, 2024
The trip leaders were great and helped us explore beautiful waterways that would otherwise have been inaccessible to me.
— Review left March 8, 2024
My husband and I celebrated his 80th birthday in the Everglades! He’s a good kayaker and I’m an aspiring kayaker. Most of our travel mates were younger than we were but we kept up. I felt like I was back at camp: 7:30 breakfast, 8:30 daily briefing, 9:00 be in the van with your gear for the day.... no lazing around, no pampering, just get out on the water, discover, and learn. We paddled through mangrove tunnels, quiet ponds, open waterways, and we rarely saw other people. At lunch we gathered around picnic tables and made our own sandwiches. For dinner we’d walk or ride to a beachy cafe with personality and delicious fish. Surrounded by water and blue skies, pelicans and palm trees, delightful new friends, no crowds, only an occasional mosquito; we loved it! Thanks to Dillion and Matt, our great guides.
— Review left March 6, 2024
Everglades is more than alligators flora is fascinating .
— Review left March 4, 2024
The paddles are each unique and showcase a specific environment. I learned so much about the ecosystem and the different plants and animals that live there. Everglades City is a gem of a town, still small and remote, but I really enjoyed how nice the locals were to Road Scholar participants.
— Review left February 26, 2024
This trip to kayak the Everglades was everything I expected it to be. The group leader was terrific, and fellow participants were friendly, interesting, and helpful. The environment where we kayaked was beautiful.
— Review left February 25, 2024
This was absolutely a great trip. The wildlife and fauna were incredible, and participants, as always, mad the trip all the more fun.
— Review left February 21, 2024
This was a well organized program with good leadership. The 4 paddle events ranged from hard to easy and included sighting alligators and so many birds. The manatees did not cooperate. Besides paddling all 4 days we had lectures on metamorphosis, snakes and archeology plus a 2 hour boat ride and a visit to a research station. Two lunches were "picnics" outdoors. The seafood meals were over the top and the motel was in a good location (next to the convenience store and within walking distance of seafood grills). Breakfasts were pretty unimaginative but on-time and filling. Good program.
— Review left February 17, 2024
This was a 5 star program. Dillon, our leader was very approachable and did a wonderful job with a bunch of people who had just met. The kayaking was great, with an abundance of wildlife and the kayaks were very stable and all practically new. I would recommend this program to anyone who likes to kayak.
— Review left February 13, 2024
Kayaking the Everglades was my first Road Scholar trip, and I wish it could have lasted another week! The leaders, the participants, the scenery, the schedule, the food, the accommodations, what I learned about Everglades ecology--it was all great! Thank you for a very professionally-done program.
— Review left February 9, 2024
I have always wanted to experience the unique environment, flora and fauna of the Everglades and this program fulfilled that for me. I saw birds, animals, and plants that I'll never see in my home state of Michigan. The daily kayak trips and visits to nature centers and museums was just the right mix. Our leader was excellent and the other tour members enthusiastic and interesting. Everglades City is refreshingly different than the rest of south Florida. I'm glad I challenged myself to do this trip.
— Review left February 1, 2024
Fabulous kayaking experiences in different environments, and our guide Dillon made it interesting and fun! Definitely take this trip!
— Review left January 22, 2024
Kayaking the Everglades: Exploring the River of Grass was a wondrous trip. I amazed myself in that I was able to kayak for 3-4 hours three days. The everglades are beautiful, peaceful, full of birds and plants I many of which I have not seen before. I was concerned about alligators but quickly learned that they were not interested in us. The Tour guide Dillon Griffin and his crew were knowledgeable, accessible and interesting. It was a lovely trip. I want to go to the everglades again.
— Review left December 23, 2023
Our group ranged from one experienced kayaker to no experience at all. In my opinion, this is not a trip for someone with little to no experience. At times the paddling seemed rushed with no breaks other than to let people catch up. Also no time for photos. The group leader, Dillion was very well informed about the flora and fauna of the area.
Ivey House was a really interesting place to stay with a lot of history. Everyone was very helpful and friendly.
The lectures were all informative and interesting.
The Everglades and mangrove tunnels were amazing. Think a mini Jurassic Park! Great trip just be prepared for a fast pace and no picture time.
