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Explore the Florida Everglades on a guided boat tour through the unique sawgrass marshes and wetlands. Ride a flat-bottomed airboat to spot alligators, turtles, and native birds in their natural habitat.
Free Cancellation Ride an airboat through the Florida Everglades and explore the Wildlife Park with optional lunch and photos.
Free Cancellation See Miami’s landmarks and the Everglades in one day on this affordable bus, boat, and airboat adventure.
Free Cancellation Explore the Everglades on a high-speed airboat and visit a reptile sanctuary with round-trip transport from Miami.
Free Cancellation A 60-minute narrated airboat tour through the Florida Everglades to see alligators and native wildlife up close.
Free Cancellation Spot alligators and native birds on a high-speed airboat tour through Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Explore the Everglades with a veteran Miami guide to learn about local wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts.
Free Cancellation Explore the northern Everglades on a 90-minute airboat safari to spot alligators and native Florida wildlife.
Free Cancellation Ride an airboat through the Florida Everglades and see alligators up close with roundtrip travel from Miami Beach.
Free Cancellation Explore Everglades National Park through a guided nature walk, a narrated scenic drive, and an extended airboat ride.
Free Cancellation Spend an hour skimming across the River of Grass on an airboat guided by expert local Gladesmen.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Everglades — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Everglades boat tours offer an exhilarating way to explore the famous 'River of Grass.' You can expect to glide across shallow sawgrass marshes, spot wild alligators, and learn about this massive subtropical wilderness from expert local guides.
Skim across the shallow wetlands on a flat-bottomed airboat. These unique vessels can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, providing a thrilling ride through areas traditional boats can't access.
Keep your eyes peeled for the park's famous residents. It is highly common to see wild alligators sunning on the banks, along with turtles and diverse wading birds.
Tours are led by experienced Gladesmen and naturalists. They provide live commentary on the complex hydrology, history, and conservation efforts of the Everglades.
Many airboat operators include access to on-site wildlife exhibits. After your ride, you can walk through sanctuaries featuring rescued reptiles and learn more about native species.
Depending on your launch point, you might navigate through dense mangrove forests. These shaded, narrow waterways offer an intimate look at the coastal estuarine environment.
The majority of airboat facilities and national park boardwalks are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making this an easy adventure for all ages and mobility levels.
Planning your Everglades boat tour is straightforward, but knowing your options will help you pick the perfect trip. Here is what you need to know before securing your tickets.
You can book a simple 30- to 60-minute airboat ride if you have your own car, or opt for a half-day excursion that includes roundtrip bus transportation from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. There are also full-day combo tours that pair the Everglades with Miami city tours and Biscayne Bay cruises.
Most airboat tour tickets cover the boat ride and access to the operator's specific wildlife exhibits. However, if you plan to drive into the official Everglades National Park entrances afterward, you will need to pay the $35 per vehicle National Park entrance fee separately.
While airboats depart frequently (often every 20 to 30 minutes between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM), it is highly recommended to book in advance. Pre-booking secures your time slot, often grants priority boarding, and saves you from waiting in long lines during the busy winter months.
Tours operate rain or shine. Because airboats travel at high speeds, wind is a factor. Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing, and make sure hats and sunglasses are secured with a leash so they don't blow into the swamp.
The Everglades is a very accessible destination. Major airboat operators provide wheelchair-accessible boats and facilities. If you require special accommodations, simply notify the tour operator when booking so they can prepare the boarding ramp.
Most major tour operators offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Always double-check your specific ticket, as some small-group tours may have stricter rules.
| Standard Airboat Ride | Half-Day with Transport | Small Group / VIP Tour | Full-Day Miami Combo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 - 60 minutes | 4 - 5 hours | 1 - 4 hours | 9 hours |
| Best for | Visitors with rental cars | Travelers without a car | Personalized experiences | Maximizing a single day |
| Includes | Airboat ride, wildlife exhibit access | Roundtrip bus from Miami, priority airboat boarding | Smaller boat (8-10 people), expert guide, hotel pickup | Airboat ride, Miami bus tour, Biscayne Bay cruise |
| 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 is only open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Airboat Tour Hours: Most private airboat operators run tours daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Boats typically depart every 20 to 30 minutes. If you book a specific time slot, it's recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and receive your wristband.
