ECOTOURISM

Everglades, Florida Bay, and The Keys

Join EAC as they examine the ecology of the Everglades and the engineering miracles while traveling on the Overseas Highway to Key West. Explore the spectacular Dry Tortugas and the historical and ecological significance of Fort Jefferson as a fort and a nature preserve. Don't miss this opportunity for an inside look at a most unique region of the country.

Highlights:

• Explore and examine the unique and threatened ecosystem called The Everglades. Sometimes referred to as "River of Grass", awe at this expansive and incredible area.
• Travel on the "Overseas Highway" toward Key West, stopping at the Turtle Hospital, National Key Deer Refuge, and the Dolphin Research Center.
• Photograph the numerous bird species including, rosette spoonbills, flamingos, and bald eagles. Enjoy boat trips into the shallow waters that support the grasses for a first-hand look at this remarkable landscape.
• Witness the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of Florida Bay from Zodiacs designed to navigate the shallow waters, traveling from Key Largo to Flamingo. This is an opportunity to see the real Florida no one sees!
• Travel on a high-speed catamaran from Key West to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. Located on Garden Key and originally constructed as a Civil War Fort, this area is now protected by the National Park Service and offers an incredible ecosystem for birds and unbelievable snorkeling.

Tour Details

• Day 1: Ramada Inn Key Largo, Key Largo, Florida
• Days 2-3: Southernmost Hotel, Key West, Florida
• Days 4-5: Flamingo Lodge, Everglades National Park
• Day 6: Hampton Inn, Florida City, Florida

Not Included in Rate

• Round trip airfare from your home city to Miami, Florida.
• Gratuities for guide(s) and driver(s).
• Alcoholic beverages at lodges and restaurants.
• Personal items (phone souvenirs, film, etc.).

Day 1: Miami, Florida to Key Largo
You will be met in the Miami airport around noon and transferred to Key Largo. There is a welcome social and will enjoy dinner at the Fish House in Key Largo. Overnight at Ramada Inn, Key Largo (D)

Day 2: Key Largo to Key West, Turtle Hospital and Big Pine Key
After an early breakfast, begin the trip with a visit to Everglades National Park headquarters and visitor’s center.

Continuing on the Overseas Highway toward Key West, visit several points along the way. The first stop will be the Turtle Hospital on Vaca Key where injured sea turtles are cared for prior to their release back into the wild. This will be a first-hand experience to learn about their recovery work. Next stop will be Big Pine Key where you will search for the endangered key deer on the National Key Deer Refuge. Arriving in Key West, relax before dinner at a local favorite restaurant. Overnight at Southernmost Hotel, Key West (B,L,D)

Day 3: Big Pine Key to Dry Tortugas and Historic Fort Jefferson
This morning, board the catamaran Yankee Freedom II for a two-hour trip to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson. Along the way, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and may see dolphins, numerous sea birds, and green sea turtles.

At Fort Jefferson, join a NPS interpreter for a historical tour of the fort.

After lunch, EAC offers an option to either take a birding hike or enjoy snorkeling along the coral reefs - equipment included!

Return to Key West around 4:30pm so everyone will have the opportunity to tour this unique and magical town. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight at Southernmost Hotel, Key West (B,L,D)

Day 4: Florida Bay to Everglades National Park
After breakfast, travel back to Key Largo where you board a zodiac, a small skiff, for a trip to Everglades National Park through the shallow waters of Florida Bay. This portion of the park is very special and is often overlooked by most visitors. With the help from an onboard naturalist, you will identify numerous bird species, including the beautiful pink roseate spoonbills and colorful flamingos. Enjoy sack lunches on board the zodiac.

After arriving at Flamingo, enjoy a sunset walk to Eco Pond with a local naturalist before returning to the lodge for a relaxing dinner. Overnight at Flamingo Lodge, Everglades National Park (B,L,D)

Day 5: Everglades National Park
After an early breakfast, board the Pelican for a waterway cruise of the mangroves and backcountry canals. Later, travel into the heart of the Everglades, stopping at several pull-outs and platforms for viewing the many birds, mammals and reptiles.

