Parks Across America Tour:
South Florida Parks
South Florida Parks
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Join ICR scientists and friends of ICR for 6 days of adventure exploring and learning about the intricacies and exquisite engineering of God's handiwork seen in the ecology of the beautiful parks of South Florida. Our adventures start in Miami, Florida and will lead us to Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Reserve, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, along with the Florida Keys and other notable points of interest along the way.
- Experience the exhilaration of zipping through the shallow waters of the Everglades in a high-speed air boat
- Ride in a Swamp Buggy through the Big Cypress National Preserve and see panthers, deer, black bear, alligators, and other wildlife
- See the beautiful and star-filled night sky in the desolate and light pollution free Everglades area
- View the amazing sea life of the clear waters of the South Florida coast in a glass bottom boat
- Take a peaceful kayak ride through mangroves in the Florida Keys
- Have the chance to hold a baby alligator! (Okay, maybe not!)
- See the Southernmost Point in the Contiguous United States
- Explore Historic Fort Zachary Taylor and President Harry S. Truman's Little White House in Key West.
You will be guided in this adventure by ICR's scientists and experts, and we have built this tour to be inclusive, so all you have to worry about is getting yourself to Miami, Florida and we will take care of all the rest - including all ground transportation from the time you land in Miami until you fly home from Miami after the tour, all lodging accommodations, breakfasts, and a steak dinner* on the first night of our tour, and the costs of all official tour itinerary field trips and outings.
This tour is designed for active adults and children that are 12 and older who are able to stand and walk for moderate distances over uneven terrain.
*Not included:
- Breakfast is included with each hotel stay, and a steak dinner will be included for the opening night of our tour, but participants are responsible for the costs of lunch and dinner meals each day.
- Tour participants are also responsible for incidentals such as snacks and bottled water purchased at the hotels, along with souvenirs and other items and activities not included in the official tour itinerary.
**Some optional activities like snorkeling the reefs in the Florida Keys will involve having the ability to swim. The majority of the tour activities are land-based or on a larger boat, and being able to swim is not required for those activities
- Experience the exhilaration of zipping through the shallow waters of the Everglades in a high-speed air boat
- Ride in a Swamp Buggy through the Big Cypress National Preserve and see panthers, deer, black bear, alligators, and other wildlife
- See the beautiful and star-filled night sky in the desolate and light pollution free Everglades area
- View the amazing sea life of the clear waters of the South Florida coast in a glass bottom boat
- Take a peaceful kayak ride through mangroves in the Florida Keys
- Have the chance to hold a baby alligator! (Okay, maybe not!)
- See the Southernmost Point in the Contiguous United States
- Explore Historic Fort Zachary Taylor and President Harry S. Truman's Little White House in Key West.
You will be guided in this adventure by ICR's scientists and experts, and we have built this tour to be inclusive, so all you have to worry about is getting yourself to Miami, Florida and we will take care of all the rest - including all ground transportation from the time you land in Miami until you fly home from Miami after the tour, all lodging accommodations, breakfasts, and a steak dinner* on the first night of our tour, and the costs of all official tour itinerary field trips and outings.
This tour is designed for active adults and children that are 12 and older who are able to stand and walk for moderate distances over uneven terrain.
*Not included:
- Breakfast is included with each hotel stay, and a steak dinner will be included for the opening night of our tour, but participants are responsible for the costs of lunch and dinner meals each day.
- Tour participants are also responsible for incidentals such as snacks and bottled water purchased at the hotels, along with souvenirs and other items and activities not included in the official tour itinerary.
**Some optional activities like snorkeling the reefs in the Florida Keys will involve having the ability to swim. The majority of the tour activities are land-based or on a larger boat, and being able to swim is not required for those activities
Location
Miami, Florida (starting and ending point of the tour)
Date & Time
October 1 - 6, 2025
Schedule
Wednesday, October 1st
Arrival in Miami and travel to Everglades City
As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from the Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) on Wednesday afternoon, October 1st through the duration of our tour and return to Miami Intl. Airport on Monday afternoon, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to Miami, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
Thursday, October 2nd
Big Cypress National Preserve and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge excursions
Friday, October 3rd
Everglades National Park and travel to Key Largo
Saturday, October 4th
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Marathon Key
Sunday, October 5th
Worship service and free time to explore Key West
Monday, October 6th
Travel back to Miami and say our goodbyes!
Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION
What is included in registration?
Included in Registration:
• All registration and entrance fees to each park, wildlife preserve, museum, or other attraction our group visits. Having admission fees built into the cost of this tour allows us to take advantage of discounts available for larger groups.
• Ground transportation. As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from the Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) on Wednesday afternoon, October 1st through the duration of our tour and return to Miami Intl. Airport on Monday afternoon, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to Miami, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
• Lodging each night of the tour. We will be staying in 3-star hotels at three locations in the Everglades City area (2 nights), Key Largo (1 night) and Key Marathon (2 nights). Registration pricing includes lodging from Wednesday night, October 1st through Monday morning, October 6th.
• A steak dinner on our first night (before we leave Miami for Everglades City), along with breakfast at the hotel each morning is included. Complementary bottled water and snacks will also be available throughout the trip during the daily excursions and activities.
Not Included in Registration:
• Transportation to and from Miami. There are multiple flight options into Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) from across the U.S., but we recommend booking flights that will arrive in Miami by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern) so as to be in place for the official start of our tour at 5:00 p.m. If you are able to book an earlier flight, you are welcome to take part in the optional (included in registration price) excursion to Biscayne National Park from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
• Other incidentals or added amenities related to lodging including food and beverage purchased from the hotel lobby gift shop, restaurant or coffee shop.
• Admission to, or fees for any other attractions, or excursions in Key West, or other areas that are not listed on the official itinerary for this tour.
• Souvenir or gift shop purchases.
• All registration and entrance fees to each park, wildlife preserve, museum, or other attraction our group visits. Having admission fees built into the cost of this tour allows us to take advantage of discounts available for larger groups.
• Ground transportation. As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from the Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) on Wednesday afternoon, October 1st through the duration of our tour and return to Miami Intl. Airport on Monday afternoon, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to Miami, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
• Lodging each night of the tour. We will be staying in 3-star hotels at three locations in the Everglades City area (2 nights), Key Largo (1 night) and Key Marathon (2 nights). Registration pricing includes lodging from Wednesday night, October 1st through Monday morning, October 6th.
• A steak dinner on our first night (before we leave Miami for Everglades City), along with breakfast at the hotel each morning is included. Complementary bottled water and snacks will also be available throughout the trip during the daily excursions and activities.
Not Included in Registration:
• Transportation to and from Miami. There are multiple flight options into Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) from across the U.S., but we recommend booking flights that will arrive in Miami by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern) so as to be in place for the official start of our tour at 5:00 p.m. If you are able to book an earlier flight, you are welcome to take part in the optional (included in registration price) excursion to Biscayne National Park from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
• Other incidentals or added amenities related to lodging including food and beverage purchased from the hotel lobby gift shop, restaurant or coffee shop.
• Admission to, or fees for any other attractions, or excursions in Key West, or other areas that are not listed on the official itinerary for this tour.
• Souvenir or gift shop purchases.
Are there any discounts available for registration?
We have done our best to make this adventure as affordable as possible considering the location and duration of the tour, while also maximizing the educational benefits and maintaining the quality of the experience, and covering the expenses of ICR's staff involved. To that end, the price for each room is set up with the actual expected costs involved for each occupant / participant. By having rooms available that can accommodate up to 4 people, we are able to pass along some savings for those who will be joined by other family or friends who are able to share lodging accommodations.
However, we do understand that this adventure is costly, so we are making available a 15% discount off the regular registration price for families of 4 or more people (can be immediate family or an extended family group). In order to receive the coupon code for the 15% discount, please email [email protected] with the number of people in your group and their names and ages. Please note that this discount will be available only through August 31st, 2025.
Are there any other discounts available?
Yes! If you would like to pay for your tour registration by personal check, you can receive a discount of $100 off the registration price for each registrant you pay for by check. Paying by check helps us reduce costs from credit card processing fees. If you wish to pay for your registration by check, please email [email protected] for instructions on where to mail the check, and for setting up your registration.
However, we do understand that this adventure is costly, so we are making available a 15% discount off the regular registration price for families of 4 or more people (can be immediate family or an extended family group). In order to receive the coupon code for the 15% discount, please email [email protected] with the number of people in your group and their names and ages. Please note that this discount will be available only through August 31st, 2025.
