Truly a step back in time. So glad I made the trip down there. Best boat tour ever. So many dolphins. Birds and history packed on one small Island.
Visit Fakahatchee Island with a Local
Join our local guide on this unique experience exploring the Ten Thousand Islands. Your guide grew up on Fakahatchee Island, learning to farm, hunt, and fish in this now protected area. That means he knows the landscape like the back of his hand, and will take you on an exciting journey through the mangrove tunnels, observing wildlife as well as sharing knowledge and tales that will live long in your memory. This is a rare opportunity to see the Everglades in its natural, untouched state – fun for all ages!
Tour Highlights
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Trip Details
Tour Details
Price
Price is $100.00 /with tax it is $107.00 – RESERVATION ONLY
Departure time
Every hour from 8:00 am to sunset
Meeting point
The tour leaves from the beach to the left of the Smallwood Store Museum
Availability
Open 7 days a week including every holiday besides Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Duration
2 hours
Group size
Max 6 people per boat
Included
- Water
- Smallwood Store Museum tour
Not included
Gratuities
What to bring
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Snacks/drinks
- Sun protection – hat, sunblock & sunglasses
- Protective footwear (that you don’t mind getting wet)
- A light jacket might be required
- Warmer jackets are recommended in winter
About your guide
Experienced native guide, Licensed USCG charter boat captain
Fakahatchee Island History
Two of our captains are the relatives of the Daniels family that lived on Fakahatchee Island. One of them actually lived on the island as a kid and has the best stories to tell while letting you experience this walk back in time on the trails of the island. One of our favorite stories he tells is about being a young boy and taking the run boats back and forth between towns.
At that time in history, you had to travel in with the tide and back out with the tide to run the fish they’d catch to and from Everglades City, which would then be shipped out and sold. If you missed the run boat you were out of luck until the next day.
Fakahatchee Island, once home to fishermen and farmers, offers fascinating hints of its former uses by Gladesmen and their families. The island boasts a cemetery, cisterns, and ruins amongst a maze of trails. It’s located in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, just outside the boundaries of Everglades National Park. There is a clearing located on the south west side of the island (Daniels Point) which is where we will load and unload.
Private Options
Why Customers Love Our Tours
I had the pleasure of Capt. Shane sharing his knowledge and love of this part of the Everglades where he and his family live. He was able to show me nesting Eagles with the young poking their heads out of the nest. We also got to see several Dolphin, a Loggerhead sea turtle and too many local and migrating bird’s too mention by name. I can’t give praise enough for the time he spent giving a personal Everglades adventure and I will return next year for the Sunset two hour cruise.
We had a great time with Captain Cory. We brought a cooler of cold drinks and had a wonderful relaxing tour. So many fun stories of life in ten thousand islands. Loved weaving through the creeks and mangrove channels. Tons of dolphins. Gorgeous birds. Lifetime of knowledge of the area. Highly recommend.