— Review left November 29, 2023
The Everglades are beautiful and so diverse. The kayaking was great and we experienced so many different types of flora and fauna and learned so much about the ecosystems. Dillon was a terrific leader and made each paddle so meaningful and exciting. Kenzie and Ryan were also great and were very supportive and informative guides.
— Review left November 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking in the areas surrounding Everglades City. We saw over 50 species of birds, as well as many alligators (not at all threatening), turtles, lizards, dolphins, etc. The trip was highly organized and I learned a lot about the history of the region. Don't expect posh accommodations, because it's a fishing town, but it was clean and comfortable and we enjoyed fresh seafood every night for dinner. Highly recommend.
— Review left March 11, 2023
We enjoyed the excellent variety of kayak trips in different locations, including a twilight paddle and mangrove tunnels.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Kayaking in the Everglades was an experience of a lifetime. The guides were excellent and the other participants were a pleasure to interact with. We were new to the program but plan to participate in more programs offered through Road Scholar.
— Review left February 20, 2023
A great introduction to kayaking! I had never kayaked before but this experience was perfect!
— Review left February 19, 2023
This trip was a great introduction to kayaking. I had only done it once before in Alaska with all those warm and waterproof clothes, this was much more comfortable and easier to navigate. Pace was very good, not too strenuous, mostly calm water with very little current, but sessions were long enough to get a really good workout. It was also fun to see that part of the country: lots of water birds, alligators (not threatening, just sleeping at the water's edge), etc. Very nice trip.
— Review left February 12, 2023
Loved kayaking in the Everglades. The opportunity to observe the animals and flora of the area was enlightening. Our guides were so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area and answered any question we could ask. Loved meeting and getting to know the participants in this program. Can't wait to go on another adventure with Road Scholar!
— Review left February 10, 2023
Kayaking the Everglades: the River of Grass was an amazing experience. How often does one get to paddle with enthusiastic new friends in a sunny, tropical locale amidst alligators and flocks of colorful birds? Everything from local seafood, knowledgeable history and wildlife presenters, and exhilarating paddles in a unique setting made it the perfect adventure trip for this solo traveler!
— Review left January 31, 2023
The Everglade kayaking trip was FANTASTIC! Our group leader, Dillion, was great! He was knowledgeable, organized and available for any questions or problems. LOVED seeing all of the alligators and learning about them! It was great to spend time with different people through out the trip. Our whole group was welcoming and fun to get to know. Highly recommend this trip!
— Review left January 30, 2023
If you, like me are interested in visiting as many of our national parks as possible on your bucket list put Kayaking the Everglades - The River of Grass at the top of your list.
Faith Herschler
— Review left January 22, 2023
Have you ever dreamed of exploring The River of Grass and experiencing The Real Florida up close and personal? I am so glad I signed up for the Everglades Road Scholars paddle tour and fulfilled my dream! Outstanding!
— Review left December 17, 2022
This is great opportunity to learn more about the Florida Everglades. Don’t worry about the alligators.
— Review left March 25, 2022
What a revelation this trip was as we explored the side-by-side Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve. One might think it was all a big, smelly, muddy, bug-infested swamp. NOT AT ALL! Instead, it's a rich, green, pristine environment, encompassing numerous biohabitats, filled with varied bird life, alligators too numerous to count, and some of the most beautiful waterways we've ever kayaked. Dillon and Tom—trip planners, tour guides, van drivers, Everglades Explainers Extraordinaire—were personable, accessible, flexible, fun. Everglades City as the center of our stay, and world headquarters of the Stone Crab industry, is the perfect location in the middle of it all. In fact, it might be fun to add a walking tour of Grimm’s Seafood just to marvel at how this delicacy is made available to the world. The pace was perfect with just the right combination of active, energetic kayaking and leisure time to explore area and take in the natural beauty. Highlights include the mangrove tunnels, the sleepy-eyed alligators, darting kingfishers and stately egrets and herons, soaring pelicans, alas no panthers, thank goodness no pythons. And in March, blissfully mosquito-free! Guest speakers included a local writer on the cultural history of the area and an archeologist on the evolution of the Everglades and the human impact on this unique river of grass. The National Park Service also provided a guest speaker on the ecology of the Everglades. This trip is everything Road Scholar promises: a focus on lifelong learning with experts in the field, combined with an active and energetic outdoor connection with the land and water, plus a compatible and personable group of fellow travelers. —Ben and Joyce Wiley, Largo, FL
— Review left March 12, 2022
Great trip. You will learn so much about this unique area of our country. The paddling is easy, and the scenery and birds are enchanting. The trip is very well organized and the guide is friendly and knowledgeable.
