The drive south of Marco Island on the Tamiami Trail (Florida Route 41) can become desolate and eerie but fear not, the Port Of The Islands is not more than 20 miles south of Marco and this short drive is well worth the petrol.
We were informed about the fantastic Double R eco-tours operating out of the Port O' The Islands by a volunteer guide at the Rookery Bay Reserve - a National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the NOOA and paid for by US taxpayers.
I was sceptical, my only other paid Everglades adventure was a hair-raising ride on an old and noisy, homemade Airboat with a crazy kid whisking the craft at way-above-safe speeds through marsh and swamp and scaring every creature within 100 yards - including, of course, the fools with me that paid for this "Florida Everglade Wilderness Ride".
At first view - I knew this was not a Florida scam. The brand new Port of The Islands Marina is first rate. Beautiful new docks, a well-stocked convenience store and clean, well-appointed picnic tables overlooking the Everglades River - the Faka Union canal, a man-made waterway that leads to the Gulf of Mexico.
Before we even entered the boat we spotted a medium sized alligator swimming near the docks at the marina. The 'gator was apparently seeking an easy meal - as we noticed a fish cleaning station not far from where he floated.
The Double R's Eco-Tour Boat held about 12 people and our first stop was just a few hundred yards from the docks, an area where the Manatee like to play and feed. The Manatee have been in this bay for dozens of years and enjoy the fresh water springs that are located under water.
We watched in awe as several manatee passed within a few dozen feet of the boat. Manatee are slow-moving and passive creatures. They have to breath air, so are often surfacing or swimming just below the surface of the water (a reason why so many are injured or killed by boaters).
Our Everglades journey continued as the Captain brought us towards the Gulf with a stop to visit "Tripod" - a three-legged alligator that was basking in the Florida sun. Quite familiar with this attention, Tripod barely winked as the Double R charter tour boat filled with gawking tourists clicked away on their cameras.
The Double R Captain and crew were first-class and pointed out nesting osprey, snowy egrets and other wildlife. The ride is slow and relaxing - the scenery spectacular as we pass the Fakahatchee State Park on our left and the Collier State Park on our right. There is a no-wake zone nearly all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. When we reached the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island could be seen in the distance - it looked like Emerald City from this vantage point.
On the trip back to the Port O' The Islands marina we weaved our way through the 10,000 Islands - which were calm on this bright, sunny day. The Captain took us around Panther Key - one of southwest Florida's uninhabited islands. We spotted herons, royal terns, ibis and a playful dolphin. In short, an absolutely amazing experience!
The Double R boat we took was very clean, with an onboard bathroom and a knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Double R's Fishing and Tour Company also offers fishing charters, kayak rentals and kayak nature tours. The company is owned and operated by Gary and Ellen Eichler. Tell them Marco Island Living sent you.
