The Everglades provide opportunities to experience Florida’s undisturbed natural ecosystem. It’s a truly magnificent region teeming with wildlife, vast marshlands, and twisting waterways. When you stay in Fort Myers Beach, your options for exploring the Everglades are almost endless. One of our favorite local tours is the Everglades Safari, voted Best Everglades Ecotour 22 years straight! This tour is a great way to experience everything the national park has to offer in a safe and fun environment. It’s a journey the whole family will love!
What’s Included in the Everglades Safari?
Roundtrip Transportation
Your adventure begins with free transportation to and from the greater Fort Myers area. That way, you won’t have to worry about making the trek to the Everglades yourself.
A Professional Guide
The Everglades Safari guides are very knowledgeable about Florida’s ecosystems and highly-trained to know exactly what to do in any situation. You can feel safe knowing you are in the hands of someone who knows and understands the Everglades.
Nature Walk
Kick start your tour with a leisurely stroll into the cypress swamp. You will be surrounded by ancient cypress trees, beautiful ferns, and an abundance of bromeliads. Keep your eyes open! You may encounter the rare Florida panther or even bears, otter, mink, deer, and feral pigs.
Scenic Boat Cruise
After a quick stop in a historic museum, you will embark on a Everglades Safari boat ride through 10,000 Islands. The islands are the Everglades National Park’s mangrove estuary and are populated by many marine creatures such as dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds.
Lunch Break
Your midday meal will be served at the Oyster House Restaurant, a Southern Florida landmark. It’s relaxing atmosphere is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate for the excursions yet to come. You will be able to choose one of the following for lunch:
- Fresh Fried Oysters
- Fresh Fried Shrimp
- Grouper Sandwich (Fried, Blackened, or Broiled)
- Charbroiled Hamburger/Cheeseburger
- Mixed Green Salad topped with your choice of Chicken, Pan Seared Grouper w/ Tropical Salsa, or Grilled Shrimp.
- Chicken Sandwich (Charbroiled or Fried)
- Veggie Burger
- Chicken Strips
Each meal comes with a Fresh Florida Gator Appetizer, soft drink, iced tea, or coffee.
Wildlife Drive
After a delicious meal, the adventure continues with a drive into “Big Cypress,” a 780,000 acre National Preserve. Consisting of sawgrass prairies, open savannahs, and primarily fresh water, this is where you’ll find a huge sum of the Everglades’ wildlife. Common residents include the American Alligator, black bears, turtles, snakes, and dozens of birds.
Airboat Ride
The grand finale of your Everglades Safari just might be the best part of the tour! Take an amazing airboat ride through the marshes and swamps of the Western Everglades. Here, you will come face to face with more alligators than anywhere in the world! You may also catch a glimpse of beautiful roseate spoonbills or blue herons. It truly is a remarkable ride that is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation.
Continue the Adventure in Fort Myers Beach
As one of Florida’s most treasured coastlines, Fort Myers Beach boasts a plethora of ways to have fun in the sun. There are also many exciting and historical attractions nearby that you won’t want to miss! Make sure you’re able to experience them all during your stay at Sun Palace Vacation Rentals. Our luxury homes provide all the comforts and amenities you enjoy at home, so you can focus more on making memories that will last a lifetime. Download our Free Vacation Guide today and let’s start planning your dream beach getaway!