Challenge, Education, & Adventure

"Tell me, and I will forget;

Show me, and I may remember;

Involve me and I will understand"

116 7th Ave  -  Columbia, TN 38401 - (931) 840-8575  -  ContactUs@HigherPursuits.com

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4-Day Canoe Adventure in the Florida Everglades

 

Contact Us to Schedule a Trip for your Group

Explore the great outdoors and experience the wonders of canoeing through narrow tunnels of mangroves and paddling among the 10,000 islands of Everglades National Park.

Discover the satisfaction of a backcountry meal, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to view exotic birds, bald eagles, alligators, manatees, and dolphins.

Challenge yourself to overcome obstacles and self-limitations by experiencing a guided backcountry adventure in one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States.

Navigate the peaceful waterways of the Florida Everglades on a 4-day canoe trip while leaving behind the stress of everyday life. 

 

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About the Everglades

The Florida Everglades is a massive wetland that covers 2,100 square miles and shelters more than 600 types of fish, 300 bird species and is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is home to the endangered Florida Panther, Everglades Kite, Woodstork, Manatee, American Crocodile and other rare animals.

Influenced by a tropical climate, the southern tip of Florida has some of the most unusual plant communities in the world. One of these plant communities is the mangrove forest. In the U.S., mangrove forests only grow on the southern tip of Florida.

The sprawling mangrove wilderness can vary from an area of scattered shrubs to a sometimes-impenetrable dense forest of tall trees reaching 50 to 100 feet in height. The inaccessibility and remoteness of the mangrove forest make it a refuge for many animals. As we canoe, we will paddle through dense sections of mangroves as well as large open bays hidden within the everglades.

 

"The Everglades trip was a true wilderness adventure and a great camping experience in a one of a kind environment. My kid brother (age 63) and I found that we could still handle the canoeing and had a ball observing all the wildlife (especially the ospreys, eagles, and 'gators'). The meals were so good that I actually gained 2 pounds (all muscle of course). —Ed

 

Trip Description

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During the canoe trip, we will be camping at backcountry campsites located within the national park. This is a wilderness area and requires strong, steady paddling to maneuver.

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Before and after the trip we will stay at cottages next to the park.

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Our trips are designed for the average person and require only basic skills prior to participation. Participants should be prepared to paddle for much of the day. Unlike a river that has a current, the everglades runs on a tidal system.

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Paddling conditions can vary greatly depending on wind, tide, and waves. Typical weather conditions for the region are highs between the 70's and 80's and lows in the 50's or 60's. However, temperatures can drop into the 40's or 30's, or rise into the 90's. Weather conditions are normally good during this time of year.

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However, Higher Pursuits cannot be held responsible for adverse weather conditions.

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There are three types of campsites in the everglades: Beaches and Key sites, Land Sites, and Chickees. Beach sites are normally on narrow sand beaches or keys on the Gulf of Mexico side of the everglades. They are backed by mangrove trees. They tend to be exposed to the elements such as wind and rain, but can also be relatively bug free. Land sites are usually somewhat back from the coast. They vary in size and can range from low and moist to high and dry. These sites can be prone to bugs. Chickee sites are constructed by the park service and are deck like structures supported by sunken pilings.

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The Florida Everglades offers a unique opportunity to see a diverse ecosystem at work. It is known throughout the world as an outstanding biological wilderness that offers opportunities to view alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds, bald eagles, osprey, dolphins and manatees. It is a unique trip that you will remember for years to come.

"After two successful adventures in the Everglades, I have decided to make this an annual trip. The trip has challenged me, but I have also felt secure due to the knowledge of my guides. They are educated on the history and surroundings of the Everglades and provide the necessary guidance in outdoor adventures. It is a super experience."— Valerie

Equipment Needed

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We provide all the necessary gear required for a canoe trip in the Florida Everglades. This includes all camping equipment such as tents, stoves, dry bags, as well as canoes, paddles, and personal floatation devices.

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Additionally, Higher Pursuits will provide all park fees, food, cost of lodging before and after the trip and cost of camping. The only thing you bring is a sleeping bag and any personal items that you may need.

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For each trip we will stay in a local hotel or cottages, this is included in the price of the trip. You will be responsible for transportation to either the Everglades National Park or the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

 

 

Cost of the Trip

 
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Cost of the trip is $700 per person.

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This includes all equipment (except a sleeping bag), food on the trip, lodging in cabins the night before and after, camp fees, and guide fees.

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This does not include transportation to Everglades City, Florida or cost of travel.

 

Additional Information
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A $75 non-refundable deposit is required for each person wishing to sign up for the trip. Full payment is due no later than 1 month before the trip begins. 

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Minimum group size is 6 participants and maximum group size is 10 participants

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Once you have a reserved a trip for your group,  you will receive an information packet about the trip and the lead guide will call to answer any questions you may have.

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Higher Pursuits reserves the right to cancel the trip no later than two weeks before the trip begins.

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If you have any questions about the trip please call us (931) 840-8575 or Contact Us.

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Higher Pursuits   v 116 7th Ave   v Columbia, TN  38401   v (931) 840-8575   v ContactUs@HigherPursuits.com

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This page last modified on 23-Apr-2007