Quick Details
Meeting Location: Nine Mile Pond
Duration: 2 hours
Age Requirement: 12 years and older to paddle, participants ages 5-11 are welcome to join as a middle passenger in the canoe. There must be at least one adult in the canoe with a minor.
Group Size: Maximum 8 participants (4 two-person canoes)
Skill Level: Some paddling experience required
Important Information:
- Due to seasonal low water, this tour stays within the three main ponds and does NOT enter the back-trail loop.
- Please make sure to read all the information found below.
Adult Paddler
Price per Person. Ages 12+. Must book in pairs
$ 45
Child
Ages 5-11, one (1) child per canoe
$ 20
Explore the Heart of the Glades: Nine Mile Pond Guided Paddle
Join us for a 2-hour immersive canoe experience through the main ponds of Nine Mile. This guided tour is designed for those who want to see the Everglades in its purest form.
The Route: A scenic paddle through the three expansive main ponds, including an exploration of one secluded mangrove tunnel. (Note: The full trail remains closed due to low water).
The Wildlife: Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the ponds are prime territory for alligators, crocodiles, and wading birds.
The Guide: Learn the secrets of the swamp from an expert naturalist who brings the ecosystem to life through storytelling.
What to Expect:
- Beginner-friendly instruction – some prior paddling experience needed
- Small group experience – max 8 participants (4 two-person canoes)
- Children 5-11 can join by sitting in the middle of a canoe (must be accompanied by an adult; second paddler must be 12+)
- Advance reservations required – please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
- No restrooms on-site (facilities available at other park locations)
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You will check-in with your Naturalist at Nine Mile Pond. Nine Mile Pond is located along Main Park Road a little over 25 miles away past the Everglades National Park Homestead entrance. About a 30 minute drive from the entrance. Look for signs.
We ask that you’re there 15 mins before your start time.
Your Naturalist will NOT be at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center.
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We recommend bringing the following items for this tour:
- Plenty of Water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Bug Repellent and/or bug jacket
- Paddling Gloves
Please make sure to wear closed toed shoes. We highly recommend wearing breathable long pants and long sleeve shirts to add a layer of protection from the sun.
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You will be using metal canoes during this trip. These canoes are heavy and long, there must be two people paddling per canoe.
We will also provide paddles and a life vests.
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No printing is 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. For paddling activities, there are separate waivers for adults and minors. Please be sure you complete 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 an email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
Paddling 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 in-water activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in paddling activities.
- 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. For paddling activities 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.Paddling 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 in-water activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in paddling activities.
- 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. For paddling activities 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.Paddling 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 in-water activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in paddling activities.
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Are there restrooms available?
There are no restrooms at Nine Mile Pond. The closest options are the West Lake Trail restrooms, about 15 minutes south, or the Royal Palm restrooms, about 30 minutes north.
Where do we meet for this trip?
9 Mile Pond- about 40 minutes into Everglades National Park via the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center entrance station.
No, the closest bathrooms are at West Lake; about a 10-minute drive further south.
Is this tour suitable for first-timers?
Yes! This is a beginner-friendly program designed for people with little to no paddling experience. Your naturalist will guide you through basic canoeing techniques before getting on the water.
Can I bring my child on this tour?
Yes, children ages 5–11 are welcome to join but must sit in the middle of a canoe and be accompanied by two adults or one adult age 18+ and a second paddler age 12+. This ensures a safe and stable paddling experience for everyone.
What vessel will I be in?
We use stable, tandem canoes that are ideal for beginners. Your naturalist will pair you with a paddling partner and provide instruction before and during the activity.
How long is the paddle?
We will be paddling for about 45 minutes to 1 hr after the introduction that will be in land.
Can I bring food with me?
Yes! Please bring snacks and water if you would like to do so. Easy to eat snacks are preferred.
Will we encounter any wildlife?
We cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, but you might encounter a crocodile, alligator, fish, and birds.
When would this trip be cancelled?
Cancellations can happen due to weather such as high winds, rain, and lightning. If your trip does get cancelled due to weather, a refund will be offered. Your trip might also get cancelled if our previous paddle experience requirement is not met. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.