School Trips to Everglades and the Florida Keys
School trips to the Everglades and Florida Keys are environmental science programs focused on freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems. Students follow water from Everglades sawgrass and mangroves to Florida Keys coral reefs while comparing habitats, practicing field observation and studying marine conservation.
Choose a seven-day program based in Homestead and Key Largo from $2,815 per student, or a nine-day program continuing to Marathon and Key West from $4,185. Both routes start and finish in Miami; airfare is excluded.
No commitment, and no sales call unless you ask for one.
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- $2,815–$4,185
- per student
- 7 or 9 days
- two itineraries
- Custom school trips
- built around your dates, curriculum and budget
- 1 free teacher spot
- for every 8 paying students
- Since 1983
- Rustic Pathways has operated student travel programs
Compare school trips to the Everglades and Florida Keys
The two Everglades and Florida Keys school travel itineraries are Florida Marine Ecology and Conservation, and Everglades, wildlife rescue and Key West. Florida Marine Ecology and Conservation starts at $2,815 for 7 days, and Everglades, wildlife rescue and Key West starts at $4,185 for 9 days.
Compare the two itineraries side by side
Swipe to compare both routes.
| Decision | Marine ecology and conservation | Wildlife rescue and Key West |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7 days / 6 nights | 9 days / 8 nights |
| Price | From $2,815 | $4,185 |
| Best for | Repeated fish surveys and field methods; grades 8–12 | Broader ecology, rehabilitation, history and literature; grades 6–12 |
| Bases | Homestead 2 nights, Key Largo 3, Miami 1 | Homestead 2, Key Largo 2, Marathon 1, Key West 2, Miami 1 |
| Marine activity | Two guided snorkel surveys and a mangrove paddle | Pennekamp glass-bottom boat and mangrove paddle; land-based DRC and Turtle Hospital visits |
| Route tradeoff | More time repeating one survey method in the Upper Keys | More hotel changes; full return day from Key West before flying |
Florida Marine Ecology and Conservation
Seven days from Homestead through Key Largo to Miami, training students to run a reef fish survey with REEF and then running it twice on the same protocol.
The REEF school expedition supplies the survey framework; the marine operator selects sites for each day’s conditions.
Choose this program- Homestead2 nights
- Key Largo3 nights
- Miami1 night
Your seven-day itinerary
-
Day 1
Arrive in South Florida
The group lands in Miami, transfers to Homestead and gets its footwear, water and field kit in order.
MorningTravel to MIA.AfternoonMeet leaders and transfer to the Homestead hotel. Settle in and prepare footwear, water and field equipment.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- MIA to the Homestead hotel, by private group transfer.
- Travel
- Private group transfer
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Homestead; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- All meals required by the arrival and departure timing are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Low effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 2
Read the Everglades landscape
A naturalist leads the group along open maintained paths, and the day ends before the worst of the afternoon heat.
MorningStart with exhibits at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, then observe freshwater habitat on the Anhinga Trail in the Royal Palm area of Everglades National Park. Watch for alligators, freshwater turtles, herons and anhingas from maintained paths; sightings vary.AfternoonCompare the shaded hardwood hammock on Gumbo Limbo Trail with the sawgrass marsh. Return to Homestead for a cooler indoor review of water flow and invasive species.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- Homestead to the Royal Palm area of the Everglades and back, by charter transport and on foot.
- Travel
- Charter transport and on foot
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Homestead; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Higher effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 3
Move to Key Largo and train as observers
The group moves down to Key Largo and learns to identify fish and run a survey before anyone enters open water.
MorningDrive to Key Largo and join REEF’s school expedition orientation and fish-identification instruction.AfternoonPractice survey methods and snorkeling skills in a provider-approved controlled setting; fit equipment and assess comfort before open water.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- Homestead to Key Largo by intercity coach, then a provider-approved controlled setting for skills.
