About All ToursAirboat ToursBoat ToursFrom Fort LauderdaleFrom Miami ToursKayaking ToursAlligator ToursEco ToursPrivate Tours Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Experience the 'River of Grass' firsthand as you glide across the shallow marshes to spot native wildlife. These tours offer high-speed rides ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, with many including expert narration and optional roundtrip transportation.
Free Cancellation See the Florida Everglades by airboat and visit a wildlife park featuring native animals and live demonstrations.
Free Cancellation Explore Miami’s landmarks, Biscayne Bay, and the Everglades on this full-day budget-friendly sightseeing tour.
Free Cancellation Explore the Everglades on a high-speed airboat and visit a reptile sanctuary with round-trip transport from Miami.
Free Cancellation Glide through the River of Grass on a 60-minute guided airboat tour from Fort Lauderdale to spot wild alligators.
Free Cancellation Glide through the Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park to spot alligators, turtles, and native wading birds.
Explore the Everglades with a veteran Miami guide on an intimate tour focused on local wildlife and conservation.
Free Cancellation Explore the Northern Everglades on a 90-minute small-group airboat tour from Kissimmee to spot gators and local birds.
Free Cancellation Take an airboat through the Everglades from Miami Beach to see alligators and live wildlife shows.
Free Cancellation Explore the Everglades with a guided nature walk, a narrated scenic drive, and an hour-long airboat tour.
Free Cancellation Skim across the Florida Everglades on a one-hour airboat tour led by experienced local guides.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Everglades — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades is an exhilarating way to explore the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. You'll glide across the shallow "River of Grass" at high speeds, accessing remote wetland areas that traditional boats simply cannot reach while looking out for the region's famous wildlife.
Feel the wind in your hair as the airboat reaches speeds up to 40 mph. The flat-bottomed design allows the boat to skim smoothly right over the top of the sawgrass prairies and shallow marshes.
Keep your eyes peeled for American alligators basking on the banks, turtles swimming in the clear water, and a massive variety of wading birds like herons and egrets hunting for fish.
Your captain isn't just a driver; they are experienced local guides. They will cut the engine in quiet areas to share fascinating facts about the ecosystem, hydrology, and history of the wetlands.
Many airboat tickets include access to on-site wildlife parks or rescue exhibits. After your ride, you can often walk through these areas to get a closer, safe look at reptiles and adopted animals.
You will witness the transition of habitats firsthand. Depending on your launch point, you might navigate through dense mangrove tunnels, open freshwater sloughs, or tropical hardwood hammocks.
If you don't have a rental car, many tours offer convenient roundtrip air-conditioned bus transportation directly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale hotels and meeting points.
Planning your Everglades airboat adventure is straightforward, but there are a few logistical details you should map out before buying your tickets.
You can choose from quick 30-minute rides just to get a taste of the swamp, standard 60-minute narrated tours, or small-group VIP boats that hold fewer passengers for a more intimate experience. There are also massive full-day combo tours that bundle the Everglades with Miami city tours and Biscayne Bay cruises.
The Everglades is vast and remote. If you have a car, you can book a "ticket-only" option and drive yourself to parks like Sawgrass Recreation Park or Everglades Holiday Park. If you are staying in Miami or Fort Lauderdale without a car, definitely book a half-day tour that includes roundtrip motorcoach transfers.
Most airboat tour tickets include the boat ride itself and admission to the operator's specific wildlife exhibit or gator park. Be aware that if you enter the official Everglades National Park boundaries yourself, you will need to pay a separate $35 per vehicle entrance fee valid for 7 days.
The dry season (December through April) is the most popular time to visit because the weather is pleasant and wildlife is highly concentrated. Tours frequently sell out during these winter months, so booking your timeslot a few weeks in advance is highly recommended.
The majority of airboat operators and their surrounding facilities are fully wheelchair accessible. Ramps lead down to the docks, and staff are accustomed to helping passengers board. Infants and small children are also welcome and can ride in strollers up to the boarding area.
Florida weather changes rapidly. Most airboat tours operate rain or shine, so bring a poncho if the forecast looks iffy. Fortunately, almost all major tour operators offer a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund if your plans change.