Are there any other discounts available?
Yes! If you would like to pay for your tour registration by personal check, you can receive a discount of $100 off the registration price for each registrant you pay for by check. Paying by check helps us reduce costs from credit card processing fees. If you wish to pay for your registration by check, please email [email protected] for instructions on where to mail the check, and for setting up your registration.
What is the refund policy for registration cancelation?
We trust that you will be able to participate in this fun and educational tour, and make some new friends along the way as you learn more about the evidences for creation and the global flood! But, we do know that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise, and a registrant may have to back out from participating in the tour.
That said, ICR will allow for cancellations of a registration requested by registrants who contact us as soon as they are aware of the need to do so, but due to the nature of financial commitment that ICR has involved in setting up this tour, a full refund for a registration cancellation will be available only through August 31st, 2025.
Cancellation requests made AFTER August 31st* will receive a partial refund amounting to the amount of their registration payment - $1,700 per registrant.
*In the event of extended severe weather (i.e. hurricane or tropical storm) that leads to a cancellation of the tour, each participant will receive a full refund of their registration payment.
That said, ICR will allow for cancellations of a registration requested by registrants who contact us as soon as they are aware of the need to do so, but due to the nature of financial commitment that ICR has involved in setting up this tour, a full refund for a registration cancellation will be available only through August 31st, 2025.
Cancellation requests made AFTER August 31st* will receive a partial refund amounting to the amount of their registration payment - $1,700 per registrant.
*In the event of extended severe weather (i.e. hurricane or tropical storm) that leads to a cancellation of the tour, each participant will receive a full refund of their registration payment.
LOGISTICS and Travel Planning
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying in 3-star hotels at three locations in or near the Everglades City area (Wednesday and Thursday nights), Key Largo (Friday night) and Key Marathon (Saturday and Sunday nights).
What is the nearest airport?
The nearest public airport is Miami International Airport. This airport has regular daily flights via American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, and Allegiant.
ICR will be providing transportation for the tour via a chartered bus, starting and ending at Miami International Airport. If you choose to fly into another airport in the region, you will be responsible for transportation to the tour meeting point.
ICR will be providing transportation for the tour via a chartered bus, starting and ending at Miami International Airport. If you choose to fly into another airport in the region, you will be responsible for transportation to the tour meeting point.
What time should I plan my flight arrival and departure times for at Miami Intl. Airport?
If you would like to participate in the short excursion to Biscayne National Park on Wednesday afternoon, please plan to arrive in Miami by 11:00 a.m. in order to meet up with the group at 12:00 p.m. for the drive over to Biscayne National Park.
If you’re not able to make it to Miami before 11:00 a.m. to leave the airport for the optional excursion to Biscayne, just plan to arrive in Miami by 4:00 p.m. so you can meet up with the tour group, and join everyone for our steak dinner to kick off the tour – that will take place at 5:00 p.m.
For the return trip, we should be back to the Miami Intl. Airport by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6th for anyone who has flights home that evening.
If you’re not able to make it to Miami before 11:00 a.m. to leave the airport for the optional excursion to Biscayne, just plan to arrive in Miami by 4:00 p.m. so you can meet up with the tour group, and join everyone for our steak dinner to kick off the tour – that will take place at 5:00 p.m.
For the return trip, we should be back to the Miami Intl. Airport by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6th for anyone who has flights home that evening.
Will ICR be providing transportation?
As part of this tour, we have chartered a bus for the tour group, which will provide transportation from the Miami Intl. Airport (MIA) on Wednesday afternoon, October 1st through the duration of our tour and return to Miami Intl. Airport on Monday afternoon, October 6th. Each tour participant is responsible for getting to Miami, from there you won’t have to worry any further about ground transportation!
Can I drive my own car and save on registration costs?
While the cost of chartering a bus for our group does add to the overall costs of registration for this tour, we have made the decision to not allow tour participants to drive their own vehicles. Part of the value of having a tour bus is that it allows our group to have additional time learning from the ICR scientists and experts along the way between stops, as well as fostering friendships with other tour participants, and it helps streamline the tour so that no one gets lost or left behind due to driving in a caravan of cars.
