Boating and Kayaking

Everglades Florida Adventures Boat Tours. The same concessionaire that operates boat tours and watercraft rentals in Flamingo is the same that sets sail on excursions into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Adventure seekers often see dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills in the saltwater portion of the Everglades. Mangrove wilderness tours on smaller boats (up to six passengers) embark on shorter trips through the swampy, brackish areas. This is the best option to see alligators, bobcats, mangrove fox squirrels, and birds, including the mangrove cuckoo. Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar La., Everglades City, Florida, 34139. 855/793--5542; evergladesfloridaadventures.com. Tours from $40.

Everglades Adventures. Everglades Adventure can arrange canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided 90-minute tours of the Ten Thousand Islands. Highlights include bird and gator sightings, mangrove forests, and spectacular sunsets, depending on the time of your tour. 815 Oyster Bay La., Everglades City, Florida, 34139. 855/793--5542; www.evergladesfloridaadventures.com. Canoe rentals from $25; kayak rentals from $30.