Everglades Wilderness Waterway

This trip is only Exploratory because I have not paddled the 5.5 miles between the Wilderness Waterway via Watson's Place to Mormon Key. I've done all other areas on two different occasions.

With the exception of Hog Key, all campsites and chickees (tent platforms set in the water) are equipped with Porta-potties.

Day 1. We will depart from the Everglades Gulf Coast Visitor Center boat ramp and paddle 13 miles to Pavillion Key and set up camp on the beach. We will likely see porpoises as we leave the river and head out into the keys. From our camp, we will have great views of the sunset over the Gulf. Later, we will build a campfire below the tideline. Pavillion Key is the spot where I've had the best luck catching speckled trout.

Day 2. The next morning will be a paddle through the Gulf. Often the water is dead calm early in the morning. If so, you may see large Tarpon breaking the surface in every direction. This interesting fish needs to surface to breathe. We will paddle 12 miles to Hog Key where once again we will camp on the beach and enjoy the sunset and campfire. If the weather cooperates, we will arrive at Hog Key with plenty of time left in the day. Rest or read a book. The water is very shallow, so further exploring via kayak would need to take tides into account, but you should have plenty of time for fishing. Generally, unless the weather slows our progress, we will have a lot of time after we arrive at camp.

On day 3, we will be paddling up the river. Our departure will be set to go with the incoming tide. We will paddle 11 miles up Lostman's River to Lostman's Five Ground site.  Going with the tide, we may make 4 mph while in the river. We will be intersecting the Wilderness Waterway which we follow much of the way on days 3 and 4. Lostman's Five has expansive views of the surrounding bay. We may arrive early so plan on further exploring in the kayak, fishing, games, or reading. After arriving early at the campsite, we could also take the kayaks out to explore the surrounding area of Lostman's Five Bay, Lostman's Five Creek, or Plate Creek Bay where there is a Chickee.

On day 4 we will paddle 11 miles. This takes us up Plate Creek and Alligator Creek, our best chance for spotting an alligator sunning on the bank. First, we paddle 6.5 miles, to the campsite at Darwin's Place where a man once lived raising rabbits. Here we will take a break before proceeding on the Wilderness Waterway another 3 miles before turning off the WW to paddle 1.5 miles to Watson's Place where we will camp. 

Day 5 is a very short day. We have two possible routes to Pavillion Key. We could take a route that involves more of the Gulf and passes by Morman Key (8.5 miles) or we can stay in the estuaries and paddle 8 miles to Pavillion Key. 

Day 6 will take us back to Everglades City. From Pavillion Key it is 13 miles. The tide starts coming in at about 8 AM, so it will be a quick trip. It is highly likely that we will see porpoises today. If we have camped at Jewel Key, then the return to Everglades City is only 5 miles.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PARTICIPANTS 

(You are not confirmed for this trip until I speak with you and tell you that you are confirmed. Do not commit to non-refundable deposits until I confirm you are on the trip.)

Participants will be together for 6 days, sometimes camping in close quarters so we need to be sure participants are compatible and comfortable with one another. Also, we will be in remote areas where it is not easy or practical to change plans. We need to be sure that participants are comfortable paddling for as long as 6 - 7 hours per day and can show confidence in wind and waves.

Time of sign up

Strength of experience

Fit within the group dynamic

Long portions of this trip are across open water. Weather conditions in this environment may require difficult paddling in high winds and waves. Distances were chosen to take into account the possibility of challenging paddle conditions where strenuous effort is needed to progress at 1 mph. Paddlers should be able to handle waves that come across the deck of the kayak. In these conditions, the kayak will take on water. A kayak skirt may need to be placed over the cockpit. Kayaks need to be at least 14.5 feet long and be equipped with a rudder. Participants should be comfortable using a pedal-controlled rudder or at least confident that they can become comfortable using one.

The itinerary is designed to avoid paddling against the tide. Shallow areas extend great distances beyond beaches, meaning that landing and launching on beaches at low tide could require carrying the kayak and equipment across muddy expanses. We will work to minimize this issue by landing near deeper water and launching at higher tides.

National Park Campsite Reservation Cost. (Assuming 3 participants.)

The cost does not include lodging. Depending on your travel plans, you will need lodging for the night of your travel to Everglades City.

Estimated Individual Cost:

1st night lodging (Everglades City) - $200

Lodging on return trip - $100

Single Ruddered Kayak Rental (6 days) - $375

(You can bring your own kayak if ruddered and at least 14 ft long.)