Getaway658269
04 May 2023
The exact name of the activity I signed up for was "Everglades: Birding, Wildlife, and Photography Expedition." For some reason, it is not an option here but I did get a follow up email from the activity provider with an ask to leave a review on Tripadvisor. Anyway, on the day we signed up for, the tour was offered at 9:30 am and then again at 1:30 pm. We went with the latter. The activity was advertised as 3.5 hours and specifically noted how the guide would be on the hunt for birds.
To give the guide full credit, he is extremely knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and history and everything you would ever want to know about the shells and the Calusa Indians. The thing is, I wanted to see the birds - this is what I paid for, drove a long distance for, and budgeted half a day for. It should be noted that Everglades Boat Tours was the only activity provider offering a birding adventure and we drove out from the Miami area to experience it. Everything about the description (available on their website) suggested it would be first and foremost a birder friendly activity. Well, birding lasted about 10 min at the start of the boat ride when we got to see the rookery, which was certainly exciting.
However, on the way to the osprey nest, we ignored an osprey that was sitting on a tree (prime photo opportunity), the guide did not mention anything about the tern that we sped by, and only at the end, we stopped to look at the bald eagle. We sped by numerous sand bars that had shore birds at the end. They were ignored as well.
The tour went over the allotted time by a full hour, which would have made anyone late to whatever activity they may have planned for later. We stayed at the barrier island for two hours, while the guide was talking about the shells and more shells. The thing is, all of this would have been fascinating for the people interested in that topic but the tour description did not mention it even once. I do think that if the activity description was accurate, it would attract a lot of people who would want to learn about the Calusa Indians and the conchology. I actually noted that I was interested in seeing birds at one point, but got a very dismissive "you will get your birds" and even more upsetting when the guide tried to tell me that I did not sign up for the birding trip as these are only offered in the morning. It was rude and condescending. I know what I paid for, and the numerous confirmations that I got matched the description. I have screenshots and the get your guide app clearly states the activity description. It is one thing if the birds were just not there as it happens, but we either sped by them, ignored them altogether, and as a result, spent about 90% of things OTHER than birding and wildlife. Honestly, guide's dismissive tone and then outright rudeness (I was told it was not a zoo when I pointed out that the cover photo of my tour had skimmers, so that it was reasonable from me to expect for the tour to focus on the birds).
I should also mention that the boat was not as stable as the description suggests. I can't imagine bringing a scope or a tripod. It was choppy by the eagle and I could not get a good photo - nor was I asked if I got the photo before we sped off. The tour description also said that we would be transported to the marina in a golf cart, but we had to drive our own cars. Not an issue normally but it further highlights that the tour descriptions are not accurate.
We did see a small dolphin family at some point but I, and a few others, were uncomfortable at the borderline harassment of the poor creatures - just so that one person could get the "right" photo. I have GPS tracks of that too, if the operator tries to dispute it.
In summary - even if you are into conchology, I am not sure if this would be recommended, as I do not know if we got so much time on this because it was our guide's specialty and who knows what flavor you would get with another guide. Or who knows what the communication is like between the booking office and the guides in general. If you want to see birds, do not be seduced by the activity description. Go and check out Shark Valley Tram tours - you will see more birds, will get friendly guides and it will cost you a lot less for half the time, and you will learn about the ecology and the history. Or seek out a private bird guide through other channels, which is what I should have done. It was one activity I was looking forward to the most on this trip to the Everglades and it turned out to be a massive disappointment.
What a day for a boat tour! It was windy and cold. We couldn't reschedule since we were only in town one week.
Our guide and captain was Dan. He was just as nice and cordial as could be. He was very informative and knowledgeable. The poor guy had just rode his Harley to get back to his house, for 2 hours in the cold and rainy weather. But he didn't let that deter him from giving a great tour to a couple of old ladies from NY. We had a great time with him. We wouldn't hesitate to go back put with him. In warm, sunny weather, lol. We were able to learn about the area and its history. Dan was a wealth of information.
Thank you Dan for coming out into the cold. We sure did enjoy the adventure! I'm sure the hot lunch was great when you got back in!