Wilderness Waterway Expedition - 8-Day/7-Nights - Vigorous
This is a guided version of the trip described by author Kyle Dickman in Outside Magazine's May 2011 edition. Kyle titled his article "Don't Write Off the Gulf", referring to the fact the Everglades National Park was unaffected by the BP oil spill. Kyle interviewed and credited Naples Kayak Company as his reference source for information on the trip.
On this tour you will paddle the entire 99-mile length of the famous Wilderness Waterway. This waterway is the only marked route in Everglades National Park. It traverses the entire length of the park from Flamingo in the south to Everglades City in the north. Although the waterway mostly follows a protected "inside" route, we will vary the trip to visit other scenic and interesting locations such as Cape Sable, the Nightmare, Watson Place, and Pavillion Key. The trip is famous for allowing a complete eight-day immersion in the wilderness backcountry with no access between the put-in and take-out. Such vast inaccessible wilderness is available nowhere else in the eastern U.S. As Kyle noted, you will see Everglades National Park - and nobody else - on this trip!
This trip is recommended for experienced kayakers only with up to 18-miles and 10-hours paddling per day with potentially limited breaks. Our guided tour includes van shuttle transportation from the meeting point at Glades Haven Marina in Everglades City (where you may securely park your vehicle) to the kayak put-in at Flamingo. We will then paddle north toward the take-out at Glades Haven Marina where our vehicles await us. The guided tour also includes a welcome halfway point reprovisioning by motor boat of ice, food, water and cold drinks. An icy cold soft drink or beer never tasted so good!
Day 1 - Flamingo, 10 miles
Your tour begins this morning in Everglades City where we meet as a group at 8:00 am at Glades Haven Marina. After meeting the guides and other tour members, we distribute individual dry bags for packing your personal items. We will 
then load all our personal gear, group camping gear, water, provisions and kayaks into our shuttle van. Any additional personal gear you do not wish to bring on the kayak tour can be locked in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be securely parked for the duration of the tour at Glades Haven Marina.
Next, we will drive to the kayak put-in at the national park marina in Flamingo. Flamingo is a tiny outpost at the southernmost tip of the state. The name does come from the colorful birds which occasionally pass through the area, but live more abundantly in the Caribbean. Here we load the boats and thoroughly review essentials such as trip logistics, paddling basics and safety procedures. We then say goodbye to civilization and head out into the wilderness!
We paddle this afternoon along the coastline of Florida Bay and stay tonight at the East Cape campsite. After unloading the boats and setting up our first camp, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner. Our meals are a highlight, often including appetizers, fresh salads, local seafood and dessert. With our backcountry experience, we've learned that depending on dehydrated camping meals is not necessary. Paddling distance: 10 miles. Lunch and dinner included.
Day 2- Cape Sable, 10 miles
After our first breakfast, breaking camp and loading the boats, we'll head out along the undeveloped Cape Sable coastline. Our hearty breakfasts include such choices as eggs, bacon, toast, cereal, cold milk, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. Where possible, we'll stop for leg stretches, bathroom breaks, and a buffet picnic-style lunch each day. If no conveniently-located dry ground is available, we'll each pre-pack a "brown bag" lunch to carry inside our kayak cockpits.
Long and undeveloped Cape Sable is completely exposed to the open Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful and wild coastline is fronted by long beaches completely devoid of the condominiums backing most of Florida's coast. We camp tonight on Northwest Cape beach. Paddling distance 10 miles. All meals included.
Day 3 -Ponce de Leon Bay, 11 miles
We continue north today toward Ponce de Leon Bay. Here, we'll paddle approximately three miles across open water at the mouth of the bay. In the open water, we have a great opportunity to spot dophin, sea turtles and white pelicans. If the weather does not cooperate, we will head east toward the protected inside of the bay. We camp tonight on a wooded ground site at Graveyard Creek. Paddling distance: 11 miles. All meals included.
Day 4- Nightmare Route, 18 miles
We head inside today from the open gulf and into the narrow, twisted and shallow Nightmare Route. This route was named by motor boaters who became stranded at low tide and swarmed by clouds of mosquitoes. It is actually a very pleasant paddle for
kayakers through a shady canopy of mangrove tunnels.
Our destination tonight is Rogers River Bay Chickee. Chickee is the Seminole native word for "house" and is what the National Park calls their camping platforms. These platforms are wooden decks with metal roofs constructed over the water on stilts. We set up our tents and sleep directly over the water tonight. This unique experience allows us to listen to the fish jump and manatees breathe throughout the night. This evening we'll be met at camp with a motor boat drop of fresh provisions, ice, water and cold drinks!. Paddling distance: 18 miles. All meals included.
Day 5- Wilderness Waterway, 12 miles
Today we pick up and follow the actual Wilderness Waterway all day. This waterway follows a protected "inside" route through connected shallow bays and creeks. The route is marked by the national park with consecutively-numbered posts from #1 in Flamingo to #137 in Everglades City placed at potentially confusing junctions. All day we'll be counting up toward our destination!
