Holiday Gift Guide: Atlas Obscura Books and Calendars
Join us in Miami this November as we set off on a five-day adventure into the mangroves and swamps of Florida's Keys and Everglades. Alongside local naturalists, we'll explore high and low—in airboats, kayaks, and on foot—in search of the wildlife of this unique ecosystem, from dolphins and manatees to osprey, ibis, and 47 species of orchid. We'll paddle our way through mangrove forests, snorkel alongside sea turtles, and coast quietly alongside pods of dolphins and pairs of manatees. We'll meet with a park biologist to learn about Big Cypress National Preserve, visit a historic Seminole trading post in the 10,000 Islands section of Everglades National Park, and check out Ed Leedskalnin's Coral Castle, with an eye out for baby alligators. Adventure and discovery await.
Arrive early and take some time to stroll down Ocean Drive, admiring the neighborhood’s signature Art Deco architecture. Tonight, we’ll meet our guide and co-travelers for a welcome cocktails and fresh seafood at a Miami hot spot.
Mondrian Hotel, Miami
Dinner
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.
Mondrian Hotel, Miami
Lunch
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.
Islander Resort, Islamorada
Lunch
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.
Islander Resort, Islamorada
Lunch
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!
Lunch
The total cost of this trip is $2130 and includes two nights of accommodation at the Mondrian Hotel in South Beach, Miami, and two nights of accommodation at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Single travelers should be prepared to share a room with another traveler of the same gender, depending on the composition of the group. For those traveling by themselves, single accommodations can be provided subject to availability at an additional cost of $400. Please contact us to request a single room.
We recommend that you have a medium fitness level to fully participate in this trip. Be prepared to walk up to 3 miles per day through thick, muddy terrain. We will also be kayaking and snorkeling so basic swimming skills and a comfort with water are necessary. The Florida climate can be hot and humid and we will be spending much of each day outside. Your guides will provide sunscreen and water breaks, but this trip is not recommended for travelers who are particularly sensitive to heat.
The Mondrian Hotel is a 35-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA). We’ll be meeting for dinner at 6 p.m. on November 7. To give yourself enough time to settle into your accommodations and freshen up before meeting the group, we recommend booking a flight that arrives in Miami by 3 p.m. Our trip concludes on Monday, November 11 at 4 p.m. We’re happy to help extend your stay if you would like to enjoy Miami or The Everglades on your own.
We are visiting fragile ecosystems alongside an experienced naturalist who will help us ensure that we minimize our impact on the local wildlife and habitats. Additionally, a donation of $25 to the Friends of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is built into your trip price, and we encourage all travelers to purchase the optional carbon offset available for this trip.
