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 required.
- Paddle route may vary depending on seasonal water levels.
Explore the Everglades
Want to paddle through the natural beauty of the diverse ecosystems in the Florida Everglades? Join the Institute Naturalists for a three (3) hour paddling program.
Paddling in the Park Program
On this three hour program, at Nine Mile Pond, you will be guided by an Institute Naturalist through the sawgrass and mangroves. Immerse yourself in the Everglades wilderness with this primitive paddle as we study tropical hammocks, sawgrass prairies, and mangrove ecology, the influence of water flow on Everglades ecosystems and how humans have impacted the environment in the Park.
- 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 required.
- 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 along your trip.
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, closest bathrooms are at West Lake; about a 10 minute drive further south.
Is this a good option for beginner paddlers?
- NO. 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 lightening. 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 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.