Full time back water & nearshore guide

Exploration Adventures. Chokoloskee FL and Everglades City Florida. Great Photography Opportunities. Not Just a Standard Boat Tour!

alligator photography

I customize and structure my exploration adventures  to make the day suitable for anyone with an interest in exploration regardless of age, skill level, or equipment used. My trips are designed exclusively for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Instead of rushing from one place to another, you will be allowed to spend as much time at each location as you wish. We have over 300 species of birds in the Everglades National Park. It is the only Park in the National Park system that was established for biological and ecological considerations rather than it’s geological features. Along with many birds that inhabit the park both full time and part time, many times we see manatee, bottlenose porpoises (Dolphin), alligator, sea turtle, and more. I will take you and your equipment to areas seldom reached by photographers in my clean and comfortable 22’ shallow draft flats boat where you will be inspired to explore with your camera.

All trips are customized based on your needs, lighting conditions, tides, and weather patterns so please email or call me to make arrangements and discuss your desires. My exploration adventures are private / individualized charters. You will not be grouped with strangers. This trip is just for you and whoever you want to join in. The boat comfortably holds up to 3 passengers plus myself.

 Giant While Pelicans
Roseate Spoonbills Safety is number one while on my vessel. I am a US Coast Guard licensed Master Captain, which certifies me to captain a vessel up to 50 gross tons. Overkill for my One Ton Flats Boat? Absolutely! But knowledge is key to safety! I also keep current certifications for both CPR and first aid. My Vessel meets and exceeds safety and life saving equipment requirements regulated by the US Coast Guard. In addition to VHF radio, I also keep a satellite operated telephone on board for emergency use. I cannot stress enough how important your safety is to me.

Manatee

How to Reserve Your Trip:

Don't wait till the last minute - Be sure to call me as far as possible in advance to reserve the dates you would like to go. It is not uncommon for me to have bookings several weeks or months ahead. Please send me an email or call so we can discuss available dates. If your schedule allows, I like to look at the tide charts, weather patterns, and several other factors to give you the best scenario to fulfill your dream. turtle

I will provide:

Coolers and ice for your drinks, and food
All necessary permits, licenses, insurance, fuel.
Rates *
$350 - 1/2 Day up to 4 hours
$450 - 3/4 Day up to 6 hours
Best Value! $500 - Full Day up to 8 hours

*Rates include up to 3 people.

Tips: Although not mandatory, a tip is certainly an honor
if you feel it was earned.

Items you should bring :

Hat, sun protective clothing, & sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Sun Screen
Food & Drinks
Camera!
Rain gear
White sole shoes or sandals (no black, dark, or marking soles please)

* Please keep your items to a minimum as stowage space is very limited

* Please no smoking, no drugs, and no excessive drinking while on the boat.

dolphin

Deposits, Cancellations & Payment

A one-hundred dollar ($100) deposit is required to book your charter. If Capt. Rapps cancels prior to the trip, the customer will receive a full refund.
If the customer cancels the trip with at least a 48 hour notice, they will receive a full refund. A customer who is a 'no show', or does not give at least 48 hours notice, will however, forfeit their deposit.

 

Accepted forms of payment are:

Cash, Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, & American Express

 

 

Photography on this page provided by Kurt Larson Photography NaplesPhotoWalk.com

 

 

 

 

Captain Rapps' Association Affiliations

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Captain Rapps is considered to be the friendliest and most knowledgeable charter captain and backwater fishing guide in the Everglades city, FL and Chokoloskee Island, Florida areas of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades National Park.