Garl's Coastal Kayaking - Homestead, Florida

Paige L.

Had a great time exploring the Everglades through Garl's Coastal Kayaking! Rob was our guide; he led us on a wet walk through the forest and a kayak paddle. He pointed out interesting wildlife and fauna the whole trip.

We saw wood storks, white Ibis, roseate spoonbills, black & white warblers, and a pileated woodpecker among orchids, lichen, and ferns. We walked past a couple of gators too.

Next, we drove to 9 Mile Pond to kayak with mangrove trees. We saw many more alligators and a huge crocodile while paddling. The croc [Croczilla is his official name] was eating an Ibis while we paddled by. We passed by a second time later, and he was happily napping on the bank.

While kayaking we saw double- crested cormorants, anhinga (snake bird), and a swallow tailed kite.

Rob also stopped along the drive to point out a water moccasin on the highway. We got the snake to safety on the other side while getting a fantastic look at its beauty and movements.

Dave R.

We were on the Partial Day tour and my partner wasn’t going to go on the wet walk, but after talking with Garl, his knowledge, confidence (barefoot? 😱) and enthusiasm convinced her to go along. And boy is she glad she did. The wet walk was the best part of the tour. From the different species of birds and plants, to learning more about the Everglades ecosystem, it was more than we expected. Oh, and there’s something about being close to alligators in their environment that makes you appreciate nature. We will definitely recommend Garl to our friends.

GABY P.

Garl is very knowledgable about The Everglades with 20+ years of living here and taking people on tours. The 'water walk' among the cypress trees was outstanding!!!! Kayaking through mangrove tunnels and around mangrove islands was exciting. He knows where to find Crocs, gators, manatees and all the beautiful fauna.
This is a MUST excursion for anyone wanting to learn about The Everglades

Linda H.

Garl was friendly and knowledgeable about the local fauna and flora. He took us to amazing spots where we saw manatees, crocs, flamingos, sharks, etc. I highly recommend Garl and his service. This was one of my best experiences ever.

Mike D.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Garl's Coastal Kayaking Everglades, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! From the moment we arrived, Garl and his team made us feel incredibly welcome and excited for the journey ahead.

The tour itself was absolutely amazing. Paddling through the serene, untouched beauty of the Everglades was an experience like no other. Garl's deep knowledge and passion for the area's unique ecosystem made the trip both educational and entertaining. We spotted an array of wildlife, including alligators, and a variety of bird species, all while learning about their habitats and behaviors.

Garl's enthusiasm and expertise were evident throughout the tour, and his storytelling added a special touch to the experience. The small group size allowed for a personalized and intimate adventure, making it feel like a private tour.

Overall, I can't recommend Garl's Coastal Kayaking Everglades enough! It's the perfect way to explore the natural wonders of the Everglades while gaining a deeper appreciation for this incredible ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, this tour is an absolute must-do. Thank you, Garl, for an unforgettable adventure!

L A.

We had a great day with Garl and Zac. We liked the trek through the submerged cypress forest dome the best. It was an environment that we never thought we would ever be in until Garl led us there and educated us about the ecosystem. It was so cool. The kayaking was great too. We saw crocodiles, manatees, sharks and dozens of bird species. Highly recommend spending the day with Garl as long as you are capable of kayaking for a few hours.

Anna M.

This was the absolute best experience I could have ever hoped for! Garl took us out into the thick of the everglades where we walked through a Cyprus Grove and saw a couple gator holes. After we went on almost a 6 mile kayaking trip through biscayne Bay where the gulf and Atlantic merge with the keys. We saw all types of wildlife and Garl had a plethora of knowledge to offer. 10/10 recommend and we will be back during our next Florida trip.

Julie W.

Garl’s passion for the Everglades and his wealth of knowledge about the plants and animals made this trip extra special. He shared information about changes in the ecosystem that he has seen in his many years of exploring the park. He took lots of photos documenting our time slogging and kayaking. Just a heads up- you will be walking in thigh deep water and kayaking for several hours.