When you hop on the Everglades Excursion bus with Kenny Hill, you might assume that your ride is just about getting from point A to point B. If so, you might want to think again.
A ride with tour guide Kenny Hill to the Everglades is part history lesson, part eco-tour and 100% entertainment. You will learn about the rich history of the Seminole and Miccosukee Native American tribes in the area. You may stop along the side of the road to see burrowing owls. You’ll hear about the five habitats of the Everglades (Mangroves, Pinelands, Praries, Hammocks and Swamps). And you’ll learn about the area wildlife, from manatee to the Love vine. It’s all part of Kenny Hill’s effort to inform and entertain customers during the trip to and from the Everglades.
“I try to give everyone a ‘wow factor’ every day, something beyond the expected,” Kenny explains. “I start by thinking: if I was unfamiliar with the area and visiting here, what would I like to know? That’s what drives what I talk about.”
Kenny first started working for Naples Transportation & Tours in 1995, mostly handling chauffeur duties. He’s been doing Everglades tours for the past 30 years. And the content of his tours continues to evolve.
“I’ve read a lot of books and have learned so much from the people in the area over the years,” he explains. “I’m still learning new stuff today. When I find something new that I find exciting or interesting, I’ll add that to the tour and remove something else. I try to take off the microphone and give customers the opportunity to ask questions or talk amongst themselves. But I have more to say than the time to say it.”
Customers feel the passion Kenny brings to the Everglades tours and the alligators residing there. They can also see it. He typically wears a large alligator tooth around his neck and an alligator-skin cell phone case around his waist.
“I’ve been fascinated by alligators since I was a kid,” Kenny explains. “I think it’s the lure of danger that intrigues me. I’m the type of person who walks to the danger to learn about it and experience it.”
Kenny doesn’t seek out danger now as much as he did in his youth, but still enjoys being in nature and sharing its wonders.
“I have the best job in the world,” Kenny says. “I’m not sitting behind a desk. I’m out here in nature, interacting with people every day. When I see the smiles on peoples’ faces when they are entertained or learn something – it doesn’t get any better than that. It’s priceless.”
