EVERGLADES CITY, Fla.—The Ten Thousand Islands boat tour in Everglades National Park resumes on December 21, 2023, launching from a temporary location two miles north of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

The tour was suspended on September 30 when the Everglades National Park’s Gulf Coast Visitor Center and Marina are closed for construction of the new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center.

As construction proceeds, the tour company Everglades National Park Adventures has contracted with the US National Park Service to resume the popular Ten Thousand Islands boat tour under a Commercial Use Authorization. The tour’s 49-passenger pontoon boat, led by trained guides and joined occasionally by Park Rangers, visits the same natural and cultural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands in addition to historical landmarks along the Barron River. The two-hour tour launches from two miles north of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at 929 Dupont Street in Everglades City. Tours depart daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

After substantial completion of the Gulf Coast Marina, Everglades National Park Adventures will continue to provide services under a 10-year Authorized Concessioner contract with the Park. At that time, the boat tour, kayak tour, kayak rentals, and other concession services will return to the Gulf Coast Marina in the Park.

“We’re very excited to partner with Everglades National Park to welcome visitors of all ages from all over the world, and to further the Park’s mission to preserve natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” said Aashish Patel, owner of Everglades National Park Adventures.

About Everglades National Park Adventures

Everglades National Park Adventures (ENPA) provides authorized services for Everglades National Park, including the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour. After the Gulf Coast Marina reopens, ENPA will provide additional services such as kayak rentals, kayak tours and a water ferry. For more information, or to reserve tour times online, visit EvergladesNationalParkAdventures.com.

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