- Travel
- Private intercity coach
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key Largo; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Higher effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 4
First reef survey
The first survey on a real reef, at a site the conditions choose, with only data that meet the standard going in the book.
MorningGo out with the marine provider for a guided snorkel and fish survey at a condition-appropriate site.AfternoonRecord observations using the survey’s standards.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- Key Largo to a condition-appropriate reef site and back, by charter transport.
- Travel
- Charter transport and on foot
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key Largo; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Higher effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 5
Mangroves and marine laboratories
Mangroves by kayak in the morning, then a laboratory session that ties both habitats to the same food web.
MorningGuided mangrove kayaking in sheltered, suitable conditions, comparing this habitat with yesterday’s reef.AfternoonA REEF ecology session links mangroves, seagrass and reef food webs with the flow of freshwater into Florida Bay. Preserve rest time before dinner.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- Sheltered mangrove water by kayak, then the REEF laboratory.
- Travel
- Charter transport and on foot
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key Largo; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Higher effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 6
Repeat the survey, then return to Miami
The same protocol run a second time so the two sets of observations can be compared, then the drive north.
MorningSecond guided snorkel survey, using the same protocol to compare observations rather than adding a distant attraction.AfternoonLunch and educator review, then drive to the Miami-area hotel. Compare the two surveys and finish packing.EveningDinner and supervised social time; a brief reflection if useful.- Route
- A second Key Largo reef site, then Key Largo to the Miami-area hotel by intercity coach.
- Travel
- Private intercity coach
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Miami; twin student rooms, teacher singles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Higher effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
-
Day 7
Depart Miami
Breakfast, airport preparation and departure, with no group program after the transfer.
MorningBreakfast and airport preparation.AfternoonTransfer to MIA and depart.EveningOnward travel after departure; no RP group evening program.- Route
- The Miami-area hotel to MIA, by private group transfer.
- Travel
- Private group transfer
- Overnight
- None on program: the group departs on day 7.
- Meals
- All meals required by the arrival and departure timing are included, with drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Low effort, with breaks and support needs reviewed before booking.
Everglades, wildlife rescue and Key West
Nine days connecting Miccosukee history and Everglades wetlands with coral reef observation, sea turtle rehabilitation and the maritime history of Key West.
Choose this program- Homestead2 nights
- Key Largo2 nights
- Marathon1 night
- Key West2 nights
- Miami1 night
Your nine-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Miami and prepare for the wetlands
Arrival time is reserved for flights, the mainland transfer and preparation.
MorningFly to Miami International Airport (MIA); program activities begin after the agreed arrival window.AfternoonMeet the group and transfer to Homestead. Check footwear, water bottles and sun protection before the first field day.EveningDinner and an introduction to the Everglades watershed.- Route
- MIA → Homestead. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours for the coach transfer, depending on traffic.
- Travel
- Airport transfer
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Homestead; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Meals required by the agreed arrival/departure timing, plus drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Short walks around the hotel; no arrival-day park reservation.
- Day 2
Shark Valley and Miccosukee perspectives
Compare a national-park account of the Everglades with the history presented by the Miccosukee community.
MorningTake the two-hour narrated Shark Valley tram tour and visit the observation tower. Discuss the freshwater slough, water management and invasive Burmese pythons.AfternoonVisit Miccosukee Indian Village for its museum and available craft interpretation about the Miccosukee Tribe. Group access and any demonstrations must be arranged directly in advance.EveningReturn to Homestead; compare how the two sites explain people’s relationships with the wetlands.- Route
- Homestead → Shark Valley → Miccosukee Indian Village on Tamiami Trail → Homestead. Allow 1–1.5 hours each way from the mainland base, plus the short local leg.
- Travel
- Coach and tram
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Homestead; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Tram seating and short paved walks; open sun exposure.
- Day 3
Royal Palm habitats and the road to Key Largo
Move from freshwater marsh to hardwood hammock before continuing south to the Upper Keys.