Visitor Centers: Facilities like the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center generally operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
By Car: Driving is the easiest way to explore the region. The main park entrance in Homestead is about a 40-mile (1-hour) drive from Miami via the Florida Turnpike. Keep in mind that the park's three main entrances are not interconnected; you must drive outside the park to travel between them.
By Tour Bus: If you don't have a car, booking a tour with transportation is highly recommended. Many operators offer roundtrip motorcoach transfers with designated pickup spots in Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Public Transit: The City of Homestead offers a free seasonal trolley to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center from December through April. Rideshare services like Uber are not recommended for return trips due to extremely poor cell service in the wetlands.
The Dry Season (December through April): This is universally considered the best time to visit the Everglades. The weather is pleasant, humidity is lower, and biting insects are minimal. Most importantly, lower water levels force wildlife—especially alligators and birds—to congregate around remaining water holes, making them incredibly easy to spot.
The Wet Season (May through November): Summer brings extreme heat, high humidity, and daily heavy thunderstorms. Mosquitoes and noseeums become intense, especially in vegetated areas. While the park is lush and green, wildlife disperses across the flooded landscape, making animals harder to find.
Wheelchair Access: The Everglades is highly accessible. Most airboat operators offer ramp access and designated wheelchair spaces on their boats. Inside the national park, popular trails like the Anhinga Trail and Mahogany Hammock feature flat, elevated boardwalks.
Facilities: Visitor centers are equipped with ramps and elevators. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at major visitor centers.
Families and Elderly: The flat terrain is ideal for older visitors and families with strollers. The Shark Valley tram tour offers a comfortable, seated alternative to walking, and golf cart rides can assist visitors up the 45-foot observation tower.
Within the Park: The national park features several visitor centers with educational exhibits, restrooms, and small gift shops. There are no traditional indoor lodging facilities inside the park boundaries, aside from the Flamingo Lodge and houseboats at the far southern tip.
At Airboat Parks: Private airboat operators (like Sawgrass Recreation Park and Everglades Holiday Park) typically have free on-site parking, restrooms, gift shops, and small snack bars. Many also feature enclosed wildlife exhibits and rescued animal sanctuaries that you can walk through before or after your boat ride.
There are three authorized airboat concessionaires that operate directly inside the national park boundaries along the Tamiami Trail. Many other popular airboat operators are located just outside the official park borders, but they still explore the exact same continuous Everglades wetland ecosystem.
While wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, it is highly likely you will see alligators. They are especially easy to spot during the dry season (December through April) when they sunbathe on the banks and gather near remaining water sources.
Usually, no. Private airboat facilities have their own admission prices which cover the boat ride and their specific exhibits. You only need to pay the $35 National Park vehicle fee if you plan to drive into the official park entrances like Homestead or Shark Valley.
Airboats can reach speeds of up to 40 mph. Because they are flat-bottomed and powered by giant aircraft propellers, they glide smoothly over the shallow sawgrass marshes where traditional boats would get stuck.
Infants and small children are generally allowed and can sit on an adult's lap. However, some operators do not recommend the ride for pregnant travelers or those with spinal issues due to occasional bumps. Always check the specific tour's restrictions before booking.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and closed-toe shoes. Because the boats move fast and generate a lot of wind, it is crucial to secure your hats and sunglasses with a leash so they don't blow off into the water.
Yes, most major airboat operators and their surrounding facilities are fully wheelchair accessible. Ramps are used to board the boats, and staff are available to assist with boarding.
Tours generally operate rain or shine, so bringing a poncho is a good idea. However, operators will temporarily pause or cancel departures if there is severe weather or lightning in the area for safety reasons.
A standard airboat ride usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. If you book a package that includes bus transportation from Miami or additional city tours, the entire experience can take anywhere from 4 to 9 hours.
Relying on rideshare apps for a return trip is highly discouraged. The Everglades has notoriously poor or nonexistent cell service, making it very difficult to request a ride once you are there. It is much better to book a tour that includes roundtrip transportation.
