Welcome to Heron Now Boat Tours! I’m Captain Mike Baranski, the founder and your guide to the incredible wonders of the Everglades. For over 25 years, I’ve been a dedicated wildlife biologist, with a primary focus on avian ecology. My passion for birds and conservation has taken me across the country, but for the last 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to work right here in South Florida and the Everglades, a place I now call home.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked extensively with threatened and endangered species, contributing to the conservation of some of North America’s most remarkable birds. My journey has included studying the Golden-cheeked Warbler in Fort Hood, Texas, the Northern Goshawk in Michigan, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Florida, and nesting wading birds in the Everglades, among others. Each project has deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the vital role we all play in preserving them.

In addition to fieldwork, I spent 10 years as an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College, where I shared my knowledge and passion with students. Teaching was a rewarding experience, but I always felt that the best classroom was outdoors. That’s why starting Heron Now Boat Tours felt like the perfect way to combine my love for the Everglades, education, and meeting new people. My boat is now my classroom, and the Everglades is my blackboard.

I’m also an avid birder and nature photographer. I’ve volunteered as a guide for the Audubon Society, helping others connect with the beauty and diversity of birdlife. All of the photos you’ll see on this website are my own, capturing the magic of South Florida’s natural world. Sharing these moments with others is one of the joys that drives me.

One of the main reasons I started Heron Now Boat Tours was to raise awareness about the Everglades—a truly unique and vital ecosystem that plays an important role in all our lives here in South Florida. I wanted to give people a chance to disconnect from their busy lives, reconnect with nature, and perhaps even forge new friendships with others on the tour. There’s something special about meeting people while gliding through the serene waters of the Everglades, surrounded by gators, wading birds, and the rich tapestry of life that calls this place home.

I hope you’ll join me on a tour to experience the real native Floridians—the wildlife that makes the Everglades so extraordinary. Together, we’ll explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for considering Heron Now Boat Tours. I can’t wait to meet you on the water!