Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience The Real Everglades at night on one of our Private Tours away from the crowds.
Restart off just before sunset and paddle out to see the sun go down. Then we will paddle back into the dark mix with headlamps as we guide our way under the stars.
We are the top rated Eco tour company in the Everglades because we are serious about spotting wildlife. For 15 years, our philosophy has always been private tours with local guides.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Big Cypress National Preserve
You’ll first meet & greet your guide at the Big Cypress welcome center deep in the Everglades. From there you’ll launch from either Turner River or East River in Fakahatchee (depending on conditions). It will just be you and your own personal guide as you search for alligator, turtle, birds and the other wildlife of the Everglades. We will have everything you will need including bottled water, a snack and even insect repellent if needed. Bring your camera because you’re going to get some amazing pictures! We only do private tours because we are serious about spotting wildlife. This approach is best for the environment and creates lifelong memories for our guests. Avoid the crowds & tourist traps….come see The Real Everglades with us!!
Single or tandem kayaks & all necessary safety gear and dry bags
Licensed Guide
Bottled water and a snack is also provided
Parking Fees
Umbrellas or Winter Coats
64 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
F9243IDkatrinal,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Tod and I hiked the West Main Tram Trail, and it was a great experience. He’s a phenomenal guide—knowledgeable, personable, and full of fascinating stories that he shares as naturally as if you’re chatting with an old friend. I also really appreciated that the tour was private, which made the experience feel relaxed and allowed me to ask questions freely. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, authentic Everglades adventure, I highly recommend booking with Tod. Thank you!
markhM7407JT,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an outstanding experience on the water with Tod. He was an excellent and knowledgeable guide and we saw a lot of wildlife, including alligators and many species of birds. Our private tour was just the 3 of us and we were well away from any noise and from modern civilization. We got to see The Real Florida! And took away many photos and memories of a great trip. All positive! We give Tod the highest rating!


khammersley,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
HIGHLY recommend any of Tod's tours, especially the Kayaking and Night Safari Tour! We appreciated Tod's extensive knowledge of the area's flora, fauna, and history, and he was great with our kids (6 and 8). Paddling through the mangrove tunnels was very cool. Driving and walking the backroads and trails of Big Cypress looking for animals at night was even cooler! We saw owls, snakes, frogs and toads, alligators, and an opossum. Tod's love for the natural world is evident, and we loved every minute we spent with him in this magical place that is the Everglades! Can't recommend him enough!
O9517QTjosephm,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Todd made the experience memorable. He has incredible knowledge of the area, wildlife, and local history. We've been telling everybody about this trip and plan on doing it again with a bigger group.



X4882LVchristieb,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Todd was an amazing guide. He was able to accommodate us on a last minute trip with a primary focus on birding. He was knowledgeable, prepared, and fun!
S8189UGpatrickz,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We took a private kayaking tour with Tod through the Everglades. It was a fantastic adventure, including an unforgettable picnic near an alligator.


zacharysV2454SF,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My son and I did a kayak tour with Tod in October 2025. From the moment I made contact, I knew I had reached the right guide. Tod is super knowledgeable, friendly, and an awesome guide. His passion for the Everglades is evident in every word he speaks. I can’t think of a better way to spend a perfect morning in the Everglades.



Journey245191,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The canoe tour with Thod was an absolute highlight of our vacation! We felt very well taken care of from the start—Thod puts his heart and soul into organizing the tour and tailors it to each guest's individual needs. It was impressive to experience the flora and fauna of the Everglades up close, and Thod guided us through this unique landscape with a wealth of knowledge, exciting stories, and palpable enthusiasm. It was especially nice that he took so much time and tailored the tour to our wishes. You can tell that it is a real labor of love for him to bring people closer to the Everglades. At the end, he even took photos of us and shared them – a wonderful souvenir of an unforgettable experience. We were completely happy with the tour and can really recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the Everglades in a personal and authentic way!





Mrsangie2007,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We didn't know what to expect but besides the mosquitos eating me alive our guide was so knowledgeable and kind it made for a great time. We saw a couple of alligators, birds, butterflies, heard some other animals. Our guide picked up on what we liked more than other stuff so he made sure to take us to the parts to see more alligators or unique things and explained everything to us. I would recommend 10/10 a must do for anyone visiting the glades.




Al77345,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A fantastic morning kayak around the Everglades. From open water, to in amongst the mangrove trees and the grass water lands. Relaxed, interesting, informative and great fun. Tod is a friendly and approachable host, with great local knowledge and a keen eye for spotting the local wildlife. This trip was one of the highlights of our Florida holiday.









Operated by Tour The Glades