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Head into the Florida Everglades for a guided tour by airboat. You can choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour ride through the wetlands to see the local landscape and wildlife in their natural habitat. Your ticket also includes admission to the Wildlife Park. Here, you can walk through the exhibits and attend live demonstrations to learn more about the animals native to the region. For a longer visit, the half-day package upgrade adds a barbecue lunch and a souvenir photo holding a small alligator.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Check-in begins at 8:30 am at 305 Lincoln Road for a 9:00 am departure. This full-day trip covers the city’s major landmarks from an open-top double-decker bus, passing through South Beach, the Art Deco District, and downtown Miami. The itinerary also includes a boat cruise for views of the skyline and waterfront homes, followed by an airboat ride in the Everglades. The tour includes a scheduled stop for lunch and returns around 6:30 pm. While the bus, boat, and Everglades sessions are all included, the order of these activities may be adjusted based on weather conditions. Your final schedule will be confirmed at check-in. This is a no-frills option focused on covering the most ground for the lowest price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Travel from Miami to Sawgrass Recreation Park on a climate-controlled Big Bus for a guided tour of the Florida Everglades. Upon arrival, you will receive priority boarding for an airboat ride that reaches speeds of up to 40 mph. Your captain will navigate the waterways while helping you spot alligators, turtles, and native bird species in their natural habitat. After the boat tour, you can visit the park’s reptile sanctuary, which cares for over 50 rescued animals. You will see 'Cannibal,' a 1,000-pound alligator, and can attend educational presentations about the local environment. The park also features The Gator Grill for snacks and meals before your return trip to the city.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Head to Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale for a 60-minute airboat tour through the 'River of Grass.' Led by experienced local Gladesmen, these narrated trips provide a look into the history and ecology of the South Florida wetlands. The airboats travel across the marsh, stopping to point out native wildlife like the American alligator and various bird species. It is a direct way to see the ecosystem up close while learning from guides who know the area's terrain and resident animals. Please be aware that this ticket is for the airboat tour only. The narrated excursion lasts approximately one hour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park provides a direct look at the Florida Everglades. You will travel through the marshlands on a flat-bottomed boat, reaching areas of the ecosystem that are otherwise difficult to access. The tour focuses on spotting native wildlife in their natural habitat. Along with the area’s famous alligators, you can expect to see turtles, local fish, and several species of wading birds throughout the wetlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Join a guide with over 10 years of experience in Miami for an in-depth look at the Everglades. To ensure a personal experience, we keep our groups small to medium-sized, allowing plenty of time for questions and discussion. This isn't just a sightseeing trip; it’s an opportunity to understand the ecosystem from someone who has spent years working to protect it. During the tour, we’ll explore the specific challenges facing the wetlands today, including urban development, drainage issues, and the impact of invasive species from South America. We’ll share our history of local conservation work and talk about practical steps you can take to help preserve this habitat. We look forward to showing you why this landscape is so vital to Florida.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This 90-minute airboat tour departs from Kissimmee, taking you into the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. We use smaller boats that accommodate only 8 to 10 passengers, allowing for a quieter experience and the ability to navigate deeper into the marshlands than larger vessels. Led by an experienced captain, this safari-style trip focuses on observing the region's diverse wildlife. You will travel through wide-open wetlands to spot American alligators, native birds, and turtles in their natural habitat. The tour is designed to provide a clear view of the ecosystem without the crowds often found at larger attractions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This half-day excursion takes you into the heart of the Florida Everglades for an airboat ride through the sawgrass marshes. You will spend time on the water looking for alligators and native birds in the wild, followed by a live wildlife show and access to the park's alligator exhibits. The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Miami Beach, providing a straightforward way to see the wetlands without needing a car. Buses depart twice daily at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. To ensure a smooth departure, please arrive at the main tour location 30 minutes before your scheduled time to check in. After the airboat ride and park exploration, the shuttle will return you back to the starting point in Miami Beach.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Spend 90 minutes walking through Everglades National Park with a naturalist guide to spot alligators, turtles, and native birds in the wild. As Florida’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wetland offers a close look at a complex ecosystem. After the walk, you will have 20 to 30 minutes of free time to visit the national park visitor center for stamps or souvenirs, followed by a narrated drive through the park led by your guide. The experience concludes with a 60-to-70-minute airboat trip deep into the "River of Grass." This route travels far from the main land to reach remote areas where wildlife is more abundant. Along the way, you will learn about the history and culture of the Native American tribes who call this wilderness home and see how they have adapted to life in the glades.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This one-hour airboat tour takes you deep into the Florida Everglades, often called the River of Grass. You’ll travel across the shallow marshes and sawgrass prairies that define this unique ecosystem, led by guides who have spent their lives navigating these waters. During the trip, your guide will share insights into the local environment and point out the wildlife that calls the glades home. Because these airboats are designed to move through thin water, you'll reach areas of the landscape that are otherwise inaccessible, giving you a closer look at the sights and sounds of the wetlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English