— Review left February 20, 2022
If you like to kayak, this is an interesting trip. The waters were all calm and there was very little issue with currents and no fast waters. If you want to experience some of the Everglades, this trip is worth taking. We saw quite a few gators and some interesting birds. Everglades City is a very small town and therefore has no large city stores or restaurants.
— Review left February 7, 2022
A jaw-dropping adventure in the mangrove/cypress wilderness of the Everglades. Truly a standout trip! We were comfortable and well-fed throughout, and the paddling was great. We had 2 field trips and 3 other classes that were all simply fascinating. Highly recommended!
— Review left January 31, 2022
A wonderful trip in understanding the Everglades up close and personal. Our trip leader, Dillon, and guide, Tom, were most accommodating thorough out the paddles...sharing, guiding, explaining... the wonders along the wonderful waterways within portion of the SW Everglades. What an amazing water world they assisted me to understand. Highly recommend this Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left January 29, 2022
Even though I live in Florida and have visited the Everglades often, I greatly enjoyed the Kayaking trip. I learned many new things about the Everglades, made new friends, and got ideas for further adventures in the Everglades. The daily paddles were enjoyable, meditative, and informational. The guides were true gems of local knowledge and kept the safety of the participants at the forefront. We got to sample local cuisine and learn about pythons, gators, and stone crabbing. Whether you have been to Florida or not, I recommend taking this wonderful kayaking adventure and learning more about the Everglades.
— Review left January 28, 2022
Such a great trip! It was well-organized and safe for all, but most of all I appreciated being in a warm (I live in the northern U.S.), different and beautiful part of our world.
— Review left January 24, 2022
This trip was amazing! I loved all of the opportunities we had to get up close and personal with the nature of the Everglades. The birds were absolutely fascinating and the mangroves, so impressive. Our guides were very knowledgeable, competent, and organized and the place we stayed was very comfortable. I only wished it could have been 5 full days for 5 days of paddling!
— Review left December 27, 2021
Fun trip with great paddles, instructors, lodging and food. Two of the paddles were a bit long and without a break.
— Review left December 23, 2021
"The greats"- guides, accommodations, food, location, paddling, informational lectures and site visits.
— Review left December 20, 2021
The everglades is a unique place and this will be a trip unlike any other. You will see many different birds and may see alligators, panthers, crocodiles, manatee, python and fire ants. You will see gumbo limbo, pond apple and mangrove trees and might see a poison tree. You will need a guide and road Scholar provides a good one.
— Review left December 20, 2021
Physically challenging in a remarkable setting. I was glad that I trained a bit during the 6-weeks prior to the trip; were I to take the trip again, I would train even more. Spacious and welcoming motel. Great leaders, interesting participants.
— Review left December 18, 2021
If you are at all interested in the Everglades and want to try your hand at kayaking, this is an amazing trip!
— Review left December 18, 2021
This is one of the best kayaking programs I've attended. The kayak trips were well coordinated, the accomodations were stellar as were the meals, as was the leader. Come visit Everglades City! You won't be disappointed!
— Review left December 17, 2021
Great guides! Enjoyed the evening discussions. All the topics were interesting. The night paddle was beautiful. Loved the moon reflecting off the water. The food was very good.
— Review left December 11, 2021
The Kayaking the Everglades program was exceptional. I looked forward to the actual kayaking experiences in the various eco systems, but I also wanted to meet like-minded folk, and did. The accommodations in Everglades City were very good and the food choices and local area restaurants were excellent. The program was very well organized and met all by expectations.
— Review left November 20, 2021
Thrilling trip.
