A Day Aboard the 17ft Mako: Skiffing the Everglades from Flamingo Lodge

HOMESTEAD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A Day Aboard the 17ft Mako: Skiffing the Everglades from Flamingo Lodge

A full-day rental of a Mako Pro Skiff with a 60HP Yamaha outboard—ideal for up to three adults—departing from Flamingo Lodge in Homestead.

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A Day Aboard the 17ft Mako: Skiffing the Everglades from Flamingo Lodge.

Duration
8 Hours
Location
Homestead
Operator
Flamingo Adventures - Everglades National Park
Category
Boat Tour

Adventure brief

A Day Aboard the 17ft Mako: Skiffing the Everglades from Flamingo Lodge

The 17ft Mako Pro Skiff is a compact, purpose-built day boat powered by a 60HP Yamaha outboard. With capacity for up to three adults, a 12‑gallon fuel tank and five rod holders, the full-day rental gives you the freedom to explore the nearby waters out of Flamingo Lodge at your own pace.

Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure aboard a 17ft Mako Skiff with Flamingo Adventures in Homestead, Florida. This guided boat tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the Everglades' unique waterways, where wildlife sightings and scenic vistas abound. Feel the thrill of skimming across the glades' shallow waters as expert guides share fascinating insights into the area's ecosystem and history. Whether you're angling for a memorable fishing experience or simply soaking up the sun on the open water, this trip promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Throughout the day, you'll encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including playful bottlenose dolphins and graceful wading birds, making every moment special. The personalized nature of the private tour allows for flexibility, so you can tailor your journey to include fishing, photography, or quiet wildlife observation. With the lightweight skiff, you'll access narrow channels and hidden spots, offering a true wilderness experience away from crowded tourist spots. No matter your skill level, this tour is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an active, immersive way to enjoy Florida's natural beauty. Prepare for a day filled with discovery, scenic views, and the chance to create lasting memories in one of the most captivating landscapes in the USA.

Route Schematic

Route schematic

A typical day follows a simple loop: launch, explore nearby waters, and return by the scheduled time.

  1. Flamingo Lodge marina / rental booth

    Meet at the operator’s booth at Flamingo Lodge to begin the full‑day rental.

  2. Local waters out of Homestead

    Spend the day navigating nearby waters—self-directed exploration aboard the Mako while using onboard features such as rod holders.

  3. Return to Flamingo Lodge

    Conclude the rental by returning the skiff to the marina at the scheduled end of the day.

Vessel capacity and scheduling are limited: the skiff is intended for up to three adults and is arranged as a full‑day rental with set return timing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

Built for daylight exploration

The Mako Pro Skiff pairs a 60HP Yamaha outboard with a compact hull designed for easy handling. Its 12‑gallon fuel tank and five rod holders make it suitable for a day of cruising or fishing for up to three adults.

THE LAUNCH

Start and finish at Flamingo Lodge

Rentals begin at the operator’s booth at Flamingo Lodge; the arrangement keeps the outing simple—an early start and a predictable return time make the day straightforward to plan.

THE PRACTICALS

A focused, self-directed day on the water

This full‑day skiff rental is a compact, self-directed option: you manage the route and use the boat’s fittings—like the rod holders—while respecting the vessel’s passenger limit and the rental’s timing.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

From a brisk morning launch at the booth to an afternoon return, the full‑day Mako rental is a concise, hands‑on boating experience. The skiff’s 60HP Yamaha outboard provides the propulsion to move comfortably between sheltered channels and open water while the boat’s three‑person capacity keeps the outing intimate and practical for a day of exploration.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small groups or couplesThe skiff’s three‑adult capacity makes it well suited to pairs or small groups who want a compact, flexible day on the water.
2
Independent boatersExperienced day boaters who prefer to plot their own course will appreciate the self-directed nature of a full‑day skiff rental.
3
AnglersWith five rod holders aboard, the boat provides basic fittings for a day of fishing for up to three adults.
4
Larger groups or those needing more spaceNot ideal—the skiff is sized for up to three adults and is therefore unsuitable for larger parties or groups requiring more onboard space.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & logistics

Full‑day rentals operate on an 8‑hour schedule; the activity booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and full‑day rentals are due back by 4:00 p.m.

Capacity & boat specs

The Mako Pro Skiff seats up to three adults, is powered by a 60HP Yamaha outboard and carries a 12‑gallon fuel tank.

Onboard fittings

The skiff includes five rod holders—bring your own fishing gear if you plan to fish from the boat.

Contact

For questions about the rental or logistics, contact the marina directly at (239) 695-1095.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the rental?

Full‑day rentals are 8 hours in duration.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, FL at the operator’s activity booth.

How many people can ride in the skiff?

The Mako Pro Skiff is intended for up to three adults.

What are the boat’s specifications?

The boat is a Mako Pro Skiff equipped with a 60HP Yamaha outboard, a 12‑gallon fuel tank and five rod holders.

How do I get answers to additional questions?

Contact the marina directly at (239) 695-1095 for further details.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-08-10T12:44:29.027Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

A Day Aboard the 17ft Mako: Skiffing the Everglades from Flamingo Lodge