Can I book my own hotel rooms and get a discount on the tour registration costs?
We have carefully selected hotels that have good ratings, standard amenities, and locations that will be central to each day’s tour itinerary. We have done due diligence to select hotels that have rates that are modest and reasonable, and because we are able to book a larger block of rooms, we have also been able to get some significant discounts off of the costs that would be available to an individual booking a room on their own. Our tour is intended to be virtually all-inclusive, with the exception of airfare and lunch and dinner meal costs. Everything else has been included in the tour price, taking advantage of hotel block discounts and tour group admission discounts.
That said, and considering one of our primary goals for the tour is to help foster friendships and fellowship amongst the group, and to help streamline the logistics of an activity heavy itinerary we will not be allowing any tour participants to book their own lodging accommodations.
That said, and considering one of our primary goals for the tour is to help foster friendships and fellowship amongst the group, and to help streamline the logistics of an activity heavy itinerary we will not be allowing any tour participants to book their own lodging accommodations.
What Should I pack for the Trip?
Great question! Here are some items we suggest you pack to make your experience the best it can be:
Essentials:
Backpack – Comfortable and lightweight for carrying essentials
Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat
Snacks – High-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix or granola bars
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Protect against intense sun exposure
Bug Repellent – Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are common in wetlands
Hat & Sunglasses – For sun protection
Rain Poncho or Lightweight Jacket – Afternoon rain showers are common
Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications
Binoculars – For birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Protect electronics from water exposure
Notebook & Pen/Pencil – Take notes on observations and lessons
Camera – Capture the beauty of the parks
Bible – For personal study and reflection
Journal – To record thoughts and experiences
Clothing
Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Lightweight and long-sleeved options recommended
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts – Protects against bugs while keeping cool
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes or Hiking Sandals – Suitable for walking on trails and boardwalks
Water shoes for hiking in the wetlands, or for boat rides
Extra Socks – Helps in case of wet conditions
Swimsuit & Towel – If participating in snorkeling, kayaking, or other water activities
For the evenings, business comfortable (nicer jeans or chinos, and a polo shirt or blouse) would be quite acceptable for presentation time.
Specialized Gear (If applicable)
Snorkel Gear – If you intend to go an a snorkeling outing in Key West
Field Guide to Florida Wildlife & Plants – Optional, but helpful for identifying species
Field Guide to Birds of Florida - Optional, but helpful for identifying these ubiquitous creatures
Optional Items
Guidebook or Map – For navigation and additional learning
Headlamp or Flashlight – If exploring in the early morning or evening
Souvenir money - plan to bring along some spending money for souvenirs in the park gift shops, museums, and for any items you find in the markets of Key West.
Backpack – Comfortable and lightweight for carrying essentials
Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat
Snacks – High-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix or granola bars
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Protect against intense sun exposure
Bug Repellent – Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are common in wetlands
Hat & Sunglasses – For sun protection
Rain Poncho or Lightweight Jacket – Afternoon rain showers are common
Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications
Binoculars – For birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Protect electronics from water exposure
Notebook & Pen/Pencil – Take notes on observations and lessons
Camera – Capture the beauty of the parks
Bible – For personal study and reflection
Journal – To record thoughts and experiences
Clothing
Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Lightweight and long-sleeved options recommended
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts – Protects against bugs while keeping cool
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes or Hiking Sandals – Suitable for walking on trails and boardwalks
Water shoes for hiking in the wetlands, or for boat rides
Extra Socks – Helps in case of wet conditions
Swimsuit & Towel – If participating in snorkeling, kayaking, or other water activities
For the evenings, business comfortable (nicer jeans or chinos, and a polo shirt or blouse) would be quite acceptable for presentation time.
Specialized Gear (If applicable)
Snorkel Gear – If you intend to go an a snorkeling outing in Key West
Field Guide to Florida Wildlife & Plants – Optional, but helpful for identifying species
Field Guide to Birds of Florida - Optional, but helpful for identifying these ubiquitous creatures
Optional Items
Guidebook or Map – For navigation and additional learning
Headlamp or Flashlight – If exploring in the early morning or evening
Souvenir money - plan to bring along some spending money for souvenirs in the park gift shops, museums, and for any items you find in the markets of Key West.