MorningRead the exhibits at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Walk Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail in the Royal Palm area of Everglades National Park, observing habitat changes and wildlife from the paths.AfternoonAfter lunch, drive to Key Largo and settle in. Sketch how water moves from the Everglades toward Florida Bay and the surrounding marine habitats.EveningCompare field notes on sawgrass, hammocks and the water conditions each habitat needs.- Route
- Homestead → Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center/Royal Palm → Key Largo. Reserve roughly 1.5–2 hours after lunch for the park-to-Key Largo coach leg.
- Travel
- Coach and walking
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key Largo; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Two short trails, with heat breaks and current trail access checked before travel.
- Day 4
Pennekamp reef viewing and mangrove ecology
Study the reef without entering open water, then compare sheltered mangrove habitat.
MorningTake a scheduled daytime glass-bottom boat excursion from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park into Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Allow 2.5 hours for the tour; weather and visibility determine the experience.AfternoonAfter lunch and a rest, join a guided mangrove kayak outing in suitable conditions. Compare shoreline protection, seagrass and nursery habitat with the offshore reef; use identification guides for fish and rays without expecting particular sightings.EveningUse observations to discuss coral bleaching, ocean warming and conservation choices.- Route
- Key Largo lodging → John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park → a locally approved sheltered paddling site → lodging.
- Travel
- Boat, kayak and local transfer
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key Largo; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Boat boarding and paddling require an activity review. High winds can cancel both boat and kayak outings; a land-based ecology session is the fallback.
- Day 5
Dolphins, sea turtle care and the Old Seven
Observe marine animal care and compare two conservation organizations before studying Keys engineering.
MorningDrive to Grassy Key for a pre-arranged Dolphin Research Center Discovery Tour. Observe narrated sessions on marine mammal behavior and care; no dolphin swim is included.AfternoonContinue to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon for a 90-minute educational visit to its rehabilitation facilities. Discuss marine debris and sea turtle injuries; students do not handle turtles.EveningTake a short out-and-back walk on the Old Seven Mile Bridge before dinner, relating Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway to today’s island transport.- Route
- Key Largo → Grassy Key → Marathon. Allow about 1.5 hours of driving across the day, plus loading and meal stops.
- Travel
- Coach and short walks
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Marathon; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- DRC’s published school tour caps attendance at 30 including adults; larger groups need confirmed split sessions. Keep the bridge walk short after the two visits.
- Day 6
Key deer habitat and shipwreck economics
Continue south through wildlife habitat, then consider how reefs shaped trade and salvage in Key West.
MorningStop at National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. Use open observation areas to study habitat fragmentation and island conservation; deer sightings are not guaranteed and wildlife must not be fed.AfternoonTravel to Key West and visit the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Examine the economics of maritime salvage and the risks that reefs posed to shipping.EveningJoin the public Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square with the group, if weather and crowd conditions suit, then have dinner.- Route
- Marathon → Big Pine Key → Key West. Reserve about 1.5 hours of driving, in addition to refuge and museum visits.
- Travel
- Coach and walking
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key West; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Short refuge walks and Old Town pavements; museum tower stairs are optional. Set a meeting point before entering the public square.
- Day 7
Hemingway, lighthouse keepers and the shore
Connect writing and maritime history through two neighboring Key West museums.
MorningVisit The Hemingway Home & Museum to explore Ernest Hemingway’s writing life and the relationship between place and literature.AfternoonVisit the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum. The 88-step tower climb is optional; the museum and grounds support the history lesson without climbing. If time and conditions allow, add a shoreline observation at Key West Marine Park.EveningBring the week’s evidence together: how have water, wildlife and travel shaped life in the Keys?- Route
- Key West lodging → Hemingway Home and nearby Lighthouse → optional south-shore stop → lodging.
