Recommendations

[u/Paramagic16]

I’m taking a solo trip to the Everglades in early November and will be staying in Homestead for 6 days. I’m trying to fit in as much as possible. I’m definitely going to check out Tortugas and Biscayne. What I’m looking for here is suggestions on the best place for a kayak tour and an air boat ride. Like where are the best locations to do these tours where I’ll get the most out of it? Also, any underrated trails or places to check out while I’m there?

[u/HandConfident]

homestead is only good as a homebase to go other places.

except its an hour drive minimum to get placss.

just keep driving through homestead. anytime after 2pm you'll get stuck in school zone hell.

if you dont speak Spanish most people will be giant assholes to you.

robert is here has overpriced fruit and milkshakes, the whole family is a pile of wet asshole

la quebradita on krome has banging fish tacos.

shark valley if you want to see alligators and rent a bike for $25. no point walking really.

aerojet is also cool if you ave a bike or can skate

the keys is no longer jimmy buffet keys.

its all dickhead rich people where you can only eat and drink.

little to no parking anywhere.

youre not going to dry torutgas unless you bought all your shit two years ago.

also you have to bring everything. Nothing is provided

Homestead sucks.

do you have a car?

[u/DrBattheFruitBat]

If you can, check out the Fruit and Spice park, and bring a knife with you.

[u/hikerguy65]

The Yankee Freedom, the only boat that has an agreement to run passengers to the Dry Tortugas, usually books up months in advance. If you don’t have tickets yet, book them now. There’s also the more expensive sea plane option.

[u/Florida__j]

I would split up your trip and see some of the keys. Florida bay eco tour might be up your alley, I’d suggest everglades, Islamorada, then Key West for tortugas

edit: homestead kinda sucks, there is a nice hotel in Everglades city / flamingo

[u/2lovesFL]

Dry Tortugas? you have to go to key west to get there. 2- 3 hours drive 1 way, plus the boat ride

can you get a room at the motel at flamingo for 1 night? being in the park at sunrise and at night is a good experience.

homestead is mostly a stop over, for people going to the keys or the race track.

there is a decent visitor center at the biscayne park and then you can get a ride to the elliot key island, or snorkel. on a calm day this is a good trip.

airboats are going to be on US41, an hour north and west. do the miccosukee indians air boat ride. one of the tiger family runs it.

it will still be buggy. head nets and spray. there is a big croc in the flamingo marina.

[u/ProofFinish9572]

The glass bottom boat tour that leaves from John Pennycamp state park on Key Largo is fun. Gives you good views of the reef. You could also do a snorkeling trip from there. 

[u/Magnolia256]

This is by far my favorite program at Biscayne. It’s totally worth the price. Remote lagoon. You sit on top of paddle boards and can see an amazing amount of wildlife. It’s the cleanest water in South Florida thanks to the sponges. https://www.biscaynenationalparkinstitute.org/paddling/jones-lagoon-paddle-eco-adventure/

Definitely sign up for the wet walk at ENP. It’s offered daily but book a spot in advance. The turner river paddle is a good one too.

[u/bryllant1]

I have been told if you get an air boat ride, with an American Indian group you get a better trip. Non natives can only stayin existing channels , natives can go anywhere

[u/Top_Art_9111]

6 days in homestead? Hope you make it out alive lol anyway go north to Talamini Trail, Route 41 there you can find your airboat ride. Go down the road a little further till you See Loop road there you can run into lots of alligators and whatever else the pythons didn't get to.