Our campsite tonight is at Lostman's Five Bay which is a wooden camping platform in a clearing of mangroves. The interesting name is rumored to have come from early settlers who discovered five Spanish sailors hiding out here after deserting their ship. Paddling distance: 12 miles. All meals included.
Day 6- The Watson Place, 13 miles
Today we continue to follow the waterway north before heading west on the Chatham River. Our destination is one of historic significance, the infamous Watson Place. Around the turn of the century, the notorious Ed Watson, a headstrong and violent-tempered man with a shadowy past, lived and farmed here. His employees, neighbors and associates too often disappeared and were never heard from again after disputes with Mr. Watson. The homesteader met an early demise when the local men took the law into their own hands. This story was made famous in Peter Matthiessen's 1991 book Killing Mr Watson.
The campsite here is in a clearing on a man-made shell mound. The mound was constructed by the Calusa natives, the original people in southwest Florida. The Calusa lived and thrived in Florida for centuries, well before the more famous Seminole people, who migrated here only in the last 200 years. Sadly the Calusa were wiped out by small pox and warfare with the Spanish. The Calusa constructed dozens of these engineered mounds over generations as dry land for home sites. The Watson Place mound is one of the Everglades largest at 38 acres. Paddling distance: 13 miles. All meals included.
Day 7- Pavillion Key, 7 miles
This morning we leave the Wilderness Waterway behind and paddle down the Chatham River back to the Gulf of Mexico. Tonight we camp on the sand beach at the northeastern tip of Pavillion Key. Key is a corruption of the Spanish word cayo or small island. Pavillion Key sports a long west-facing sand beach. The powder-soft and sparkling, white sand is composed of calcium carbonate produced from the shells of marine invertebrates. This afternoon we'll have time to stretch our legs and shell hunt on the long beach. We'll enjoy our last night in the backcountry this evening with a vibrant Florida sunset and blazing beach campfire. Paddling distance: 7 miles. All meals included.
Day 8 - 10,000 Islands, 10 miles
We are now nearing the end of our journey, just as we’ve locked into the backcountry rhythms, forgotten our concerns from the outside world and focused only on meeting simple and immediate needs. But first, we enjoy our last paddle weaving through the 10,000 Islands. This vast tangle of "islands" is actually a maze of mangrove trees growing in a shallow tidal estuary. At high tide the inaccessible islands are completely flooded and at low tide they are surrounded by boat-trapping mud flats.
The 10,000 Islands affords a fantastic opportunity to witness our abundant migratory and resident birdlife, including flocks of ibis, diving osprey, and vibrant pink spoonbills. We end our trip back at Glades Haven Marina around 5:00pm. Tonight you'll enjoy your well-earned shower and cold drink! Paddling distance: 10 miles. Breakfast and lunch included.
Note on Itinerary
The route as described above adds up to a total of 91 miles. This actual mileage differs from the national park designation of 99 miles due to differences in routing. Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. It may be necessary to start in Everglades City on Day 1 and paddle south to Flamingo. If so, we will still follow the route and camp at the sites specified above, only in reverse order. If this is necessary, we will then be picked up in Flamingo on Day 8 and shuttle back to our vehicles parked at Glades Haven Marina. One reason for the possible changes is the National Park regulated camping permit system. To minimize human impacts, the Park Service restricts overnight camping inside Everglades National Park to specified campsites, each with capacity limits. The permits are only issued 24-hours prior to first day, in person, on a first-come basis. No permits can be reserved in advance. Therefore, the final paddling route is contingent on available campsites. The final route is up to the discretion of the guides based upon participants' interests and skill levels; weather conditions, including fresh water levels and tidal currents; and safe paddling conditions determined by wind and wave levels.
Price Includes
This tour includes in the price:
- professional instruction and guiding from two guides on tours with six or more clients;
- all meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last;
- seven nights camping accommodation in 2-person tents;
- single or double expedition-type sea kayaks including all kayaking and safety equipment;
- all necessary camping gear including sleeping bag, self-inflating mattress and several dry bags for packing personal items; and
- all required National Park camping fees and permits.
As noted, and unlike any of our competitors, all of our tours with six or more clients feature two guides. Having two guides means more personal attention for you, increased flexibility in selection of kayaking pace, better service including paddling ahead for camp setup, a higher level of safety while kayaking, and much better value for your vacation dollar.
Also as noted, our tours are fully outfitted and include everything you need for a comfortable kayaking and camping experience. We provide both single and double sea kayaks, you are free to select either at your preference. The camping equipment includes at no additional cost, unlike any of our competitors, a high quality and freshly laundered sleeping bag, comfortable self-inflating mattress and individual dry bags to securely hold your personal items. There is nothing (other than your personal items as outlined in our Trip Packing List) that you need to bring from home. Of course, if you prefer your own equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, or even kayak) you are welcome to bring it along.