- Travel
- Walking and local transfer
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Key West; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Uneven Old Town pavements and heat breaks; the Marine Park stop is on shore. Guided snorkeling there requires a separately confirmed provider and replaces part of the afternoon.
- Day 8
Return to the mainland with time for delays
A dedicated return day separates the long Overseas Highway transfer from the flight home.
MorningDepart Key West after breakfast and travel north on the Overseas Highway.AfternoonContinue to the Miami-area hotel with lunch and rest stops. Allow a 5–6-hour transfer block for the long drive, loading and breaks; congestion can extend it.EveningFinal reflection and packing at the mainland hotel.- Route
- Key West → Miami-area hotel. No Everglades excursion or departing flight is scheduled on this day.
- Travel
- Long-distance coach
- Overnight
- Program-approved lodging in Miami; individual student beds and private teacher rooms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Extended sitting with planned rest stops; keep the day free of timed admissions.
- Day 9
Fly home from Miami
The final day is for the airport transfer and homeward travel.
MorningBreakfast and transfer to MIA for the agreed departure window.AfternoonFly home. Flight duration is additional to the ground transfer.EveningOnward travel; no Rustic Pathways evening program after departure.- Route
- Miami-area hotel → MIA. Airport buffer depends on the agreed flight.
- Travel
- Airport transfer
- Overnight
- None; departure day.
- Meals
- Meals required by the agreed arrival/departure timing, plus drinking water.
- Physical demand
- Short walks and airport transit; no overnight lodging on the final day.
Planning details
- Base and flights
- Homestead or Florida City; MIA arrival and departure. FLL adds transfer time; EYW changes the nine-day route and quote. Keep the final Miami overnight.
- Water and groups
- Review swimming, paddling and boat boarding. Larger DRC groups need split sessions. Tower climbs and open-water substitutions require separate assessment.
How much does a school trip to Everglades–Florida Keys cost?
A school trip to the Everglades and Florida Keys costs $2,815 to $4,185 per student for 7 to 9 days, or approximately $402 to $465 per day. Program Tuition covers lodging, meals, ground transport and scheduled activities.
Schools receive one complimentary teacher place for every eight paying students. Final pricing depends on group size, travel dates and confirmed activities.
$2,815–$4,185
per student. Airfare is excluded.
7 or 9 days
two route choices, including arrival and departure days.
Group quote
every school receives its own, built on dates, group size and route.
| Included | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Travel | Every program night's lodging, all meals and drinking water, airport transfers, coach transport throughout, scheduled activities, guides, and entrance fees. |
| Staff and support | At least two trained Program Leaders, including both a male and a female leader, pre-departure planning, and school documentation. |
| Community donations | Required by a service project, paid by Rustic Pathways and never collected from students. |
| Chaperones | One complimentary Program Tuition place per eight paying students. Chaperone airfare and insurance are separate. |
Not included: Transportation to and from the destination, travel insurance, medical insurance, and personal spending.
| Effect | Factor |
|---|---|
| raises | Peak school-trip weeks and holiday dates |
| raises | Named-experience bookings and paid facilitation |
| raises | Upgraded lodging |
| raises | Extra chaperones beyond the complimentary place |
| lowers | More students in the group means fixed costs split more ways. |
| raises | Shorter trips cost more per day, since fixed costs spread across fewer days. |
Payment and cancellation
Installment plans are available. Schools pay as a group, or families pay monthly under the current enrollment terms.
What do students learn on an Everglades–Florida Keys school trip?
Students learn how Everglades water systems connect to marine habitats while developing skills in ecological observation, fish surveys and conservation.
Marine science
Fish identification and survey training with REEF, then two guided surveys on the same protocol.
Environmental science
Sawgrass, mangrove and reef read as one connected system rather than three separate outings.
Field methods
Students distinguish observations from conclusions, comparing survey records or evidence from rehabilitation and maritime-history visits.
How is safety managed on an Everglades–Florida Keys school trip?
