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Overnight Guided Kayak Fishing/Camping Trips
- Two to Seven Days
- Completely Outfitted/Guide or "Barefoot"
- Mother ship Assisted and Paddle-In Trips
- Reservations Required
- October - May
With over 1.4 million flooded acres of sheltered waters, excellent year round weather, fine accommodations, a richly diverse fishery , the Everglades National Park and the Wilderness Waterway are a fisherman's "Ideal Destination". It is the place that, in 2004, ESPN called the "Number One Fly Fishing Destination in the World".
How many times have you had your trip hurt by weather? The vast area of protected waters means that weather days are virtually non-existent. There is always a sheltered place to fish so you never have to fish in the wind all day.
Everglades National Park is the only park in the United States' National Park System to be established for it biological and ecological diversity. It is home to over 300 species of fish, but, it is the snook, redfish tarpon fishing that brings anglers come from all over the world.
The Wilderness Waterway. Through the heart of Everglades National Park passes the world famous paddling trail, The Wilderness Waterway is a 99 mile wilderness paddle trail through the core of the Park. It is along this spectacular backcountry waterway that you will be led on your multi-day guided fishing trip.
Everglades National Park maintains three types of backcountry campsites . . . ground sites, beach sites and the very unique "chickee" sites. The ground sites are typically on "high ground" in remote areas. Many are on old Calusa Indian mounds and historic settlement sites. The beach sites, located on spectacular remote beaches, allow for evening campfires under the stars. Chickees are wooden platform shelters built directly in the water. Most all of the sites have portable toilet facilities. If time allows, planning a trip to all three types of sites provides a great Everglades kayak camping experience.
The western gateway to the Everglades National Park is through Everglades City and Chokoloskee Island. Located just 30 minutes from Naples, 90 minutes from Miami, Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Everglades Kayak Fishing, offers two popular types of kayak fishing/camping trips; Boat Assisted Base Camping Trips and traditional Paddle-In Kayak Fishing Camping Trips.
Boat Assisted Base Camp Kayak Fishing Trips. By far the most popular of the two fishing trips, we use a power boat to transport the kayaks, our guests and gear to a remote location where we setup a base camp, typically on a remote island beach. From the base camp, using the kayak transport boat, the Yak Attack, we take daily excursions to remote areas of the Park to kayak fish; areas that most anglers simply would never have time to get to. Of course, a sunrise and/or sunset fishing excursion from the base camp should be part of the daily experience.
The carrying capacity of the Yak Attack allows us to supply additional amenities and creature comforts to our guests such as sun showers, large coolers, camp chairs, tables, camp stoves, etc. The Boat Assisted Base Camp trips are wonderful for those that wish to explore different areas of the Park and do not have the time to paddle to each area. They are also for those who feel "being there" is less important than "getting there".
As important, these trips allow us to select campsites that are best suited for the forecasted weather.
Most of our trips are totally guided and completely outfitted. However, you may prefer to take advantage our transport and outfitting services to simply get you to and from a chosen area where you can fish and relax at your own pace. You have the choice to use your own gear and kayaks or supplement your trip with our gear. You may also choose to do guided trip one day for a added experience. However you prefer things, we can accommodate.
Traditional Guided Kayak Fishing Camp Trips. Launching from either Everglades City or Chokoloskee Island, we paddle to our first camp site and fishing destination. Typically, staying at a campsite for two days, we either return to our launch site or paddle on to another. These trips are perfect for the kayak fisherman who enjoys sea kayaking, as well as, the fishing experience. The Park is a world renowned kayaking location and has been nicknamed "the Paddlers Paradise".
The whole Everglades City and the National Park area is very unique, yet dynamic and diverse. This wild environment changes daily with the changing weather, stages of the moon, as well as, the different seasons. Our guides have a pulse on these changes and have chosen to live and work in the area as a way of life and a passion.
These trips, as with the base camp trips, can be guided or unguided (GPS guidance routes are available). However, to assure safety, we use our fleet of boats to re-supply and routinely check on our guests. Trips can be completely or partially outfitted.