Dress comfortably in quick-drying clothing, as you might get hit with a bit of water spray. Hats and sunglasses are essential for the glare off the water, but make sure they are secured with a leash—the wind generated by the airboat fan will easily blow loose items away.
| Basic Airboat Ticket | Half-Day with Transport | Full-Day Miami Combo | Small Group / VIP Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 - 60 mins | 4 - 5 hours | 9 hours | 1.5 - 4 hours |
| Best for | Self-drivers and budget travelers | Visitors without a rental car | Seeing all major sights in one day | Photography and avoiding crowds |
| Includes | Airboat ride, wildlife exhibit access | Roundtrip bus from Miami, airboat ride, priority boarding | Everglades airboat, Miami City bus tour, Bay boat cruise | Smaller 8-10 passenger boat, expert guide, hotel pickup |
| Price from | $33.00 | $49.00 | $78.00 | $78.00 |
National Park Hours: The main entrance to Everglades National Park in Homestead is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, the Shark Valley entrance gate is only open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Airboat Operator Hours: Private airboat concessionaires and recreation parks (like Sawgrass and Everglades Holiday Park) typically run their first tours around 9:00 a.m. and send their last boats out between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Always check in 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Visitor Centers: Most park visitor centers, including the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center, operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
By Car: Driving is the most practical way to explore the region, as the park's three main entrances are not interconnected. The main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is about a 40-mile drive south of Miami via the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 1.
Airboat Locations: Most airboat operators are located along U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) or U.S. Highway 27. If you book a tour with transportation, pickups are generally coordinated from major hotels or central meeting points like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach or Bayside Marketplace.
Public Transit: The City of Homestead offers a free seasonal trolley to the main visitor center from December through April, but it does not service the airboat operators on the Tamiami Trail.
Dry Season (December - April): This is universally considered the best time to visit. The humidity drops, temperatures are comfortable, and biting insects are minimal. Because water levels drop, wildlife like alligators and wading birds congregate around remaining water holes, making them incredibly easy to spot.
Wet Season (May - November): Summer brings extreme heat, high humidity, and heavy daily thunderstorms. Mosquitoes and noseeums become intense, especially in dense vegetation. While the park is lush and green, wildlife disperses across the flooded landscape, making animals harder to find.
Trails and Centers: Everglades National Park is highly accessible. Popular trails like the Anhinga Trail, Mahogany Hammock, and Gumbo Limbo feature flat, paved pathways or elevated wooden boardwalks. Visitor centers are equipped with ramps and elevators.
Airboat Tours: Most major airboat operators are wheelchair friendly. Ramps provide access down to the docks, and staff can assist with boarding. The Shark Valley tram tour also offers designated wheelchair spaces and a ramp for boarding.
Loaner Equipment: Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at major park visitor centers.
Food and Drink: Dining options inside the national park are extremely limited. It is highly recommended to bring your own water and high-energy snacks. Some private airboat parks have small cafes or snack bars on-site.
Lodging: There are no traditional indoor hotels inside the park boundaries, aside from the Flamingo Lodge and houseboats at the far southern end. Most visitors stay in Miami, Homestead, or Fort Lauderdale.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at all official visitor centers and at the base camps of the airboat tour operators.
There are three authorized airboat concessionaires operating strictly inside the national park boundaries along the Tamiami Trail: Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park. Many other popular operators, like Sawgrass Recreation Park, operate just outside the official park borders in the greater Everglades ecosystem.
While wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, your chances of seeing alligators are extremely high, especially during the dry season (December to April). Additionally, many tour operators include access to on-site wildlife rescue exhibits where you can see alligators up close regardless of trail conditions.
If you drive yourself into the official Everglades National Park entrances (like Homestead or Shark Valley), you must pay the $35 per vehicle fee. However, if you are visiting a private airboat operator outside the official boundaries, or taking a guided bus tour from Miami, the park fee is usually either not applicable or included in your ticket.
Yes, the vast majority of airboat operators have fully wheelchair-accessible facilities. Ramps lead directly to the boarding docks, and the staff is trained to help passengers transition safely onto the boats.
Yes, children of all ages are generally allowed. Infants and toddlers under 3 years old often ride for free but are required to sit securely on an adult's lap during the tour. Strollers can be brought right up to the boarding area.
Morning tours (before 11:00 a.m.) are usually the best. The temperatures are cooler, the boarding lines are shorter, and wildlife tends to be more active before the midday heat sets in.
It depends on the ticket you purchase. Basic tickets are "drive-up" only, meaning you must provide your own transport. However, there are many half-day and full-day tour options specifically designed to include roundtrip air-conditioned bus transfers from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
No, pets are not allowed on the airboats or on most trails in the Everglades. This rule is strictly enforced for the safety of your pet, as wild alligators and crocodiles view small animals as prey.
No, drones, quadcopters, and all other unmanned aircraft are strictly banned throughout Everglades National Park and the surrounding protected wetland areas. You can, however, bring standard cameras and phones to film your ride.
