Quick Details
Meeting Location: Nine Mile Pond
Duration: 3 hours
Age Requirement: 12 years and older
Important Information:
- This program presents a great opportunity to safely explore the Everglades with an experienced Naturalist as you share a canoe with members of your own party.
- Paddle experience is a requirement.
- Paddle route may vary depending on seasonal water levels.
Participant
Age 12 and up
$ 79
Explore the Everglades
Ready to paddle through the breathtaking ecosystems of the Florida Everglades? Join our Institute Naturalists for an immersive three-hour paddling adventure!
Paddling in the Park Program
Join us at Nine Mile Pond for a guided exploration of the Everglades. This three-hour journey will take you through lush sawgrass and mangrove habitats, where you’ll delve into the rich ecology of tropical hammocks, sawgrass prairies, and mangroves. Learn about the vital role of water flow in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on this unique environment.
- Meet Institute Naturalist at Nine Mile Pond which is located off Main Park Road, about 25 miles away from the Homestead park entrance(takes about 45 minutes from the entrance gate).
- Advance Reservations required.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time in order to check-in.
- 8 people maximum (4 two-person canoes). You must share a two-person canoe with a member of your own party. No single person or odd number party bookings are allowed.
- Participants must be 12+ years old and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Paddling experience is a required for this trip, you must be able to paddle through the duration of the trip.
- Please note there are no restrooms or other facilities at this location. Restrooms are located at Ernest F Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm, Long Pine Key, West Lake, and Flamingo.
-
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.
-
For the safety of all guests, we ask that all participants are 12 years and older and are experienced paddlers. You will be paddling for most part of the program, with a few stops. You must feel comfortable in paddling the whole route.
You must also go on this trip in pairs. We will be using canoes that require two paddlers to safely maneuver the canoe.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
This Everglades Institute paddling program is designed for active adults and children over 12 who are good paddlers. Paddling in the Everglades can be a strenuous activity; when water levels are low paddling can require more force. You must be able to paddle the whole trip.
To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify you naturalist:
- You have any recent surgeries
- You have any back injuries
- You have any medical conditions and allergies
- You are pregnant
- You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health
Please note: If it is determined the trip may not be suitable for you based on the days conditions a full refund will be offered. Paddling experience is REQUIRED. We will honor our cancellation policy and a refund will not be offered if you do not meet this requirement. The canoes are metal with no back support. The floatation device may be used as a seat cushion throughout your trip.
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
How long is the paddle?
We will be paddling for about 3 hours and 3 and a half miles.
What vessel will I be in?
You will be with one other paddler in a metal canoe
What is the scenery like?
9 Mile Pond is a mangrove forest and freshwater marl prairie. Prepare to paddle through mangrove tunnels and open spaces alike.
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.
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.
Are there bathrooms at 9 Mile Pond?
No, the closest bathrooms are at West Lake; about a 10-minute drive further south.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet, and closed-toe shoes or sandals with a heel strap. We recommend sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and bringing a change of clothes just in case.
Is gear provided?
Yes. We provide canoes, paddles, life vests (PFDs), and dry bags for all participants. You’re welcome to bring your own personal gear (such as a dry bag, life vest, or paddle), but it must be approved by your naturalist for safety.
Please do not bring your own canoe; we use designated vessels for all programs.
Is this a good option for beginner paddlers?
Previous paddle experience is a requirement. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.
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.
What’s the difference between Canoeing for Beginners and Paddling in the Park?
Canoeing for Beginners is a short, guided introduction to paddling in a calm area. It’s ideal for first-timers and families, and accepts children ages 4–11, who may sit in the center of the canoe. While we do paddle on Nine Mile Pond, we do not follow the full trail system – the route stays in the more open and beginner-friendly sections of the pond.
Paddling in the Park is a longer, more immersive experience for guests with some prior paddling experience. It follows the Nine Mile Pond Trail, which includes winding turns, mangrove tunnels, and open wetland areas. This tour is not recommended for very young children.