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Explore the unique ecosystems of the Everglades with guided boat, kayak, and airboat tours. Spot native wildlife like manatees and dolphins while learning from certified naturalists.
Free Cancellation Spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles in shallow waters before stopping at an island to hunt for shells and relics.
Free Cancellation Explore the Everglades by boat, kayak, and on foot with a naturalist guide to spot manatees, dolphins, and rare birds.
Free Cancellation Ride an open airboat through Everglades National Park and see a live alligator presentation with park fees included.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Everglades — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Everglades eco tours offer an immersive journey into the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. You will glide through diverse ecosystems, from shaded mangrove tunnels to vast sawgrass prairies, spotting unique wildlife like alligators and manatees alongside expert naturalists.
Skim across shallow freshwater marshes on a classic airboat or navigate coastal estuaries in a motorboat to cover large distances quickly.
Observe wild alligators, West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and vibrant wading birds in their natural, protected habitats.
Paddle quietly through mysterious mangrove tunnels and hike elevated boardwalks through dense tropical hardwood hammocks.
Take a relaxing 15-mile guided loop through the heart of the 'river of grass' and climb a 45-foot observation tower for panoramic views.
Learn about the park's nine interconnected ecosystems and complex hydrology from certified Florida Master Naturalists.
Planning an eco tour in the Everglades requires considering the season, your physical fitness level, and what type of wetland experience you want.
Options range from fast-paced airboat rides and coastal motorboat excursions to active, small-group kayak and walking combo tours. Choose based on whether you prefer a relaxed, seated ride or a hands-on paddling experience.
Tours sell out quickly during the popular dry season (December through April). If you are visiting during these peak months, book your excursions several weeks in advance to secure your spot.
Check if your tour includes the national park entrance fee. The standard vehicle pass is $35, and starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents 16 and older must pay an additional $100 fee. Some private airboat tours include tickets, while others require you to buy a digital pass separately.
Kayak and walking combo tours require a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to climb down a boat ladder. Airboat and motorboat tours are suitable for all fitness levels, though airboats are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.
The park's three main entrances do not connect internally. Pay close attention to your tour's departure point. Some tours offer convenient hotel pickups from Miami, while others require you to drive up to an hour to reach a specific marina or visitor center.
Always pack quick-drying clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and rain gear. Sunscreen, a hat secured with a leash, and strong insect repellent are absolute musts, especially if you visit during the humid summer months.
Most major Everglades eco tours offer flexible booking. You can typically receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Motorboat Eco Tour | Boat, Kayak & Walking Tour | Airboat Tour with Transport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | Half-day (40-45m ride) |
| Best for | Marine wildlife & coastal views | Active explorers & deep nature immersion | Convenience from Miami & classic airboat thrills |
| Includes | Water, snacks, ponchos, insect repellent | Kayak gear, boat transport, Master Naturalist guide | Miami hotel pickup, airboat ticket, snacks |
| Price from | $149.00 | $199.95 | $106.20 |
Everglades National Park is open every day of the year, but hours vary significantly depending on which entrance you use.
Always check current conditions on the NPS website before your visit, as seasonal flooding can occasionally alter access hours.
Because the park spans over 1.5 million acres, getting there depends heavily on which area you plan to explore. The park's main entrances do not connect internally, so you must drive outside the park to travel between them.
The Everglades experiences two distinct seasons, which drastically change the visitor experience.
Everglades National Park is highly accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
While the Everglades is a massive wilderness, it offers essential facilities for visitors, though traditional commercial amenities are limited.
To protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, the park enforces several strict regulations.
It depends on the specific tour. Some guided airboat tours that pick up from Miami include the entrance fee in their ticket price. However, if you drive yourself, you must pay the standard $35 per vehicle fee. Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents 16 and older will also be charged an additional $100 nonresident fee.
The Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. You will likely see alligators in the freshwater marshes like Shark Valley, while American crocodiles are usually spotted on coastal boat tours near the saltwater of the Flamingo Marina.
Wear quick-drying clothing, long pants, and long sleeves to protect against sun and insects. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking segments, and you should bring rain gear, sunglasses, and a hat secured with a leash to prevent it from blowing off on fast boats.
Yes, the Everglades is a great family destination, and children under 16 enter the national park for free. Most airboat and motorboat tours allow infants and strollers, though infants may be required to sit on an adult's lap. Kayak tours generally require older children who can handle moderate physical activity.
The park's main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead is approximately 40 miles southwest of Miami, which takes about one hour by car. Many tour operators offer convenient hotel pickup services from downtown Miami and Miami Beach if you prefer not to drive.
No. Drones, quadcopters, and all other unmanned aircraft are strictly prohibited everywhere inside Everglades National Park. You are welcome to bring standard cameras and telephoto lenses to capture wildlife from a safe distance.
Most of the eco tours listed offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can typically receive a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
No, the park's three main entrances—Ernest F. Coe in Homestead, Shark Valley in Miami, and Gulf Coast in Everglades City—do not connect internally. You must drive outside the park boundaries to travel between them, and they are located at least an hour apart from one another.
Yes, it is safe when you follow the rules and go with a professional guide. You must maintain a strict safety distance of 15 to 20 feet from all wildlife and never attempt to feed them. Swimming is strictly prohibited in all park waters.
Tours generally operate rain or shine, and operators often provide ponchos for sudden downpours. However, in the event of severe lightning or extreme weather, the tour may be delayed or rescheduled for safety reasons.
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This tour explores a shallow water ecosystem home to a wide variety of native wildlife. As we navigate the area, you can expect to see bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and stingrays. This region is particularly notable for being a habitat for five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, as well as numerous coastal birds and fish. The trip includes a stop at a local island where you can get out and explore the shoreline. These beaches are excellent for shelling and are known for their historical connection to the Calusa Indians. While walking the quiet coast, visitors often find unique shells and occasionally uncover ancient artifacts left behind by the island's original inhabitants.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour combines a boat excursion, kayaking, and a guided hike into a single trip through Everglades National Park. Led by a Florida Master Naturalist, you will travel by transport boat into the park's interior before switching to stable kayaks. Moving quietly through the water provides the best chance to see manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and birds like roseate spoonbills and bald eagles. Both single and two-person kayaks are available, and no prior experience is needed. The final leg of the trip includes a walking tour of a remote barrier island beach, an area rarely reached by other visitors. Your guide will highlight the local plants and wildlife throughout the experience. From June through October, we recommend booking a morning tour to ensure the best weather conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Starting March 10, 2026, this tour will operate from an authorized facility inside Everglades National Park. This relocation is due to critically low water levels north of Tamiami Trail, which have temporarily suspended traditional marsh operations. The updated experience includes a 40–45 minute shared ride on a large open-air airboat through the park's protected wetlands, and all National Park entrance fees are included in the price. Beyond the boat tour, the visit features a live alligator presentation and access to local nature trails. Guests will also have free time to explore the onsite gift shop and snack area. This itinerary replaces the previous small-boat tours on the Miccosukee reservation until water conditions allow for a return to those areas.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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