Airboat tours generally operate rain or shine, so you should bring a poncho if the forecast calls for showers. If the operator cancels the tour due to severe weather or lightning, you will typically be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This tour takes you into the Florida Everglades for a closer look at the local ecosystem. You can choose between a 30-minute or a 1-hour airboat ride, both of which travel through the marshes to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Your ticket also includes admission to the onsite Wildlife Park. You can walk through the various animal exhibits at your own pace and attend scheduled demonstrations to learn more about the species that call Florida home. If you select the half-day upgrade, the package includes a barbecue lunch and a souvenir photo with an alligator.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This full-day itinerary covers Miami’s most recognizable sights at an accessible price point. The day begins at 305 Lincoln Road with check-in at 8:30 am and a 9:00 am departure. You will start with a tour of South Beach, the Art Deco District, and downtown Miami from an open-top double-decker bus. This is followed by a boat cruise through the bay to see the city skyline and waterfront homes, and a trip to the Everglades for an airboat ride through the wetlands. The tour includes a scheduled lunch stop and typically wraps up around 6:30 pm. Please be aware that the order of the activities—bus, boat, and airboat—is subject to change based on weather conditions. You will receive your finalized schedule for the day upon arrival at the check-in desk. This is a no-frills experience designed for travelers who want to see the region's major highlights in a single day without a high price tag. Because the schedule is packed, the focus is on efficiency and hitting the main landmarks rather than luxury or an easy-going pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Take an air-conditioned Big Bus from Miami to Sawgrass Recreation Park for a day in the Everglades. You will receive priority boarding for an airboat tour that travels up to 40 mph across the water. During the ride, a captain will help you spot alligators and native birds while describing the local environment. Back on land, you can explore a sanctuary that houses over 50 rescued reptiles, including a 1,000-pound alligator named Cannibal. The visit includes educational exhibits about Florida’s wildlife and access to the Gator Grill for food and drinks. The tour concludes with a return bus ride to Miami.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Join a local Gladesman for a 60-minute narrated airboat tour departing from Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. You will travel deep into the "River of Grass," alternating between high-speed runs and quiet observation to see the area's unique ecosystem firsthand. As you navigate the wetlands, your guide will help you spot native wildlife, including the American alligator and various bird species. The tour provides an informative look at the history and biology of the Florida Everglades while offering a close-up view of its most famous inhabitants. This ticket is valid for the airboat tour only. The experience lasts approximately one hour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Head out to Sawgrass Recreation Park for an airboat journey into the heart of the Florida Everglades. These tours offer a close-up look at the subtropical ecosystem, moving through the shallow, grassy marshes where traditional boats cannot reach. As you travel through the wetlands, keep an eye out for the region's diverse wildlife. It is common to see American alligators, various species of turtles, and native fish. The area is also a prime spot for observing wading birds like herons and egrets in their natural environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Led by a Miami local with over a decade of experience, this tour provides an intimate look at one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. We limit our group sizes to ensure you have direct access to your guide and plenty of time for questions as we navigate the wetlands. The tour focuses heavily on the environmental challenges currently facing the Everglades, from urban expansion and drainage issues to the impact of invasive species from South America. Our guides have spent years participating in local restoration efforts, and they will share firsthand insights into how this habitat is being protected and how you can contribute to its preservation.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This 90-minute airboat tour departs from Kissimmee and travels into the northern reaches of the Florida Everglades. Unlike larger commercial vessels, we use smaller boats that hold only 8 to 10 passengers, allowing for a more personal experience and access to narrower waterways that bigger boats cannot reach. During the trip, your captain will navigate through open marshlands to find native wildlife in their natural habitat. You can expect to spot American alligators, various bird species, and turtles. Because the tour avoids crowded tourist routes, you'll have a quieter, more authentic look at the ecosystem without the distraction of long lines or other large groups.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This half-day trip departs from Miami Beach and takes you into the Florida Everglades for a guided airboat ride. You will spend time on the water looking for alligators and native birds in their natural habitat. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, making it a simple way to visit the wetlands without needing your own car. After the airboat ride, you will have time to walk through the park's alligator exhibits and attend a live wildlife show. The tour runs twice daily, with departures at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Please arrive at the main departure point 30 minutes before your scheduled time to check in with the staff.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour begins with a 90-minute guided walk through Everglades National Park, Florida’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by a naturalist, you will look for alligators of all sizes, turtles, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Following the walk, you have 20 to 30 minutes to explore the park visitor center, where you can collect national park stamps or browse for souvenirs. Your guide will then lead a narrated drive through the park on the way to the "River of Grass." From there, you will take a 60 to 70-minute airboat trip into remote sections of the wetlands. This part of the tour focuses on spotting wildlife far from the shore and provides insight into local Native American culture and the history of the region’s unique ecosystem.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This one-hour airboat tour takes you through the heart of the Florida Everglades. You’ll travel across the "River of Grass" in a traditional airboat, reaching areas of the wetlands that are otherwise inaccessible. The tour is led by local Gladesmen who have spent years navigating these waters. They provide a practical look at the ecosystem, helping you spot wildlife and understand the natural history of South Florida.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English