After a picnic box lunch, visit the park’s research center where Dr. Sonny Bass, foremost panther biologist, will provide an update on the status and future of the endangered Florida panther. If circumstances allow, you may get to operate the radio telemetry equipment and locate a panther in the wild! Dinner will be at Flamingo Lodge. Overnight at Flamingo Lodge, Everglades National Park (B,L,D)

Day 6: Everglades to Key Biscayne National Park
After breakfast, continue the Everglades tour with short visits to Mahogany Hammock, Pa-hay-okee Overlook, and neighboring farms outside the park boundaries. By mid-morning, arrive at Biscayne National Park for a glass-bottomed boat trip to Elliot Key. Accompanied by a NPS naturalist, learn about the ecology and history of this incredible region of the National Park System. The tour will be made complete with a wonderful farewell dinner in Florida City. Overnight at Hampton Inn, Key Biscayne (B,L,D)

Day 7: Key Biscayne National Park to Miami, Florida
After breakfast, depart for the Miami airport for noon flights. You will talk about this incredible ecology week for years to come! (B)

Clothing
Even though the weather during this time of year is warm and most times very pleasant, the following recommendations are for worst case scenarios. Review the following suggestions for proper layering of clothing:

• First layer: A polypropylene or similar type material to be worn next to your skin, avoid cotton if possible. This synthetic application will dry very quickly and add the warmth if necessary with rain and wind.
• Second layer: A loose fitting top and shorts that have quick drying potential.
• Third layer: Sweater, vest, polypropylene pull-over or similar type layer that adds warmth and can be used if warmth is needed.
• Feet: A pair of sandals or shoes that can get wet is essential. Tennis shoes or similar for evening indoor activities is recommended.
• Wind/Rain: Breathable rain gear such as Gore-Tex or similar type parka and pant set is recommended.

Luggage Information
EAC requests that luggage be kept to a minimum of one large (preferably soft-sided) suitcase and one carry-on/backpack per person.

Physical Activity
Most everyone in a reasonably good physical condition can participate in this tour offered by the Environmental Adventure Company. The activities will include some hiking in conditions ranging from rain and mud to dry conditions. Standing and observing for periods of time and kneeling or squatting to examine wildlife tracks or signs, setting up photographs, etc. are part of the activities. Consult with your physician if you have questions about this program. It is your responsibility to let the tour operator know of any complications that may be associated with traveling under any of these conditions.

Other Equipment
Medicine: Be sure to pack any prescription medication you are currently taking and let the tour operator know of any medical issues they need to be informed about.

Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection is VERY important.

Sun Screen: The sun can be intense in southern Florida, especially when reflecting off the sand base and will create a miserable sunburn. Sunblock with SPF 15 or greater is recommended - bring plenty! Remember your lips and bring sun-block lip protection.

Water Bottle: In this, or any other environment, one can dehydrate very quickly. It is recommended that each person have at least two full water bottles, for each day's adventure.

Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is necessary in field wildlife observations.

Scope: A spotting scope and tripod are valuable tools for observing wildlife.

Camera: A camera with extra film is a must for adventure seekers. For photographing wildlife, a 200mm lens or greater is recommended. Since the photographs will be taken during many different conditions, an ASA 400 or greater film is recommended. Remember to bring two sets of extra batteries.

Cell Phones: You may bring a cell phone, however they are not permitted during field excursions.

Other: Reading and writing material, small flashlight with extra batteries and extra prescription glasses are also recommended. First and foremost, EAC wants to you to have a great travel adventure with the Environmental Adventure Company, but of equal importance they also want you to be safe and comfortable during your trip. If you have specific questions about the above mentioned equipment list, please feel free to give EAC a call and a member of their staff will happy to assist you. Guides have spent many years in the Everglades/southern Florida environment and have first-hand knowledge to help you prepare for your adventure.