— Review left March 7, 2020
As an avid paddler the Everglades has been on my list for 10 plus years. This is the first trip I took with Road Scholar and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the whole experience. The accommodations at the Ivey House were very comfortable. The staff were friendly and professional. The food was plentiful and excellent.
Our extraordinary guide and leader, Dillon, was amazing. His knowledge of and respect for the flora and fauna of the Everglades was astonishing and evident. He organized and wrangled boats and paddlers alike and often said his priority was giving us the best experience ever. And he didn't miss the mark! His second, Tom, was as patient and knowledgeable as well. Dillon and Tom's professionalism provided a first rate trip.
The speakers and educators that expanded the program were wonderful at sharing a more intimate look into the Everglades magic and history. The local businesses of the charming Everglades City were welcoming and helpful as well. My fellow RSers were a wonderful group of like minded persons. Each and every one of them provided another element of excellence to this trip. I look forward to booking my next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left March 1, 2020
We both enjoyed our time on the water. Four outings was the right number for our beginner level of interest. As always (the website tells us we have been on over a half-dozen small group events) we enjoyed the participants as well as the safety-conscious leaders. Several of our group felt comfortable doing every other kayaking trip, rather than the whole program...good leadership to encourage us to stay within our comfort zone.
— Review left February 22, 2020
Loved Everglade City, still much undeveloped, not commercialized but wonderfully quirky. No boutique stores here but great shirts at the Ivey House and the Bait & Tackle shop. Excellent place for singles as restaurants and and bars are comfortable (have fun meeting the locals). Everglade adventure guides attentive and easy going. They have a fun sense of humor; so patient with questions (reminder to read your Information Packet so there will be more time for fun activities). The Ivey House is charming and very clean. Truly thrilling to kayak among alligators and see the wonderful bird life. But if you never kayaked reconsider - getting in and out of kayaks proved challenging to several in the group. Would have liked a presentation on hurricane damages and reconstruction efforts.
— Review left February 22, 2020
If the program is revised, so that you get to walk the trails and actually see some of the Everglades, it will be a wonderful program. The kakaking is great.
— Review left February 12, 2020
AWESOME TRIP! And Dillon was the best trip leader ever. Kayaks were in great conditions. Hotel comfortable and clean with good variety at breakfast. Restaurants good except for the Island Cafe - 1/2 hour wait for dreadful food.
— Review left February 4, 2020
Had a wonderful time! Dillon and Tom did a great job of guiding our group thru a fascinating variety of waterways and walks, sharing information about the plants, animals, and history of the area. I'm not a birder, but was very happy to see 5 or more different types of heron, plus osprey, eagle, roseate spoonbills, and more. We also saw manatees. Tom shared a photo of a panther pawprint he found. The kayaks were comfortable and very beginner friendly, the short van rides to and from our stops were also comfortable. I really enjoyed paddling through the Mangroves and out in the bays - so different from the paddling at home. The length and pace of the paddling trips was just right for me.
The hotel was very comfortable, and served delicious dinners. Breakfasts were the same every morning, but were varied enough to eat something different each day if we wanted. Hotel sack lunches were hearty - the hoagies were too big, in fact. I also enjoyed the meals eaten out: only one disappointed.
We got a lot of information about the history of the Everglades region, the plants and animals, the human history, etc. There was more repetition than I cared for, with different presenters/info films covering the same information.
— Review left February 3, 2020
For anyone who does not remember when she last kayaked but really likes the sound of this trip, GO.You'll be fine and want to do it again.
— Review left January 30, 2020
While this program is listed as "no sweat" it is apparently interpreted by some as "no experience needed." It attracted some people who had no experience kayaking or last paddled 10 years ago when they were in their 70's. The group, rightly so, can only do as much as the slowest member and that can be a disappointment to more active people. Some improvement in the self selection process is necessary. While the trip states you may paddle up to 6 miles a day, it was more like 2 or 3. It is not about the distance traveled, but it limits your exploration and what you can see.
— Review left January 21, 2020
The trip was great, the tour guides were wonderful, we had a great time and we want to do it again.
— Review left December 23, 2019
The kayaking in the River of Grass (Everglades) was a great, exciting and a rewarding experience. The leadership was outstanding and very professional.