Our Commitment. Everglades Kayak Fishing is passionate about this very special part of our planet. We feel that we are very fortunate to be able to live and work in a place that we love so much. We commit to do what we practically can so you will have the best possible Everglades Experience. As such, we only utilize experienced, local guides. We use only state-of-the-arts equipment that is personally maintained by our owners and guides. Safety is of the utmost importance to us, so we carry all the needed safety equipment, but most importantly, we plan well and pay attention to the details so the trips run smoothly. We want you to enjoy your first trip with us and your tenth.
Safety Equipment. Your safety and comfort is paramount. The Park's expansiveness can make navigating the area daunting. However, rest assured that each guide carries the state-of-the-art in safety, navigation and communications equipment including GPS units, VHF marine radios and satellite phones. You will be in good, experienced hands.
Kayaks and Equipment. They say experience is the best teacher and we believe it truly is. Our experience in this area has led us away from the traditional sit-inside sea kayaks. For the comfort and convenience of our clients, and most importantly safety, Everglades Kayak Fishing utilizes only very stable, state-of-the-arts, sit-on-top sea kayaks for the traditional kayak fishing trips.
Heritage Redfish 12s, nestled in the bow of the Yak Attack, are used on the base camp trips. They are extremely stable and very easy to paddle. So stable that many stand up in them to sight fish.
Individual two person Eureka dome tents, Therm-A-Rest sleeping pads/beach chairs, (olumbia camp pillows, Ozark Trail sleeping bags and dry bags are provided are provided (most guests prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, however). One the base camp trips, we supply six inch air mattress, folding camp chairs, a full camp kitchen, large iced coolers and a satellite radio system. All you really need is your personal gear. (Click here for a list of recommended items and a list of frequently as questions.)
Meals. An important part of any good camping trip is good hearty meals. Everglades Kayak Fishing can completely outfit your trip. Prepared by your guide fresh each time, the meals make your trip complete. A meal option plan will be emailed to you as part of the planning confirmation process so that we can tailor the meals to your desires. (Click here for a sample menu)
Sample Itineraries. Our routes and itineraries are adaptable. They vary depending on the time of year, length of trip, preferred destinations, and the make up and desires of the group. If you are a returning guest, please be sure to let us know about your past trips. You may wish to fish or paddle a different area or be sure to return to your favorite campsite. However, you can click here a for sample itinerary.
Prices
The completely outfitted kayak fishing and camping trips include your skilled guides, as well as, all meals, gear, kayaks safety gear, satellite phones and transport boat shuttles. All you will need is your personal items. These trips are on a reservation basis and must be scheduled in advance.
Traditional Sea Kayaking Camping/Fishing Trips - Completely outfitted
Two Days Guided Kayaking Fishing/One Night Camping $349 per person
Three Days Guided Kayaking Fishing /Two Nights Camping $499 per person
Four Days Guided Kayaking Fishing /Three Nights Camping $649 per person
Five Days Guided Kayaking Fishing /Four Nights Camping $799 per person
Six Days Guided Kayaking Fishing /Five Nights Camping $849 per person
Seven Days Guided Kayaking Fishing /Six Nights Camping $1199 per person
Boat Assisted Base Camp Kayak Fishing Trips
Two Days Guided Kayak Fishing /One Night Camping $699 per person
Three Days Guided Kayak Fishing /Two Nights Camping $749 per person
Four Days Guided Kayak Fishing /Three Nights Camping $879 per person
Five Days Guided Kayak Fishing /Four Nights Camping $999 per person
Note: All camping trips require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm the reservation with the balance due two weeks before your trip. Trips over four days include a re-supply shuttle. Pricing above assumes a minimum of four guests on the trip. Guests may be combined to make the trip minimum but each is limited to just six guests. Private tours of less than four guests are available upon request. Longer trips are available, as well. All prices are in US currency and subject to change without notice.
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