Not Included
The trip price does not include:
- transportation to and from your home to the trip start/end point
- personal travel insurance
- alcoholic beverages
- pre- and post-tour accommodations
- guide gratuities
- personal items (see packing list)
All trips start and end at the boat ramp at Glades Haven Marina in Everglades City. In order to arrive at the start point on time, you will be required to travel to Florida one or more days prior to Day 1 and drive to the put-in. For convenience and comfort, we recommend spending the night before and after your tour directly at Glades Haven Marina. If you like, we can make this reservation for you. Simply indicate the cabin type and number of nights on your Tour Reservation Form. Before making any travel arrangements (including purchasing airline tickets, booking rental cars, reserving hotel rooms, etc), please contact us for a confirmed trip reservation.
As noted above, and unlike any of our competitors, we can provide local accommodation before and after your tour directly at the put-in at Glades Haven Marina. Our marina has private stand-alone cabins for rent that can accommodate 1 to 6 people. Please see our web site at http://www.theevergladesflorida.com or call 1-888-956-6251 for details on the cabins. Having local accommodation at the boat ramp greatly increases your tour convenience and comfort. Imagine enjoying a well-earned shower immediately after returning from a multi-day backcountry experience! We do not include the price of pre- and post-tour accommodations in the tour price because many clients prefer to make their own arrangements to suit their specific travel schedule.
Campsite Facilities
We camp each night in National Park backcountry primitive campsites as specified above. These primitive campsites do NOT include facilities such as electricity, fresh running water, cell phone service or flush toilets. Some campsites do have port-a-potty toilets. As necessary, your guides will review appropriate leave-no-trace cat hole toilet procedures. Although primitive, camping on our trips is spectacular and comfortable. One of your guides often travels ahead and sets up camp before our arrival. Even if you've never camped before, you'll be very comfortable and marvel at the delicious meals your guides prepare. We supply 2-person free-standing dome tents, freshly-laundered sleeping bags, and comfortable self-inflating sleeping mattresses. You may bring you own tent, bag and mattress, if you prefer.
Weather
The Everglades straddles the indefinite boundary between tropical and temperate climates. During the winter months we generally experience a tropical dry season with abundant sunshine, warm days, cool nights, low humidity and little rain. The infamous clouds of biting insects are also greatly reduced. This is the best time of year to visit the Everglades! However, temperate cold fronts do sweep through in the winter. The cold fronts can bring violent thunderstorms and be followed by strong, cold north winds. Therefore, a packable rain/wind jacket and one set of warm camp clothes are still necessary. A specific personal Trip Packing List is provided in our Pre-Departure Information packet.
Food and Beverages
All meals are included from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last and are prepared by your guides in camp. We feature fresh, nutritious, tasty foods, multi-course meals of large portions. With our planning and experience, we have learned it is not necessary to use bland and unhealthy prepared meals in the backcountry. All meals are served buffet-style with several courses where you are free to help yourself to what you like and as much as you like. Dinner is a highlight that includes a splendid array of tasty preparations such as fresh local seafood, appetizers, fresh salads and desserts. We often gather for a "happy-hour" at sunset with appetizers and drinks. We provide plenty of fresh drinking water for the duration of the tour along with some beer and wine. You are welcome to bring additional beverages (soda, wine, liquor, etc), although be aware that our ice supply only lasts for the first day. We include cooked breakfasts on most mornings including fresh coffee, juice and fresh fruit. Cold cereal with milk and toast with spread is always available. Lunches are buffet picnic-style where possible or self-prepared brown bag meals that we carry inside our kayak cockpits. Most special diets can be accommodated. Please list dietary restrictions and preferences on your Tour Reservation Form.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your reservation, you may be eligible for a partial refund if the cancellation is made at least 60 days before departure. Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under federal regulations, which restrict the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We require a nonrefundable deposit of $300 per person to confirm your reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 60 days of a trip are not eligible for refund.
Trip Cancellation and Changes
Although infrequent it is sometimes necessary for us to cancel or modify a trip because of unusual or unexpected circumstances. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trip due to adverse weather conditions, water levels, forest fires, hurricanes, permit restrictions campsite limitations, or other circumstances beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation or modification of a trip, we are not responsible for any resulting expenses incurred by guests.
Booking Information
Interested? Please give us a call (1-239-695-2162), drop us an email (evergladesdave@gmail.com), or write us (PO Box 633, Everglades City, FL 34139) and we'll check availability on your selected tour. If openings are available, you can confirm your reservation by completing our Tour Reservation Form and returning it with a $300 per person deposit. The deposit can be paid online at our secure payment processing page, verbally over the phone, or by check through the mail. Upon receipt of the completed form and deposit, we will send you our detailed Pre-Departure Information packet, including reservation confirmation, payment receipt, a full packing list and liability release agreement. Please do not make additional travel arrangements such as purchasing airline tickets, reserving rental cars, or booking hotel rooms, etc., until you receive a confirmed reservation from us.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Many trips fill fast, reserve your adventure today!