Quick Details
Meeting Location: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, FL
Duration: 2 hours
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Age Requirement: Ages 12+
Important Information:
- Please note entrance fee is not included in this tour.
- Proper attire is required in order to participate. You must wear long pants and closed toed tied up shoes.
- All guests must be over the age of 12 and be at least 54 in. (137.16 cm) tall to participate.
Explore the Everglades’ Cypress Domes
Join us for an unforgettable journey as we explore the Cypress Domes of the Everglades! Led by an Institute Naturalist, you’ll embark on a guided adventure through the lush cypress forests, immersing yourself in the intricate dynamics of elevation and water flow. This is an opportunity to discover the hidden stories of this unique ecosystem while encountering fascinating creatures such as alligators, fish, and air plants along the way.
Highlights
Get ready for an exciting adventure! Our journey kicks off at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, where all participants will gather to begin our program by the flagpole 15 mins before the trip. After a quick check-in with your Naturalist, we’ll provide a brief introduction before caravanning to our wet walk location. The Naturalist will lead the way as you follow behind in your own vehicle. The drive from the visitor center will take approximately 20 minutes. Please note: park entrance fee is not included with this trip, it can be purchased prior to your trip or it can be purchased the the park entrance gate once we commence the program.
Once we arrive, your Naturalist will equip you with a walking stick to navigate through the marl prairie and cypress dome. Under their expert guidance, we’ll begin our 1.5 hour wet walk adventure. Be prepared to wade through ankle to hip-deep water as we explore this fascinating terrain. This program will end at the wet walk location,
Please note that participants must be at least 12 years old and 54 inches tall, with minors accompanied by an adult. The terrain will be unstable, so we recommend this trip for those comfortable walking on uneven surfaces without assistance.
Don’t forget to dress appropriately! All participants must wear long pants and closed-toed lace-up shoes that can handle getting wet, along with long socks. Avoid rain boots or shoes that don’t allow water penetration, as they could get sucked off during the walk.
Remember to pack essentials like a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable outdoor experience. Consider bringing a dry bag to keep your belongings dry during the wet walk.
With a maximum of 10 participants per session, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate exploration of the Everglades.
Join us as we uncover the wonders of the Everglades on this thrilling journey through the captivating Cypress Domes. Reserve your spot now and get ready for an adventure like no other!
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This trip begins at Everglades National Park Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center located at 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034. Type ‘Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center’ into your GPS to be brought to this location. It is the first visitor center at the Homestead entrance and is located before the entrance gates.
Upon arrival, please check-in with your Institute Naturalist by the flagpole outside of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
You will then follow your Naturalist to your tour locations. Please note that you will be driving in your own car, park entrance fee is not included. The slogging location is about a 20 minute drive after passing the entrance gate. The trip will end at your slogging location after the your tour, you can continue exploring other areas in the park on your own after your trip.
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For the safety of all guest, we ask that all participants are 12 years and older and be at least 54 in. (137.16 cm) tall to participate. Slogging involves doing a wet walk in which the terrain is not as stable. Sometimes the water levels can reach 2-3 ft deep during this walk.
All participants MUST wear long pants and closes toed shoes to participate on this tour. For your safety, you will not be allowed to participate if you are not wearing the correct wardrobe. We do not recommend wearing rain boots or slip-on shoes for this tour as you run the risk of the shoes slipping off. The ideal foot wear would be regular lace tied, closed toed sneakers.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
This Everglades Institute slogging program is designed for active adults and children over 12. Slogging in the Everglades can sometimes be a difficult walk for some if the correct wardrobe isn’t worn or if they have difficulty when stepping.
This program has activities that could cause problems for pregnant women and those with recent surgeries or back injuries. To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify your naturalist:
- You are not an experienced hiker
- You have any recent surgeries
- You have any back injuries
- You have any medical conditions
- You are pregnant
- You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health
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We recommend bringing the following items for this tour:
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- Plenty of Water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Bug Repellent and/or bug jacket
- Dry Bag to store your items and prevent them from getting wet
We require you to wear long pants and closed toed lace up shoes. Please be aware that you will get wet during this tour, you may want to bring a change of clothes and shoes for after the tour.
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We will provide walking sticks that will assist you during your slog (wet walk).
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No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. There are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
Slogging is an exciting and demanding activity. When performed correctly, applying correct techniques, it is relatively safe. However, there are certain medical conditions that increase risk. If you have a medical condition described on the Medical Statement or any other condition that would be contrary to safe participation in any activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in this activity.
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Where does this trip take place?
- Your Naturalist chooses a predetermined location in the Cypress ecosystem based on water levels, fauna, etc. and will disclose the specific location to you when you arrive for your trip.
What do I do with my phone, keys, etc.?
- You may take these items with you at your own risk. We recommend bring a dry bag with you.
What wildlife will I see?
- We cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings, but we sometimes see birds, small fish, and aquatic insects. Mostly, we see a variety of both aquatic and terrestrial plants.
Is it safe?
- Every adventure has its own risks but we certainly wouldn’t provide this tour if it was overly risky. Wildlife encounters can happen but are very rare. Your Naturalist is trained on what to do if you encounter wildlife and always carries an emergency radio and first aid kit with them. If you feel anxious about this tour and would like to learn more, please call us at (786) 465-4058 to speak with a representative.
What is a Naturalist?
- Our tour guides, Naturalists, are continuous students of the natural world and provide interpretive, educational, and historical programs in South Florida’s National Parks. Each are trained by the National Park Service to ensure they are equipped with and can provide the most up to date information, research, and opportunities when connecting with guests.
What does interpretation mean?
- Interpretation is a purposeful form of communication that seeks to translate the world around us. Our Naturalists help interpret the natural environment, history, research, etc. to support guests in broadening their perspectives, deepening their understanding, and inspiring them to cultivate meaningful connections with South Florida’s National Parks.