24 NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
- Explore by airboat.
While there are several airboat tours across Southwest Florida, Speedy’s Airboat Tours in
Everglades City uses small airboats with a six-passenger maximum for a more personalized
experience. This family-owned company also has access to a private section of the Everglades
that includes mangroves and grasslands. Be on the lookout for a glimpse of local fauna, as
well as possibly alligators, manatees, and dolphins. The one-hour tours run throughout the day
beginning at 9 a.m., with the last excursion departing at 4:15 p.m. (speedysairboattours.com) - Step into the swamp.
Master naturalists lead
private swamp walks to
experience the primitive pull
of nature that landscape
photographer Clyde Butcher
has long found in the
Everglades. The one-and-a-
half-hour trek begins behind
Butcher’s Big Cypress
Gallery, which houses his breathtaking River of Grass photography.
Come prepared to navigate knee-deep wetlands under the cover
of ancient cypress trees. Wear lightweight pants, a long-sleeve shirt,
and old sneakers—and don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, bottled
water, and a change of clothes. This outing is a must for adventurers
and nature lovers alike. (clydebutcher.com) - Spot wildlife by kayak.
Pick up a paddle and watch
the mangrove forest come to
life on the Majestic Mangrove
Kayak Eco Tour. Held in the
mornings and at sunset, these
half-day tours are sure to
include visits by many birds,
though alligators (and maybe
even a bobcat) could make
an appearance, too. Wear
closed-toed shoes, sunglass-
es, and a hat; everything else
will be provided. Bonus: The
tour company was started
by a former U.S. Park Ranger.
(ecoeverglades.com)
Delve into the primeval beauty
of the Everglades with excursions
from three points of view
Call of the WILD
TOURIST FOR A DAY
INSIDER
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CLYDE BUTCHERSCOTT RANDOLPH