Scenic Everglades Eco Tour | Lifeline Charters

Published Date: November 2, 2025
Fishing

Homestead, FL
$275 - $1,100 price range

Summary

Get ready for a peaceful 4-hour trip through the heart of Flamingo Everglades National Park. You'll cruise the shallow backcountry waters in a nimble 17' Maverick skiff, perfect for reaching quiet spots larger boats can't access. As you glide along, take in the lush mangroves and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds often make appearances. This tour is ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to soak in the natural beauty of the Everglades. We've got room for two guests, and we'll provide a cooler with ice and water to keep you comfortable. If you're interested in trying your hand at fishing, we've got you covered with licenses included. Just remember, it's a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on this laid-back eco adventure.

Scenic Everglades Eco Tour | Lifeline Charters

Everglades Up Close

Solid Miami Cobia catch!

Biscayne Bay Seatrout hookup!

Redfish caught in Homestead while fishing

Everglades Redfish day!

Everglades Snook smiles!

Glide Through Flamingo's Hidden Paradise

Get ready to soak in the wild beauty of Flamingo Everglades National Park on this laid-back 4-hour eco tour. We'll cruise the shallow backcountry waters in a nimble 17' Maverick skiff, perfect for sneaking into spots most boats can't reach. It's just you, a friend, and miles of untamed Florida wilderness. Whether you're hoping to spot a manatee, cast a line, or just chill out surrounded by nature, this trip delivers.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll ease out from the marina and into a maze of mangrove tunnels and hidden bays. The 70hp Yamaha engine is whisper-quiet, so we won't spook the local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake or a gator sunning on a mud bank. Bring your camera - you never know when a roseate spoonbill might swoop by or an osprey will dive for its lunch. If you're up for it, we can wet a line and see what's biting. The cooler's stocked with ice and water, so stay hydrated while you soak in those Everglades vibes.

Navigating the Backcountry

Our skinny-water skiff lets us access areas that airboats and bigger craft can't touch. We'll pole through crystal-clear shallows, giving you a fish-eye view of the underwater world. I'll show you how to spot the telltale signs of feeding fish - from mudding reds to the nervous water of a bonefish school. Even if you're not fishing, it's a blast to see these fish in their natural habitat. The Everglades are always changing with the tides and seasons, so every trip out here is a new adventure.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Permit: These silvery bulldogs are the holy grail for many anglers. They've got eyes like an eagle and can spook at the slightest shadow. But when you hook one, hold on tight - they'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring and fall are prime permit time in the park.

Peacock Bass: Originally from the Amazon, these colorful fighters have made themselves right at home in South Florida. They hit topwater lures with explosive strikes and put on an acrobatic show. You can target them year-round, but they're most active in the warmer months.

Cobia: These curious brown torpedoes often swim right up to the boat. They grow big - 30+ pounders aren't uncommon - and they fight like crazy. Spring and fall migrations are your best bet for hooking into one of these bruisers.

Bonefish: The "gray ghost" of the flats, bonefish are masters of camouflage and speed. Spotting them takes practice, but once you do, you're in for the fight of your life. These turbocharged speedsters will have your reel screaming. Winter and early spring are prime time for bones in the park.

Largemouth Bass: The classic all-American gamefish thrives in the Everglades' freshwater areas. They ambush prey from lily pads and sunken logs, smashing lures with bone-jarring strikes. You can catch them year-round, but winter is trophy time when big females fatten up before spawning.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something magical about gliding through these pristine waters, miles from the noise and crowds. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just want to unplug and reconnect with nature, this trip delivers. Families love the chance to spot wildlife and learn about this unique ecosystem. First-timers are always blown away by how wild and unspoiled it feels out here. And for seasoned Everglades explorers, well, you know there's always something new to discover in this ever-changing wilderness.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience the real Florida? This 4-hour eco tour is the perfect intro to the wonders of Flamingo Everglades National Park. With room for just two guests, you'll get a personalized experience tailored to your interests. Whether you want to focus on wildlife watching, wetting a line, or just soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your date now. The Everglades are calling - time to answer!

Learn more about the species

Bonefish

Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and chasing them is addictive. These sleek, silver torpedoes usually run 4-6 pounds but can reach 10+. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often less than a foot deep, as they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall offer the best shots when water temps are ideal. Bonefish have incredible eyesight and spook at the slightest disturbance, so stealth is crucial. Anglers love bones for their blistering runs - when hooked, they'll take off like a rocket, emptying your reel in seconds. To catch one, use small crab or shrimp patterns and make long, accurate casts. A local tip: look for "nervous water" - slight ripples on the surface often give away a school of feeding bones. Landing a bonefish is a true test of skill and patience.

Cobia

Cobia are powerful fish that'll give you a run for your money. These brown-colored bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll often spot them near buoys, wrecks, or following large rays in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations are prime times to target them. Cobia are curious fish and will sometimes swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. Anglers love cobia for their strong fights and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs and even jump occasionally. To land one, try drifting live eels or pitching jigs to fish you spot. A local tip: keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often be circling above cobia feeding on the surface. It's an awesome experience when you hook into one of these bulldogs of the sea.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of freshwater fishing around here. These green-backed bruisers usually run 2-5 pounds but can top 10. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed edges, and lily pads in 3-10 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass are most active. These fish are ambush predators, so working lures near cover is key. Anglers love largies for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll often jump clear out of the water when hooked. To catch one, try pitching soft plastics or working topwater lures early morning. A local tip: focus on points and drop-offs during summer when bass seek cooler, deeper water. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big largemouth crushing a topwater bait at dawn.

Peacock Bass

Peacock bass are a blast to catch in our local canals and lakes. These colorful fish usually run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 10. Look for them in shallow water near structure like fallen trees or canal ends. They're most active in warmer months when water temps are up. Peacocks are aggressive predators and will smash topwater lures with impressive strikes. Anglers love their hard-fighting nature - they'll put your light tackle to the test. For best results, try using golden shiners as bait or casting small, flashy lures near cover. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be prime time. One local trick: fan-cast around culvert pipes, as peacocks often hang out in those shaded areas waiting to ambush prey. Landing a peacock bass is a real thrill, especially on light gear.

Permit

Permit are one of the most challenging fish to catch in the flats. These silver-sided beauties typically run 20-30 inches long and can weigh up to 30 pounds. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often just 2-3 feet deep, as they search for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key. Anglers love the permit's power and speed - when hooked, they'll take off on blistering runs that'll test your gear and skills. For the best shot at landing one, I always tell folks to use a small crab imitation and make long, accurate casts well ahead of where you spot the fish. It takes patience, but hooking a permit is an experience you won't forget.

About the Lifeline Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 70

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Cruise through the stunning Flamingo Everglades National Park on a laid-back 4-hour tour. Our nimble 17' Maverick skiff with a quiet Yamaha 70hp engine lets you glide into shallow waters and narrow mangrove tunnels that bigger boats can't reach. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and colorful birds as you explore the lush backcountry. With room for two guests, it's perfect for couples, families, or friends looking to soak in the natural beauty. We've got you covered with a cooler, ice, water, and fishing licenses if you feel like trying your luck. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned nature lover, this chill eco-tour offers a peaceful escape into one of Florida's most unique ecosystems. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so plan accordingly and get ready for some quality time in the great outdoors.

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