Today, we’re venturing to an area just outside of Big Cypress National Preserve for a swamp walk with our naturalist guide. Along the way we’ll spot rare birds and some of the 47 orchid species found in this region of the Everglades, perhaps even spying the elusive ghost orchid. We’ll meet with a park biologist to learn about the ecology of the park, then stop for a fresh  stone crab lunch. Heading out on the water, we’ll make our way to the 10,000 Islands section of Everglades National Park. As pods of dolphins swim beside our boat, we’ll head to a historic Seminole trading post before embarking on an air-boat ride co-led by a guide from the local Miccosukee community.

Our day begins at Ed Leedskalnin's Coral Castle, a mysterious stone structure built as a monument to lost love. After pondering the curious construction of Leedskalnin’s ill-fated citadel, we’ll continue on to the southern area of Everglades National Park. As we explore these unique ecosystems in the company of our naturalist guide, we’ll keep an eye out for baby alligators and a wide variety of birds. Our day concludes in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner on our own before retiring to our ocean-front rooms.

Today, we’re heading out on kayaks to explore the pristine waters surrounding Islamorada. Led by an experienced marine biologist, we’ll learn firsthand how the health of the Keys is tied to the health of the Everglades. Paddling out to seagrass flats that are home to dolphins and manatees, we’ll explore a bird rookery, then make our way to an old-growth mangrove forest whose winding canals serve as an important habitat for juvenile fish, sharks, and rays. We’ll be joined for lunch by a longtime Florida Keys boat captain and member of the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame before spending our afternoon snorkeling in the coral reefs. After a busy day, we’ve earned ourselves a nap and a fruity drink! We’ll head back to the hotel to clean up and rest before meeting at the Lorelei Cabana Bar to take in the sunset (and a beverage or two) on the water.

Our day starts at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where we’ll learn about the important work being done in the sanctuary to rehabilitate the region’s native birds. We’ll then make our way back to Miami for a farewell lunch at an iconic Cuban restaurant in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Raise a glass of rum and toast to the health of the Glades!