EVERGLADES

JOURNEY TO THE 10,000 ISLANDS

[TRIP LENGTH: 4 DAYS]

Itinerary can be customized to fit within your time frame or budgetary needs.

On this school trip to the Florida’s Everglades students will learn about endemic wetland habitats on the largest river of grass in the world.  The Everglades and Florida’s 10,000 Islands that cover an expanse of approximately 1.5 million acres, are the largest wilderness area in the Southeast United States. The area was declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations, reflecting the rich diversity of its wildlife. Naturalists, biologists, and park rangers will lead your school group on a kayaking adventure teaching about endemic species that are threatened and endangered and provide opportunities for blossoming scientists to get involved in preserving these ecosystems. promote global conservation.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Mentoring Migrant Children

After arriving in the Everglades, your students will be involved with a mentoring programs by way of game activities with children at the RCMA center. These activities include soccer, basketball, reading programs and preschool computer activities. Students will also be involved in service projects such as cleaning, gardening and light construction. Following dinner the group will have a program introduction and a time of reflection.

Day 2 – Shark Valley and the Everglades National Park

Today the group will take a guided tram tour of this national park. There will be an open-air guided tour and students will experience the “River of Grass” and the wildlife inhabiting it. At the midway point of the trip, explorers have the opportunity to stroll up the spiral rampway and platform of the Shark Valley observation tower, allowing a panoramic view of the heart of the Everglades. Later that day your group will head to the Alligator Farm where students will jump aboard an airboat and journey out into the Florida Bay. Here you can spot alligators, soft shell turtles, ospreys and a variety of endemic wildlife. After this adventure, students will take part in an alligator show and feeding program. They will be able to interact and hold some of the amazing wildlife.

 Day 3 – Kayaking and Wild Bird Center

During the morning, thestudent  group will go kayaking through the mangroves in the Florida Keys. Your group may encounter stingrays, small nurse sharks and a variety of shallow bay inhabitants. After cleaning up and enjoying lunch, the group will head to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary to volunteer. The students will help with any needs the center has. They will see many of the local bird species as well as some migratory birds that frequent the area.

Day 4 – The Journey Home

After breakfast the group will recap what they have experienced during the program. Then everyone will pack up and make the trip home.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take in an Everglades Airboat ride
  • Kayak in rare and endangered Everglade grass habitats
  • Explore many of the uninhabited 10,000 islands
  • Fish among remote mangrove islands
  • Enjoy an Alligator feeding program
  • Hike through hardwood hammock islands

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Qualified trip leader – Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts from naturalists to regional specialists who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. Your guide is with the group 24/7 and also staying with you at the same hotel
Daily reflections lead by your tour leader
Overnight stays are in hotels with private bathrooms rated 4 star or more on Trip Advisor
All Meals are included but please note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
Tour Journal, T-shirt and Luggage tag
Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa.