In the 1920’s, one ambitious man looked at the uncontrolled sprawl of the emerging city of Miami and saw the potential to build a perfectly designed city. He imagined lush green plazas, winding, tree-lined boulevards, esplanades and huge fountains. His dream city would be filled with buildings and homes that would invoke the grandeur of Rome, the subtle beauty of the Côte d’Azur and the richness of ascendant Spain. The artists that created this city colored their dreams with a palette of terra cotta, ocher and sienna to deflect and neutralize the brilliance of the Florida sun. That dream has become the City of Coral Gables. Today, Coral Gables is teeming with history and culture and is protected against the intrusions of over-modernization.

Our gallery tour selects the most promising and exciting exhibits from a rotating rostrum of the Coral Gables Gallery Association’s calendar year. These galleries feature works from both local and international artists. At our first gallery stop, we will enjoy mimosas while contemplating and admiring the art on display. The host of each gallery will be on hand to introduce the featured works and answer questions. The second gallery will change the pace, alter the tempo and move us to new discoveries.

Our final stop will round out the tour with yet another look at the evolving art scene of Florida’s “City Beautiful,” Coral Gables. Exploring with us promises to enlighten and relax your guests in a way that will stay with them for the entirety of the day.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:40. 1 personal tour guide and 1 advancing staff.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Galleries are selected on the basis of most compelling exhibit at the time of the year the guests are visiting.
• 3 private presentations by gallery owners, staffor artists.
• Mimosas for each participant.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Revolving exhibitions selected by the Coral Gables Gallery Association.

Join us for an amazing tour through one of America’s most beautiful historic cities: Coral Gables, George Merrick's vision realized. Learn the history of his dream as we tour the tree-lined avenues and stunning Mediterranean-influenced architecture that would eventually become his legacy.

Explore the historic halls of one of South Florida’s most architecturally important landmarks: the Biltmore Hotel. Learn about the building’s many colorful stories and how she was resurrected into the legendary beauty she is today. Allow us to filter through the truths, untruths, ghosts and glamour that capture the essence of South Florida style and history in this truly amazing landmark.

Sit back and let our guides bring to life Merrick’s vision while they uncover the city’s hidden wonders. What you’ll discover along our less-traveled path will enrich and engage you and leave you with something most visitors and even locals never experience … a true sense of place.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• Dragonfly Expeditions is the only tour company with exclusive access to the interior of the historic Biltmore Hotel.
• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to a local non-profit organization to support their preservation efforts.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25. There are always 2 staff members on the vehicle –one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Participants get off the bus several times for a guided walk through landmarks including a selection of the following: “Behind the Scenes” Historic Biltmore Hotel Tour, Gregory Plantation and Merrick House, Poinciana Honeymoon Cottage, Denman Fink’s City Hall Mural, Venetian Pool, DeSoto Fountain, and the International Themed Villages (Normandy, French, Chinese, Dutch South African).

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to a local non-profit organization to support their preservation efforts.
• Dragonfly Expeditions is the only tour company with exclusive access to the interior of the historic Biltmore Hotel.

Curious about the enchanting neighborhood surrounding the beautiful Biltmore Hotel? You are invited to join us on an old-fashioned walk through the historic streets of Coral Gables.

Strolling past distinctive homes, churches, plazas and parks, you will get a sense of the joy of living in the “City Beautiful. ”You will peer into the windows of the oldest house in Coral Gables and learn why it is built around a shack. You will see the honeymoon cottage of the city's founder and find out why it was built with no kitchen. And, thanks to your guide, you'll learn about some of the little-known, yet fascinating, aspects of life in the Gables only a local would know.

Your promenade through the shady streets of the Gables will include numerous photo opportunities and a refreshment break at a spot known to the locals as “Burger Bob's.” Ending your walk back at The Biltmore, the richness of the experience will have made our neighborhood your neighborhood, too.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Refreshments at celebrated eatery Burger Bob’s.
• A portion of this tour’s profits goes directly to support preservation efforts of The Villagers.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:20.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Walking tour along various landmarks and upscale neighborhood begins at the Biltmore Hotel.
• Stops and route are mostly in areas shaded by large trees.
• Coral Gables is perfect for a walking tour due to its historic urban fabric of sidewalks and tree-lined streets.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:
• The tour has a moderate intensity level.
• A portion of this tour’s profits goes directly to support the historic preservation efforts of The Villagers (www.thevillagersinc.org).
• This tour was written by a local bon-vivant and historian.

It was not long ago that Miami was a rather large but quiet Southern city. The Castro revolution in Cuba in 1959 changed Miami forever. Wave after wave of Cuban refugees has transformed Miami into the Capital of the Americas: a fast-paced, internationally-connected, commercial and entertainment hub with a racy Latin image. From the food to the accents on the street to the fashion scene and artist’s studio, Miami pulses to the beat of an original blended culture.

Come with us on a journey through the story of Miami’s Cuban community. Experience the passion and vision that these motivated exiles brought to their new home. We visit a well loved marketplace, great Cuban food spots, moving monuments, lively street scenes and a place of spiritual reflection and longing. Take in the smells, sights, sounds and colors of a street that launched the dramatic transformation of Miami over five decades ago and prepare yourself for a day of discovery and fun.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25. There are always 2 Dragonfly Expeditions staff members – one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained. Visit to a local marketplace with typical Cuban fare on display.
• One freshly squeezed tropical juice choice per guest.
• Visit to a custom shirt tailor - home of the world’s most famous Guayabera maker (typical 4 pocket Cuban shirt, worn outside of pants).
• Shop has been patronized by Ronald Reagan, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin and many others.
• Two Guayaberas to be raffled among tour participants.
• Visit to an art gallery in Little Havana featuring Cuban masters (subject to availability).
• Visit to boutique cigar manufacturing facility hosted by members of a five generation cigar-making family.
• One Cuban coffee for each participant at a traditional walkup window in the Latin Quarter.
• Visit to internationally recognized Domino Park (featured in the opening scenes of Miami Vice).
• Stop at Cuban-themed gift store.
• View of Boulevard of Monuments celebrating heroes of the Cuban drive for independence and freedom.
• Dramatic last stop at a national shrine with a priceless icon of the Cuban patron saint on display.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Price includes freshly squeezed tropical juice
• Price includes 2 raffled guayaberas
• Price includes Cuban coffee

Just as removing the modern façade from many structures in downtown Miami will reveal the original architecture from earlier decades hidden beneath, our walking tour of downtown Miami uncovers a riveting past that is often masked by the more modern aspects of this flourishing city. Stroll with us along the pedestrian-friendly sidewalks of this bustling, thriving, many-times-restored urban area.

Step back in time and hear the story of the region’s first inhabitants – the Tequesta Indians – as we begin our walk at the famed and mysterious Miami Circle that overlooks the current Port of Miami on the Miami River. See landmark structures such as the Alfred I DuPont and the Seybold Building. Hear the true and intriguing stories that accompany these sites, such as how over 60 prisoners escaped from the top floors of the Miami Courthouse and how Maurice Gusman saved the majestic Olympia Theater from being demolished. Follow the personal tales of the many different types of people who have moved to Miami chasing fortune or running from hardship.

Although now physically surrounded by a humming commercial center, these stories help us envision how downtown Miami once looked. Occasional Mediterranean-revival and art deco buildings jostling for space with brand-new, high rise luxury condominiums help create the mental picture of an ever-changing Miami. Our adventure through five centuries of Miami’s past draws to an end as we approach the Freedom Tower, Miami’s own Statue of Liberty. History may not be the first thing that comes to mind when exploring the busy streets of one of the most modern cities in the US, but this walking tour leaves guests with a new and surprising perspective of the Magic City.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:20.
• Our guides are certified and trained. Inside tour of the atmospheric Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts (based on availability).
• A portion of the profits of this tour goesdirectly to support the preservation efforts of the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
• Walking tour begins at the Miami Circle and ends near Bayfront Park.
• One non-alcoholic beverage per guest.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Moderate intensity level.
• A portion of this tour’s profits goes to support the Olympia Theater.
• We recommend this tour for weekdays only.

This evening tour, conducted in the light of an antique oil lantern starts by exploring the mystery of one of North America's most important and controversial archaeological sites: the Miami Circle. The prehistoric circle, 38 feet in diameter and located amidst downtown Miami’s gleaming high-rises, was cut into the limestone bedrock by the ancient Tequesta Indian Tribe who inhabited this area more than 2,000 years ago. Your guide will help piece together the amazing mystery that is the Miami Circle.

Next, we move on to the ornate and mournful Miami City Cemetery, a restored landmark that is a solemn reminder of Miami’s dramatic history in the radically transforming area around the Performing Arts Center. We are visiting the gravesites of long-deceased pioneers and settlers. Their true stories will unravel what made Miami great. If the grounds could talk, voices would relate tales of dark Santeria and voodoo rituals among the memorials of Miami’s oldest families. Learn how they lived and died when Miami was just a sleepy little village. This is a place not to be missed!

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Visit to the archaeological site of the Miami Circle.
• Private entry and tour by lantern of the historic Miami City Cemetery.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:15.
• Our guides are certified and trained.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Grounds are uneven and partially lit; participants must wear sturdy shoes(no sandals or flip-flops)!
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization.

Push off from the shoreline into a world of exquisite beauty. Our kayak journey takes us along the coastline of what the first adventurers called the “Chequescha Bay.” The richness born of the confluence of fresh and salt waters in what is today called Biscayne Bay drew many peoples to this place - from the Tequesta Indians, Spanish explorers, privateers and pirates to modern day pioneers. Reflect on how ancient peoples used the area’s resources for their livelihood and how perspectives of the settlers have changed over time. Hear the story of how a magnificent Italian villa came to life on the bay and view it in a way few others can.

As you paddle past mangroves teeming with life as well as historic and modern mansions, you will see what dramatic changes the shoreline has experienced. You will encounter breathtaking views of the open bay and learn of the close connection between the waters lapping at your kayak’s hull and the struggle for Cuban freedom. Learn why the preservation of these shallow waters is so important to wildlife and humans.

You will explore the ecology and history of this unique bay the same way most humans have witnessed it over thousands of years. As the locals say, “We all came by water.”

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All equipmentrental, entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:9. Our guides are certified and trained and will give basic kayak instructions prior to getting in the water.
• Two bottled waters provided per participant.
• Private naturalist guided kayak portion travels along a scenic route with views of Biscayne Bay and historic Villa Vizcaya.
• Depending on tides, this tour stops on a shallow sandbar to explore marine life.
• Guides carry sunscreen, first aid kits and emergency equipment.
• Guests will be paired up on comfortable, stable sit-upon tandem kayaks.
• Personal flotation devices are provided.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Guests will be paired up on tandem kayaks.
• The kayak trip takes about 3 hours. The intensity is partially determined by weather conditions (tides/wind).
• Participants are required to be able to complete this duration and length, because there is no way to shorten or to drop out during the tour.
• Guests must bring a change of clothes and a towel; clothes that can get wet and dirty and are comfortable while kayaking are recommended.
• Bottledwater will be supplied.
• Minimum of 4 weeks notice for tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays or on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Join us on a journey that evokes the spirit of Havana in all her remembered glory. If you close your eyes for a moment in modern Miami’s “Little Havana,” you are almost transported back in time to the Tropicana and the Flamingo, back to the Riviera and the Floridita. The sensuous, rum-rich rhythms of the Mambo spilling out into the balmy tropical night are real … and tonight you are experiencing them. Tonight, the lively streetscape of Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s main thoroughfare, is yours to explore. Take in the smells, sights, sounds and colors of a street that launched the dramatic transformation of Miami over five decades ago and prepare yourself for an evening of discovery, dining and live nightclub entertainment.

Now is a great time to pick up a few pointers on the various forms of Latin dancing. One of our expert dancers instructs the willing on how to make the right moves when the music takes over.

We then venture on to spend some time at Casa Juancho, which is a delight for all senses. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the nostalgic atmosphere of strolling musicians and singing patrons.

Next, watch as skillful hands present you with the art of cigar rolling, a worldwide recognized symbol of all things Cuban. Take in the rich aroma of freshly processed tobacco and maybe even buy some cigars for the road.

Finally, we enter the realm of live music and rich Cuba-nostalgic detail at a local’s night club that recalls the atmosphere and attitudes of yesteryear’s Havana with infectious rhythms. The night awaits you…let’s get going.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25.
• Our guides are certified and trained. Short narrative on the Cuban migration to Miami.
• Exclusive professional dance instruction by collegiate salsa troupe.
• Three-course dinner with soft drinks at celebrated Spanish restaurant with strolling musicians in Little Havana.
• Private evening opening of boutique cigar manufacturing facility hosted by members of a five generation Cuban cigar-making family.
• Demonstration of cigar rolling techniques by Cuban master rollers.
• One hand-rolled cigar per person.
• Entry into authentic Cuban nightclub with live musical performance.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Every participant receives a hand-rolled cigar.

Skip across the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay in search of sunken history as we snorkel on the site of Miami’s first and only underwater archaeological preserve.

Built in 1906 in Kiel, Germany, the 366-ton, schooner-rigged steel yacht Germania participated in the prestigious Kaiser Cup races and Cowes regattas before being captured as a prize of war by the British in 1914. Auctioned in 1917, she was renamed Exen and brought to the United States by her new Norwegian owner. Purchased by a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy and renamed Half Moon in 1922, the yacht nearly sank in a severe storm off of Cape Hatteras. Sold again shortly thereafter, she served as a floating saloon/casino in Miami during Prohibition. She sank in the Miami River in the 1926 hurricane but was raised to become a fishing barge anchored in the Gulf Stream. During a storm in 1930, she sank for the last time on a shoal in 10 feet of water off of Key Biscayne.

Join us for a day of great shallow-water snorkeling as we bring the history of the Half Moon to life. Snorkel above this wreck amid the splendors of Biscayne Bay before returning to the mainland.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All equipmentrental, entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:15.
• Our guides are certified and trained and will give basic
• snorkeling instructions before guests enter the water.
• Two bottled waters provided per participant.
• Private boat charter includes scenic ride to offshore reef as well as the location of the Half Moon, a historic wreck that is registered as a State Underwater Archaeological Preserve.
• Charter boats are comfortable and stable.
• Mask, snorkel, fins and snorkeling vest for each participant.
• Guides carry sunscreen, first aid kits and emergency equipment.
• Personal flotation devices are provided.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Please confirm with us for tour availability.
• Snorkeling gear will be provided.
• Guests must bring bathing suit and towel.
• Bottled water will be provided.

The amazing array of wild birds in Florida has been the source of great interest and beauty since the explorations of famed bird-chronicler James Audubon. Birds were an integral part of Indian lore and ceremonial display for centuries preceding Audubon’s wanderings. Today, Florida’s wild birds have to compete with population growth and human-related changes to the environment in order to maintain their ancient habitat. Unfortunately, this process involves the injury and death of many birds caused by human error or carelessness.

Since 1980, the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station has worked tirelessly to rescue, heal and perform emergency surgery on injured Florida seabirds. When possible, they are released back into the wild. In this heartwarming tour, we visit the dedicated staff of the Seabird Station and hear how they perform miracles on a daily basis. See the operating table and x-rays of birds in trouble. Hear about the procedures set up to handle incoming injured birds. You also have the opportunity to ask questions of the station’s management. To cap off a great visit, we gather for the daily 4:00 PM feeding, when a feathered melee erupts as dozens of birds compete for their daily fish dinner. Their antics and excitement will leave you with a smile on your face. This tour is an animal lover’s treat.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 40% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station’s rescue efforts.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25 on the transfer to the facility. At the facility,guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:12.
• Our guides are certified and trained.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• 40% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station’s rescue efforts.
• Participants’ clothes may become slightly wet/dirty.

Join us on a tour of two of South Florida’s most secluded botanical treasures located in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. These hidden gardens have been largely inaccessible to the broad public over the past 80 years.

Offering Miami’s most dramatic vista of Biscayne Bay, The Kampong contains a fascinating array of flowering trees and tropical fruit cultivars. Noted plant explorer David Fairchild searched the world for plants of economic and aesthetic value that could be cultivated in the United States. He borrowed the Malaysian word Kampong (meaning village) for his home in a garden. Over the past decades, countless scientists and world leaders such as Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford have paid visits to the Kampong. It is now a part of the National Botanical Garden and the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Montgomery Botanical Center is the living legacy of Robert and Nell Montgomery, widely known as the founders of Fairchild Tropical Garden. Housed on their 120-acre Florida estate in Coral Gables, it includes the largest and finest collection of palms and cycads in the world. Under the Center’s careful stewardship are hundreds of species, many of which are threatened or endangered. To protect and perpetuate the genetic diversity of its collections, the Center actively builds its populations of cycads and palms by mounting several collecting expeditions throughout remote destinations all over the world each year.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local conservation organization.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Tour includes guided visit to two award-winning research gardens that are not accessible to the public.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:50 on the transfer to the facility. At the facility, guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25.
• Our guides are certified and trained.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• These are private gardens that are available by appointment only; date needs to be secured well in advance.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to non-profit conservation efforts.

Put your teamwork and collective creativity to the test while exploring historic sites, gathering “rare artifacts,” and discovering the best that the Art Deco District has to offer with our Historic South Beach Scavenger Hunt. This hunt is just the thing to bring your group together in a fun and thrilling way. Our Emcee outlines the rules and distributes all the materials needed.

Teams must work together to find specific places and objects within the designated search area. Teams will also be challenged with riddles, asked to perform physical feats, and more! Points are awarded for each object found and extra credit points are awarded for creativity in some of the challenges. The team to return to the designated finish area on time with the most points will win. This event will leave your guests laughing and reminiscing for years to come.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All fees and taxes.
• Scavenger hunt covers a variety of well-known South Beach landmarks as well as more hidden secrets that are indicative of South Beach’s unique culture and history.
• Consolation prize for each participant (mini Mojito recipe with ingredients).
• Colored article of identification for each participant to distinguish teams.
• All pre-production, scripting, coordination and rehearsal.
• Emcee/1 staff member per team (prices quoted below apply to 10 guests per team; please inquire for pricing on smaller/larger group sizes).
• Riddles and challenges.
• Hunt supplies for each team (pens, note pads, and clipboards).
• Rules and instructions.
• Our staff are certified and trained.
• Our staff are certified and trained.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Major prize(s) for winning team (e.g. spa treatment).
• Special amenities (e.g. drinks, additional gifts, souvenirs, etc).

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Groups will perform the hunt on foot in the South Beach area.
• No transportation is necessary if the group is staying in a hotel south of 20th Street on Miami Beach.

Delight in the narrative of a little-known but curiously intriguing fact: Miami is the only major American city founded by women. Hear about these inspired visionaries and their stories of adventure, hardship and triumph in the Florida wilderness that is now Coconut Grove, Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables. Retrace the steps of the "Mothers of Miami" Julia Tuttle and Mary Brickell. These inspired women battled a challenging and sometimes lonely existence at the breathtaking confluence of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. They decided to single-handedly change the history of the whole region by insistently luring the lifeline of Henry Flagler’s railroad to South Florida.

Experience the hidden and charming places where determined women endeavored to bring culture and education to America’s last frontier.

Explore the life of aviation-pioneer Amelia Earhart and learn of the foresight of environmentalist and Everglades advocate Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Find out how now-gleaming South Beach was saved from being ripped down by the voice and dramatic actions of preservationist Barbara Capitman.

Miami is a place that historically represents the power, vision and drive of women more than anywhere else on the planet. This fact makes this tour a popular, not-to-be-missed and original platform through which to explore the wonders of the “Magic City.”

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:17. There are always 2 staff members on the vehicle – one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• This tour is a combination of driving and walking. Guests get off the bus at a number of landmarks in several distinct Miami neighborhoods.
• The tour is a great alternative to a “standard” city tour because it explores the same historic neighborhoods from a new perspective.
• Coveted cake recipe reprint from one of the founding mothers for each participant.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization

This 10-mile bicycle jaunt takes us across the charming island of Key Biscayne, a place so hospitable that it was sought out by the Tequesta Indians who first inhabited South Florida. Hear the story of how the growing number of wrecks brought to this place a remote lighthouse outpost that to this day remains Miami-Dade County’s oldest structure. Reflect on the experiences of early coconut palm plantation settlers who braved hostile Seminoles and hurricanes.

As you pedal through the lush flora you see how the devastating force of Hurricane Andrew created a unique opportunity for the restoration of the original ecosystem. Interspersed with the island’s abundant tropical vegetation, you experience breathtaking views of the watery off-shore community of Stiltsville and white sand beaches facing the open ocean.

After passing through the village of Key Biscayne, we explore the unusual oddity of an antiquated and abandoned zoo that echoes of visitations past. Watch out for the new tenants: a large variety of waterfowl and iguanas in every imaginable size and color combination. Enjoy the pleasures of a slower pace almost as if you were transported back in time to a less hectic era.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees, equipment rental fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel (there is a guide on the transfer vehicle to the bike rental location and back to the hotel).
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:9. There are always 2 Dragonfly Expeditions staff members during the bike tour –one to lead the group and one to follow behind.
• Participants travel on comfortable cruiser bicycles. These bikes are exclusively used for our tours.
• If a bicycle breaks down during the tour, the backup staff stays behind with the broken bike which allows the guests to continue with the main guide.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Two bottled waters provided per participant.
• Bike baskets and helmets are available upon request.
• Private 3 - hour historian/naturalist guided bike tour covers everything guests expect to see in Florida (protected natural areas, an upscale and bike - friendly neighborhood, pristine beaches, historic landmarks, etc).
• Guides carry sunscreen and first aid kits.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• The biking portion is 3 hours (10 miles); participants are required to be able to complete this duration and length because there is no way to shorten or to drop out during the tour.
• Bottled water will be supplied.
• No flip-flops allowed!
• Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyh8t0vCsyQ&feature=grec_index

Delving into the unknown can sometimes be as invigorating as a dip in the surf. And to that end, we offer you a way of seeing Miami that most people rarely experience. What you will learn along our less-traveled path will enrich and engage you. The unique vantage point of our guides will bring you a refreshing perspective on the “Magic City’s” colorful heritage.

Explore Miami's most famous and historic neighborhoods as we bring to life the history and wonder of this eclectic city. Hear about Miami's early pioneers and their stories of adventure and hardship in the Florida wilderness that is now Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Miami, and South Beach. The juxtaposition of native flora and the Miami skyline provides spectacular views on your way through paradise. This tour gives you a taste of the diversity that makes life in Miami a truly international experience and paints a picture of early settlement life on the banks of the Miami River.

Benefit from something most visitors and even locals never experience: a true sense of place.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• Dragonfly Expeditions is the only tour company with exclusive access to the interior of the historic Biltmore Hotel.
• All entrance fees and taxes.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25. There are always 2 staff members on the vehicle –one to give the driver directions andone to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Tour covers the 5 historic neighborhoods of Miami (Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, downtown Miami and South Beach).
• Tour stops once or twice in each neighborhood where guests get off the bus for guided walks.
• This tour is the only one offered in Miami that visits the inside of the restored historic Pan American seaplane terminal which now houses Miami City Hall (weekdays during business hours only).
• Tour covers hidden treasures like the International Villages.
• One Cuban coffee for each participant at a traditional walkup window in the Latin Quarter.
• Visit to boutique cigar manufacturing facility hosted by members of a five generation Cuban cigar -making family.
• Visit to internationally recognized Domino Park (featured in the opening scenes of Miami Vice).

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• This is a very intensive and well -received city tour showcasing many of Miami’s hidden corners.
• There are always 2 staff members – one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• 15% of the gross profits of this tour go directly to support a local preservation organization.
• Dragonfly Expeditions is the only tour company with exclusive access to the interior of the historic Biltmore Hotel.

If you have ever wanted to join the art of nature photography with the adventure of eco-travel, this trip promises to be a perfect balance of both worlds and a true adventure to remember. Discover Florida’s inspiring landscapes and search for wood storks, otters, herons, ibis and alligators to capture as your next photographic subjects. Travel into the wetlands for an exceptional photography expedition into Florida’s unique natural beauty. Personally guided by our nature photographer Rick Cruz, guests travel through a distinct marshland. Rick Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba but came to the United States at the age of one with his family to live and grow up in South Florida. Rick’s love for Florida’s wilderness developed while traveling between Miami and Sarasota as far back as he can remember. He now hikes and explores through those same areas with camera gear in hand.

For Rick, his camera has become his third eye. Not only does he possess the keen sense and natural instinct as a photographer, but also a driving passion to capture the “right shot.” Rick prefers black and white as his medium of choice to best reflect nature’s true dimensions of light and shadows. Florida’s ever-changing landscape challenges Rick to adapt different techniques to bring to life through his photographs. He has become an internationally renowned photographer and his work is exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and Europe and has been published in numerous books.

This photo workshop will focus on artistic composition, not on technical aspects; participants must have a prior working knowledge of their own camera.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:10.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Potential wildlife sighting of turtles, frogs, alligators and a large variety of birds.
• Photography tips and techniques demonstrated by experienced, award - winning photographer.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Photographic equipment not provided or included in trip price. br>• Rick Cruz as photography guide is based solely on his availability at time of booking. Alternative photographers are available. br>• This tour can be provided in Miami -Dade, Broward, Palm Beach counties and SW Florida.

Turn back the pages of time to get a feel for life in an earlier Florida. Discover native plants and marine species on a river that has seen the likes of Tequesta Indians, pioneer settlers and bootleggers. Starting at the edge of the historic Everglades and meandering all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, the Oleta River offers a fascinating array of stories and vistas.

Our route explores the State Park along the river and its successful ecological restoration, the Intracoastal Waterway marking the border between high-rise development and pristine mangrove forests surrounding the river and finally the meandering river itself that offers a glimpse into wild Florida.

Hear the stories of how the early Native Americans made this region their home and why it was a popular hiding spot during the Prohibition era. While keeping our eyes peeled for local wildlife like herons, spoonbills, ospreys and the occasional manatee and dolphin, you will find out how this ecosystem was saved from development and remains a symbol of the free-flowing and untamed Florida waterways that are so hard to find today.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All equipment rental, entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:15.
• Our guides are certified and trained and will give basic kayak instructions prior to getting in the water
• Two bottled waters provided per participant. Private naturalist - guided kayak portion travels along a scenic route on the Intracoastal Waterway and the undeveloped portion of the river.
• Guides carry sunscreen, first aid kits and emergency equipment.
• Guests will be paired up on comfortable, stable, sit-upon tandem kayaks.
• Personal flotation devices are provided.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• The kayaktrip takes about 3 hours. The intensity is partially determined by weather conditions (tides/wind).
• Participants are required to be able to complete this duration and length because there is no way to shorten or to drop out during the tour.
• Guests should bring a change of clothes and a towel; clothes that can get wet and dirty and are comfortable while kayaking are recommended.
• Bottled water will be supplied.
• Guests will be paired in tandem kayaks.

In the southernmost reaches of the Florida peninsula, just before the coral rock islands of the Florida Keys make their break for open multi-hued seas, you will find a unique locale. At once tropical and rural, it is the growing region of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. The people who settled this region were pioneers in the subtropics. Today we will tell their stories through a series of fascinating visits.

Our first visit takes us to the Coral Castle, an unusual collection of massive coral rock sculptures including mammoth tables, gates and astronomical figures. Edward Leedskalnin was a tiny Latvian émigré whose spurned love drove him to create this “castle.” He quarried, sculpted and transported his limestone figures without assistance, even though they weighed many tons. Because he always worked at night, his methods were never discovered. Leedskalnin boasted that he had discovered the secret of the pyramids.

As we head to our next stop, we are traveling through historic Homestead and Redland area architecture, making sure not to miss the unique pioneer agricultural-inspired style. This style includes cracker cottages, old packinghouses, railroad buildings, churches and school houses. And the area still retains the rural flavor that has made it home to generations of farming families.

Next, we are off to R.F. Orchids, a third generation orchid-growing family whose highly respected operation is one of the best in the South. Here you find thousands of exotic orchids growing in a hammock-like setting accented with gazebos, ponds, tiki huts and lush landscaping. The orchids are everywhere, but the entrance boasts many of the finest specimens. The nursery consistently wins awards for outstanding work in orchid breeding and growing. When you browse through the greenhouses, it’s easy to see why.

We then experience the novelty of a local winery and brewery. Explore the sensual palette-teasing flavors of South Florida’s pioneering vineyard, Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery. Forget what you think you know about craft beers and fruit wine as you permit your taste buds to collide with familiar but slightly exotic offerings. With such beer specialties named Big Rod Coconut Ale or Gator Tail Brown Ale and wines such as Category 3 Hurricane, Lychee Dolce, Mango Dolce, Carambola, Sparkling Passion, and Denisse’s Boo Boo, this is an exciting foray into one of Southern Florida’s growing phenomena, the popular expansion of beer and wine offerings outside the traditional realm.

Our next stop lies at the edge of the Everglades is a remote, old-fashioned, roadside fruit stand, entertainment venue and watering hole – “Robert is Here.” This storied place is a popular Everglades family destination. Locals order at the counter, pick up their hand-made milkshakes and shop amidst the hustle and bustle and the huge variety of local fruit and vegetables on location.

Finally, South Florida has a tour that rivals those of the wine region of Northern California and the quaint villages of New England. Be sure you don’t miss it!

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:25. There are always 2 staff members on the vehicle – one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• Tour explores a unique “castle” built out of oolitic limestone by one lonely pioneer.
• Visit to award-winning orchid nursery and gardens surrounding the private home of the eclectic grower (based on availability).
• Guided tour of a unique local winery and brewery with signature waterfall and gardens.
• Sample of 5 exotic fruit wines or 4 craft beers with keepsake glass for each participant.
• A hand-made milkshake in a choice of delectable flavors for each participant.
• Scenic route through historic Homestead growing region.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• On Mondays (when R.F. Orchids is closed) we visit the Fruit and Spice Park.

Images of Miami have lit up the big screen since before color and sound. Miami’s subtropical beauty doubled for India as early as “The Jungle Trail” in (1919). Since then, from sophomoric pranksters, “Porky’s” (1981) to sinister gangsters, “Scarface” (1983); from breaking the mold “The Birdcage” (1996) to evil in gold, “Goldfinger” (1964), Miami has lent its image to the some of Hollywood’s most beloved movies.

On this exciting romp through the storied city, you will see a clip of the scene from the movie and then you will see the actual site. Our expert film-loving guides will revel with you in the exploration of the magic city’s most beautiful and unusual celluloid settings. Then, the next time you catch a classic on TV or DVD, you can tell them you were there.

Miami is a city that revels in a short but colorful history. Its modern-day intrigue and international celebrity status are frequently paired with tales of the bizarre and outrageous. Its extreme beauty and sub-tropic splendor can be jolted by the antics of an ever-changing cast of local and transient underworld characters. It is part American and part Latin with a healthy mix of Caribbean and European flavors. It is dynamic, vibrant and flashy; and then, by turn, sophisticated, urbane and increasingly cultured.

The “Showdown in Miami” race is designed to orient the visitor to Miami with its astounding beauty while challenging each team to a rigorous jaunt through the Magic City’s distinctive neighborhoods and historic treasures. The riddles are clever, the twists and turns unpredictable and the locations authentic. Experience with us the characteristic places that make Miami one of the most unique and exciting cities on earth.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Race covers a variety of known and unknown Miami landmarks (SPOILER!! Examples include: Little Havana, the Everglades and Key Biscayne).
• Consolation prize for each participant (mini Mojito recipe with ingredients).
• Colored article of identification for each participant to distinguish teams.
• All pre-production, scripting, coordination and rehearsal.
• Emcee / 1 staff member per clue stop.
• Our staff are certified and trained.
• Riddles and challenges.
• Hunt supplies for each team (pens, note pads, and clipboards).
• Rules and instructions.
• Airboat ride as part of one challenge.
• Quadricycles for each group at the final race location.
• One high quality cigar for each participant.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Transportation for each group to get to race locations; client must provide vehicle with driver for each group because groups will not be accompanied by Dragonfly Expeditions staff.
• Major prize(s) for winning team (e.g. spa treatment).
• Special amenities (e.g. drinks, additional gifts, souvenirs).

South Beach is one of those rare locales where every turn reveals a new visual treasure. The narrative of this glamorous resort in the sun is artfully retold as your cycling host navigates the streets and pathways of the island. Great stories abound as a century of history is woven into now-famous streets, buildings and parks. At one point we will be following a trail along the beach, at another, hearing a concise and illuminating timeline of Art Deco architecture. Through gardens and residential neighborhoods, past museums and pausing to check out a historic hotel lobby, we make South Beach “experts” out of first-time visitors and long-term residents alike. An unforgettable experience, this tour is must-see for those who enjoy a leisurely and healthy biking pace.

Experience an Art Deco tour that captures the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties and thirties in our nation’s only Art Deco Historic District. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the thrill of a city that defiantly danced until dawn through Prohibition, the depression, major hurricanes and two World Wars. Here the playboy and flapper lifestyle was the only way to live, and as the warm breezes tempted you to free yourself of the confines of more formal clothes, the incoming tide would hint of the clandestine import that you’d be sipping at a swinging speakeasy late into the night.

Recall the larger-than-life personalities and world-famous events that reshaped society, architecture, and even the island itself. Walk the halls of the first hotel ever built on Miami Beach and delight in the imaginative and playful Art Deco lifeguard stands lining the beach like pastel-colored toy soldiers. Chart the evolution of architectural styles while unique and evocative Art Deco landmarks serve as our signposts to an era that looked forward to the future and celebrated progress, innovation, adventure and freedom.

As your guide uncovers the eye-popping history of this unique destination, you will understand why millionaires, movie stars, thousands of soldier sand countless others have fallen under the magical spell of Miami Beach.

INCLUSIONS & DETAILS:
• All fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:15.
• There are always 2 Dragonfly Expeditions staff members –one to give the driver directions and one to provide the interpretation without distraction.
• Our guides are certified and trained. Private 2-hour historian-guided walking and bus tour.
• Tour route covers a variety of landmarks and hidden corners of South Beach (not just Ocean Drive).
• Tour interpretation does not focus solely on architectural aspects, but rather on a combination of the stories of the people, the history and the changes that happened in South Beach overtime.

The Wynwood Art District is continuing to evolve into one of world’s most innovative neighborhoods drawing international attention to Miami. But not so long ago, this now-bustling district was a downtrodden collection of industrial warehouses. Art became the catalyst for an astonishing transformation that still continues today. When artists started to expand their works from inside their low-rent studios to the outside walls it lead to large-scale, attention-grabbing and sometimes provocative images straddling the line between fine art and graffiti. This now ever-present, evolved ‘Graffiti Art’ is Wynwood’s signature to the planet.

On our tour we explore both exterior and interior spaces as we stroll along streets alive with stunning visual mosaics in every style and hue, all the while uncovering Wynwood’s dynamic story.

We then move on to get an insider’s view of one of the larger galleries where a host introduces you to the work and answers your questions. Our final stop explores one of the most recent developments -the emergence of a new generation of urban businesses -marking Wynwood’s transition to a neighborhood that is more than just a center for art appreciation: We venture behind the scenes to learn the intricacies of hand-crafted local rum and round out the tour with a tasting of this award-winning spirit.

INCLUSIONS AND DETAILS:

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• Tour interpretation by guide starts and ends at the hotel.
• Guide to guest ratio does not exceed 1:15. One personal tour guide and one navigator/advancing staff.
• Our guides are certified and trained.
• 40-minute walking portion includes variety of streets and avenues as well as the Wynwood Walls.
• Gallery to be visited at the time of the tour is selected on the basis of most compelling current exhibit.
• Visit to a local rum distillery with tasting for all participants.

SPECIAL NOTATIONS:

• Due to opening restrictions, do not schedule departure time before 10:00 am.
• Tour consists of a 40-minute walking portion, a gallery visit and a visit to a rum distillery.