Kayaking through mangrove coves was a thrill and challenging but the leadership made it easy.
— Review left December 13, 2019
This trip is well worth the effort. Expertise in kayaking is not required; some experience is helpful but you can enjoy without much experience. Leader and Guides are super.
— Review left November 25, 2019
Wonderful program and enjoyable participants. Kayaking was a new experience for me, and with a little effort I was able to keep up. Our program leader was great and worked hard to make sure everyone was comfortable and got the most out of the trip.
— Review left November 23, 2019
This is a wonderful and unique way to learn more about the Everglades. Dillon, our group leader, does an outstanding job with all levels of kayaking and makes certain you have a great experience in the magical Everglades.
— Review left November 22, 2019
I am usually a hiker, but the best way to see the Everglades is on the water. As a novice paddler, the pace of this trip was just right for me -- exploring small waterways and mangrove tunnels, and seeing the many sides of the Everglades. Lots of wildlife on this trip, from alligators and turtles to a great variety of birds. The evening paddle with headlamps illuminating the eyes of alligators hiding under the mangroves was not to be missed. One stormy day cancelled our planned water trip, but the guides instead took us on a short walk and a boardwalk tour with lots of information and close-up viewing of Everglades flora and fauna. Both guides were experienced, good teachers, and very nice. The Ivey House was very comfortable and although Everglades City is a small town, it had several options for tasty dinners.
— Review left June 15, 2019
This was a very enjoyable trip. Location and accommodations were great.
Paddling was easy and allowed for lots of enjoyment of plant and animal life. Enjoyed the camaraderie of the group. Best of all was the highly-skilled leader, Dillon. He is not only very knowledgeable in all aspects of the local area and outdoor skills but is a truly nice guy with great people skills.
— Review left March 23, 2019
A terrific trip, saw many kinds of birds, turtles and alligators. Paddled in the mangrove tunnels, and even had an evening paddle. Our leader was the best.
— Review left March 14, 2019
The program was well organized.
Our instructor provided us with a wealth of information on the plants, birds and overall ecology.
With a small group of 10 we got to know each other quickly and had fun.
— Review left March 11, 2019
It was a wonderful trip. The weather was good, the guides excellent, the food was okay, the arrangements worked out well, and the hotel just fine. The Everglades kayak tours were spectacular! Not often does one get to see a full moon, rise, at night, in the Everglades, while in a kayak. Everglades City is a quint, quiet, friendly town with some great seafood restaurants and interesting tourists attractions. I'd do it again except that there are many other Road Scholar trips I plan to take. Thanks.
— Review left February 27, 2019
RoadScholar programming is extensive and varied--one can find a range of physical activity, many types of intellectual engagement, diverse destinations, and prices for many different budgets.
— Review left February 11, 2019
Don't hesitate to try this adventure. While no paddling experience is necessary, it would be helpful if you have sat in a canoe or kayak. Balance is a key factor. The guides are great and the pace is slow and easy. The history of this gem like no other in the world, and the activities out weigh the traditional box lunches that are necessary to fit in all the adventures during the day. If you are looking for fine dining, this trip is not for you. However, what you will experience will stay with you forever. A very special part of nature that will not be here much longer.
— Review left February 11, 2019
If you have any interest in the wilderness and enjoy kayaking, this is the trip to take. The four paddles were all great learning opportunities, but my favorite was the twilight paddle. Gliding through the Everglades while seeing our headlamps reflected in the eyes of the alligators was an extraordinary experiences.
— Review left February 10, 2019
This was an outstanding tour. I wasn't sure how I'd like being relatively close to gators but the guides eased us into it, so that the twilight tour on the 2nd day, in the dark, with headlamps illuminating the gators' eyes, was magical! So many birds, gators, bromeliads and other plants. I learned a lot.
— Review left February 9, 2019
This program is an ideal way experience nature's magic in the Everglades in a quiet and intimate way without intruding on the fragile inhabitants and ecology that make it all so special. I am still smiling as I revel in the beautiful memories of this trip.
— Review left February 4, 2019
I had very little paddling experience but it was the perfect way to experience and appreciate the Everglades.
— Review left January 25, 2019