"Most people see the Everglades from the highway. We get them into the actual ecosystem — under their own power, the way it was meant to be experienced."
About Don "Woodkayaker" McCumber
Don is a certified Florida Master Naturalist with over 30 years of kayaking experience in Southwest Florida. A true jack-of-all-trades, he guides every different tour that Everglades Area Tours offers — from the 2-hour Birding, Dolphin & Wildlife tour to multi-night kayak camping expeditions deep in the 10,000 Islands.
He was also Captain of Diana Nyad's kayak team during her epic 110-mile swim from Cuba to Key West, as depicted in the Hollywood film "Nyad," starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Some of his GoPro clips were even featured in the movie as historical footage. Ask him about his experiences with Diana and the "Xtreme Dream Team" while you enjoy one of his tours.
What he leads
Don is the lead guide on our Boat-Assisted Kayak Eco Tour — the combo tour where the skiff transports you to the launch point and you paddle the actual mangrove tunnel system. He also leads custom paddle expeditions for groups wanting deeper time in the wilderness.
What guests say about Don
The phrase that comes up most: "I had no idea I could do this." Don has a way of pacing the day so even hesitant beginners come off the water feeling like they've earned something — and seen something most visitors never will.
Credentials
- Master paddler — decades of Everglades fieldwork
- Florida Master Naturalist
- Naturalist interpretive guide
- Wilderness first aid certified
- Long-time Chokoloskee paddling community member