The Everglades area is a vast and varied ecosystem containing the largest mangrove forest in North America. Throughout the forest are brackish "lakes" whose waters are a mix of "sweet" fresh water and salt water. This is part of what makes the Everglades so special. These lakes, surrounded by mangroves, are refuges and nursery grounds for herons, egrets, stilts, ducks, wood storks, spoonbills, alligators, otters and a gamut of fishes. This is where the Everglades transitions from freshwater to saltwater and is a wonderful place to experience.
Interconnecting these lakes are narrow, flowing tidal creeks. The mangrove forest grows to the very edge and even over the tops of these creeks forming a canopy or a tunnel. The sunlight shimmering through the canopy, the stillness of the forest vegetation and the sounds of the forest itself, make for a surreal and mystical experience in the tunnels. The dense canopy regulates moisture and humidity allowing orchids, mosses and bromeliads to thrive. This trip is commonly conducted on the upper end of the Turner River in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve or within Fakahatchee Strant Preserve State Park.
Meeting/pick-up point: Everglades City Welcome Center at 32016 Tamiami Trail East, Everglades City, FL 34139.
Duration: Three hours.
Start/opening time: Tour departs at 8.30am and 1pm. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Languages: In English.
Others: Children must be at least 3 years old to participate.