Program Leaders manage local operations and safety procedures alongside school chaperones. Across 13 years of published incident data from every Rustic Pathways program worldwide, 87% of reports were GREEN, the minor tier where the group stays intact.
What the team plans for
Water activities
Swimming ability, flotation equipment and boat boarding are reviewed before booking; the operator selects sites and cancels when conditions require.
Wildlife and trails
Stay on approved routes, keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife. Heat, sun and insects shape the day’s pace.
Overseas Highway transfers
Allow time for congestion and rest stops; the longer route returns to Miami a day before the flight home.
Heat and storms
Use water breaks and earlier outdoor starts. Lightning, wind and tropical storms can change boat trips and the route.
Controls built into every trip
Written risk plan. A score above 5 requires new controls, reassessment or cancellation.
Two-Deep Leadership. A single staff member is never alone with students, and at least two trained Program Leaders, including both a male and a female leader, support each School Group Travel trip.
Assessed activity vendors. Every named vendor is reviewed before use, every one to two years, and on site when high risk.
Medical readiness. Dr. William R. Smith oversees medical protocols and emergency response planning.
Is Rustic Pathways the right partner for your school trip to Everglades–Florida Keys?
Yes, Rustic Pathways is the right partner for private, curriculum-focused school trips to the Everglades and Florida Keys. Your school chooses the travel dates, and Rustic Pathways builds the itinerary around your curriculum.
Students travel only with their teachers and classmates and never join another school's group. Individual students can join open-enrollment teen travel programs in the United States instead.
A strong fit
- You have 10+ students and seven or nine days.
- You want marine fieldwork, or ecology combined with Keys history.
- Your group can manage the route’s transfers and activity demands.
Talk with us first
- Discuss mobility, medical, sensory, mental-health, dietary or religious support needs early.
- Confirm swimming, boat access and paddling suitability before selecting marine activities.
- Smaller groups, split DRC visits or specific ranger programs need additional planning.
Probably not a fit
- You want individual enrollment or a group combined with another school.
- You need a fixed-date catalog departure.
Questions about school trips to Everglades–Florida Keys
What should our school budget for an Everglades–Florida Keys trip?
Budget $2,815 per student for a seven-day Everglades–Florida Keys school trip or $4,185 per student for the nine-day route through Key West. Airfare, travel insurance and medical insurance require separate budgeting.
When is the best time for a school trip to the Everglades and Florida Keys?
The best time for a school trip to the Everglades and Florida Keys is December through April, during the Everglades dry season. Humidity and mosquito activity are generally lower, although wind and sea conditions can affect boat activities. May through October brings more heat, rain and mosquitoes.
Have a question before you ask for a proposal?
Patrick Ziemnik answers Everglades–Florida Keys school-trip questions with the school travel team.
Send your group size, dates, trip length, and what you want students to learn. I’ll reply within 1 business day and send you options within 48 hours, and no sales call unless you ask for one.
Start with your travel window
Start your Everglades–Florida Keys trip proposal with your travel dates, group size, and learning goals. Receive a reply within 1 business day and customized trip options within 48 hours.
Or reach a person directly: +1 440-975-9691 or groups@rusticpathways.com
Need approval or funding first?
Certificate of insurance, risk management plans, and fundraising templates for families, on request.
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United StatesBrowse all school trip destinations- Rustic Pathways has operated student travel since 1983. Recent industry recognition:
- 2026 GoAbroad Innovation AwardsInnovation in Adventure-Based Programming · Global Adventure Learning Model
- 2025 International Travel AwardsBest Group Tour Operator
- 2024 Skift IDEA AwardsIndustry Innovators – Tour Operators
- 4x WYSETC Best Youth Tour Operator2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
- BBB A+ RatingBetter Business Bureau profile
- NESA Affiliate OrganizationNear East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
- 2025 World Travel AwardsUnited States’ Leading Tour Operator