Nestled in the heart of the Everglades, Flamingo Marina offers a captivating boat tour of Florida Bay. This 1.5-hour guided adventure promises an up-close encounter with the region’s vibrant wildlife, from ospreys soaring overhead to manatees gently gliding through the serene waters. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich ecosystem and uncover the fascinating history of this unique natural wonder. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, the Flamingo Marina’s Florida Bay Boat Tour invites you to embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

The Florida Bay Boat Tour departs from Flamingo Marina and offers a 1.5-hour guided adventure in the Everglades, with opportunities to spot wildlife like ospreys, manatees, and dolphins.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable naturalist who provides in-depth exploration of the area’s history and ecosystem, offering a learning opportunity for visitors.
The tour includes a boat ride on the Bald Eagle II catamaran, which provides unmatched views of the changing scenery of Florida Bay.
Visitors are required to pay a $30 Everglades National Park entrance fee, valid for 7 days, and should bring recommended items like sunglasses, sun hat, and insect repellent.
The tour is largely accessible, but there are restrictions on larger motorized wheelchairs, and no pets are allowed, except for service animals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Flamingo Marina in Florida offers a Florida Bay Boat Tour of the Everglades, priced from $48.00 per person.

The 1.5-hour tour explores Florida Bay’s history and vibrant sea life aboard the Bald Eagle II catamaran. Guests can spot ospreys, manatees, dolphins, and more in their natural habitat, guided by a knowledgeable naturalist.

The tour includes food and drinks, and visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Visitors should bring recommended items like sunglasses, sun hat, and insect repellent, as the tour is wheelchair accessible with some restrictions.

Experience and Highlights

What can visitors expect on the Florida Bay Boat Tour?

They’ll explore Florida Bay’s rich history and diverse marine life aboard the Bald Eagle II catamaran.

Along the way, they’ll spot ospreys, manatees, and dolphins in their natural habitats, guided by a knowledgeable naturalist.

The tour offers unique experiences with changing scenery and opportunities to interact with the area’s wildlife.

Visitors will enjoy unmatched views and in-depth learning about this vibrant ecosystem.

From spotting wildlife to immersing in the Everglades’ history, the Florida Bay Boat Tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Tour Details

Visitors check in at the Marina Activity Booth 15 minutes prior to the Florida Bay Boat Tour‘s scheduled departure.

The tour departs from Flamingo Marina, which is located closest to the city of Homestead.

The 1.5-hour boat tour is guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, providing in-depth learning about the area’s history and wildlife.

The tour includes:

Sailing aboard the Bald Eagle II catamaran for unmatched views, spotting wildlife, exploring Florida Bay, and food and drinks provided.

Sailing aboard the Bald Eagle II catamaran for unmatched views.
Spotting ospreys, manatees, dolphins, and more in their natural habitat.
Exploring the vibrant sea life of Florida Bay.
Food and drinks provided during the excursion.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Recommended items for the Florida Bay Boat Tour include sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, rain gear, and insect repellent.

These will help protect you from the elements and ensure a comfortable experience.

Food isn’t allowed on the tour, but you’re welcome to bring water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

Unfortunately, pets aren’t permitted, aside from service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though larger or motorized wheelchairs may not fit.

Visitors will also need to pay the $30 Everglades National Park entrance fee, valid for 7 days.

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Accessibility and Fees

The Florida Bay Boat Tour is largely wheelchair accessible, with most wheelchairs accommodated onboard. However, large or heavy motorized wheelchairs may not fit.

The Florida Bay Boat Tour is largely wheelchair accessible, though large or heavy motorized wheelchairs may not fit onboard.

Guests should be aware of the following:

The park entrance fee is $30 per car, valid for 7 days.
The tour departs from the Marina Activity Booth, where guests should check in 15 minutes prior to departure.
The closest major city is Homestead, while Everglades City is 3 hours away.
The tour includes the boat ride, a naturalist guide, and food and drinks.

Exploring Florida Bay’s History and Vibrant Sea Life

Aboard the Bald Eagle II catamaran, guests embark on a journey to explore Florida Bay’s rich history and diverse marine life. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, they learn about the region’s past, from its indigenous inhabitants to its role in 20th-century conservation efforts.

As the boat glides across the calm waters, guests spot ospreys soaring overhead, manatees gracefully surfacing, and dolphins playfully swimming alongside. The changing scenery and wildlife interactions create a truly unique experience, immersing visitors in the natural wonders of the Everglades ecosystem.

This boat tour offers an in-depth look at the bay’s vibrant sea life and captivating history.

Spotting Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

As the catamaran glides across the serene waters of Florida Bay, guests are treated to an up-close encounter with the region’s diverse wildlife.

The knowledgeable naturalist guide points out a variety of animals, including:

Majestic ospreys soaring overhead, hunting for fish in the shallows; playful pods of bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Majestic ospreys soaring overhead, hunting for fish in the shallows
Playful pods of bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the waves
Lumbering manatees gracefully surfacing to breathe
Vibrant wading birds like herons and egrets stalking their prey

These unique wildlife sightings offer a captivating glimpse into the Everglades ecosystem, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.

FAQ

How Accessible Is the Boat for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour boat generally accommodates most wheelchairs, though larger or motorized models may not fit. The tour operator works to make the experience accessible for visitors with disabilities, with advance notice and coordination.

Can Children Under a Certain Age Participate in the Tour?

Children of all ages are welcome on the tour. There is no minimum age requirement, though parents should consider if the 1.5-hour duration is suitable for young children. Infants and toddlers can participate at no additional cost.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Booking Group Tours?

For group tours, there may be special requirements like minimum group size or advance booking. Customers should check with the tour operator for details on group booking policies and any group discounts available.

What Are the Best Times of Year to Spot Certain Wildlife?

The best times to spot wildlife vary by species. Ospreys can be seen year-round, while manatees and dolphins are most active in the warmer months. Visitors have the highest chance of wildlife sightings during the dry season from November to April.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the standard 1.5-hour tour duration. The tour is only offered as a 1.5-hour experience, and customers cannot request a longer excursion. However, visitors may be able to book multiple tours on the same day.

Sum Up

The Flamingo Marina’s Florida Bay Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the Everglades’ captivating natural wonders. Guests can expect to witness diverse wildlife, including ospreys, manatees, and dolphins, while a knowledgeable naturalist guides them through the scenic waterways. This 1.5-hour adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Florida Bay’s rich ecosystem, making it a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts.