Wildlife
No feeding, no baiting
We do not feed or harass animals to manufacture a sighting. The alligators you see are behaving like alligators because nobody has trained them otherwise.
Certified 4 December 2012
Florida SEE Gold Certified ecotour operator
Everglades Day Safari is certified Gold by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism — the only safari operator in the state to hold that certification. Two separate SEE assessors have audited our tours in person.
What the certification means
The Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism began in 2000 to give Florida tour operators a standard for responsible nature tourism. We started the certification process in July 2012 and were certified Gold on 4 December 2012, after an assessor joined a full tour, walked the trail, rode the boat and ate lunch with the group.
It is not a badge you buy. It is an audit of how you treat the place you are showing people, and it has to be renewed.
Our ecotourism principles
- Minimise impact on the environment
- Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
- Provide positive experiences for visitors and hosts
- Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
- Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
- Raise sensitivity to the host country’s political, environmental and social climate
Our ethics in practice
- Adopt a conservation ethic
- Use local guides and businesses where possible
- Educate guests about the place they are visiting
- Do not feed or harass wildlife
- Respect private land and local culture
- Keep groups small
- Give something back to the community and the habitat
From a Florida SEE assessor’s report
“Our guide had a wealth of knowledge which she shared throughout the day… kept us on pace… we didn’t feel rushed at all.”
Assessors ride the tour as guests, then report on guiding quality, interpretation, group size, wildlife ethics and the operator’s contribution to conservation.
Why it matters to you
A guarantee about how your day is run
Groups
Thirteen guests, maximum
Small groups mean less pressure on the trail, the boat and the animals — and a guide who can answer your question.
Local
Money stays in Florida
Locally owned since 1991, staffed by people who live here, working with local captains, restaurants and museums.
Book a tour that is audited, not just advertised
Nine departures a week from four Florida cities, all run to the same standard.