Everglades Florida Adventures is known for unforgettable experiences deep in the heart of Everglades National Park. We spoke with Phil Williams, General Manager, who shared insights into what makes this property so special and gave us a glimpse into exciting new developments on the horizon.

An Iconic View from the 10,000 Islands Tower

A must-see landmark, the 10,000 Islands Observation Tower, built in 1984 by Thomas Mitchell, rises 75 feet above the Everglades landscape. “It takes exactly 120 steps to reach the top,” says Phil. “And when you get there, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the 10,000 Islands and Chokoloskee Bay.”

Adventures on Land and Water

Everglades Florida Adventures provides an array of experiences to help guests immerse themselves in this unique ecosystem:

• 10,000 Islands Catamaran Tour: “This three-hour tour aboard our 45-foot catamaran departs twice daily, guiding visitors through the serene Faka Union Canal into pristine wilderness,” Phil explains. Guests can expect close encounters with dolphins, manatees, alligators, and countless bird species.
• Mangrove Wilderness Tour: Guests navigate deep into the iconic mangrove tunnels on this 1-hour and 45-minute guided exploration. “Our expert guides reveal the hidden beauty and complexity of these remarkable ecosystems,” Phil says. “It’s an unforgettable way to experience the Everglades.”
• Kayak and Canoe Rentals: For visitors looking for a more personal adventure, rentals are available by the hour or day. “Whether you’re exploring winding mangrove pathways or embarking on a multi-day expedition, we offer easy access to unforgettable paddling routes,” he adds. Guests can also reach any of Everglades National Park’s 46 backcountry campsites directly from their rental location.

Enhanced Retail Space, Better Guest Experience

Recent renovations have significantly improved the retail space following challenges from hurricanes. “After Hurricane Ian, we rebuilt thoughtfully,” says Phil. “We flood-cut our retail area at four feet, replaced drywall with waterproof concrete board and tile, elevated electrical wiring, and installed epoxy flooring. These upgrades make cleanup after storms much easier, and our new store layout provides guests with a better shopping experience overall.”

Looking Toward an Exciting Future

Phil is enthusiastic about upcoming developments at Everglades Florida Adventures. “We’re eagerly awaiting the opening of the new National Park Visitor Center right across the street, which will significantly boost our area’s foot traffic,” he shares. “We’re also exploring possibilities like adding campground and RV sites on our property. There’s a lot to look forward to!”

We appreciate Phil and the Everglades Florida Adventures team for their dedication to creating exceptional visitor experiences and preserving the natural beauty of the Everglades.

Welcome to the next chapter in Guest Services, Inc.’s journey of innovation and growth! With Nico Foris, CEO, spearheading the introduction of Adventures Unbound in a recent company-wide webcast, we’re on the brink of revolutionizing our brand experience. This initiative isn’t just a new name; it’s a new era of opportunity, both for our guests and for you, our valued team members. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!

Guest Services, Inc. CEO Introduces Adventures Unbound

In a recent company-wide webcast, Foris officially announced and discussed how Adventures Unbound would revolutionize Guest Services, Inc. In case you missed it, the full video is available on the intranet.

Did You Get The Adventures Unbound Handout?

As an active Guest Services, Inc. team member, you should have received a factsheet that discusses some of the intricacies of Adventures Unbound. The handout serves as an informative guide, outlining the essence of Adventures Unbound, a brand dedicated to enhancing guest experiences, but also offering fresh opportunities for team members. It emphasizes the brand’s mission to connect guests with nature and highlights the core values central to Adventures Unbound’s philosophy, including superior quality, customer service, and integrity.

The factsheet also details the numerous benefits and professional growth opportunities available to team members through internal engagement activities, cross-promotions, and innovative service programs. This internal communication is a vital part of the Adventures Unbound strategy, aiming to build a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team capable of delivering exceptional guest experiences under the Adventures Unbound banner. You can download the handout here if you never received one.

Adventures Unbound Brand Activation Training

Have more questions? Discover how Adventures Unbound will enhance your role – visit The Core on our intranet for an essential training module that brings this exciting initiative to life for all team members.

2024 Travel  & Adventure Show

The Adventures Unbound team participated in the 2024 Travel & Adventure Show series, a premier event in the U.S. for travel enthusiasts and industry professionals, which helped play a crucial role in the new brand’s launch. These shows, which attract thousands of attendees interested in exploring vacation options and learning about new travel trends, served as an ideal platform for introducing Adventures Unbound to a wide audience. The team showcased booths in multiple strategic locations:

• Chicago
• Denver
• New York
• Los Angeles
• Phoenix
• Washington D.C.
• Atlanta
• San Francisco
• Dallas

Establishing a presence in various U.S. cities allowed for direct engagement with potential customers, helping to establish the brand’s identity in the competitive travel market. It was an effective approach to building brand awareness and aligning with Adventures Unbound’s mission to offer unique outdoor experiences

What Should Team Members Expect Next?

If you’re currently operating at one of the properties under the Adventures Unbound umbrella, you can expect new onsite signage to promote the initiative, updated uniforms and swag items, and questions from guests about the new initiative. We want you to be as well-equipped and comfortable as possible, so please be sure to participate in the training, read the team member handouts, and let your managers know if you have any questions.

In October 2023, the National Park Service and Guest Services, Inc. celebrated the opening of the Flamingo Lodge and Guy Bradley Visitor Center, a landmark event attended by key figures and covered extensively by media outlets. This new development, featuring the environmentally innovative Flamingo Lodge and the historically significant Guy Bradley Visitor Center, offers visitors unique experiences through its modern amenities and breathtaking views. 

Now, we are excited to highlight the grand opening of the Flamingo Restaurant that took place on December 29th, 2023.

The restaurant was created with the same innovative environmentally friendly construction as the Lodge and is located on the same block with identical awe-inspiring views. Guests can now indulge in an exquisite, modern culinary journey as part of their unforgettable Everglades National Park experience. Fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and an immersive historic ambiance make this a truly unforgettable dining experience, and only a few feet from the Lodge rooms.

“The menu is reflective of all the different places I’ve been, what I’ve learned as a professional, and what I’ve come to understand guests enjoy,” says Margaret McCarthy, Food & Beverage Manager and Chef at Everglades Flamingo Adventures.

“We’ve been open now for a little over a month, and things are going very well. We are looking forward to developing the restaurant into a gathering place by featuring a big-screen TV, board games, and other fun things to engage guests. Hopefully, it will start to serve as a comfortable lobby because there is no real lobby for the rest of the Lodge,” says Margaret.

The menu features a wide variety of awesome locally sourced dishes that use fresh ingredients and according to one guest, ‘the best Cubana in Florida.’ The team makes their salsas and sauces from scratch, smokes their pork onsite, and offers an experience unlike any other restaurant in the park system. Thank you to the entire team and everyone that makes this destination exceptional!