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Everglades

Everglades Tours & Tickets

4.3 (18 347 reviews)

Explore the Florida Everglades on a guided airboat tour through the marshlands. Choose from quick 30-minute rides or half-day excursions with roundtrip transportation from Miami.

🚤 Guided airboat rides and safaris
💵 Tours starting from just $33
🚐 Roundtrip transportation options from Miami
🕒 Free 24-hour cancellation available
Everglades Small-Group Tour from Miami with Transportation Free Cancellation
4.7 (2 773)

Everglades Small-Group Tour from Miami with Transportation

Take a 4–5 hour small-group trip from Miami to the Everglades for an airboat ride and guided wildlife viewing.

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch Free Cancellation
4.8 (2 686) ⏱ 1h

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

Ride an airboat through the Everglades, explore the wildlife park, and see live gator demonstrations.

Best of Miami: City Tour, Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride Free Cancellation
3.7 (2 496) ⏱ 9h

Best of Miami: City Tour, Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

A full-day budget tour covering Miami’s city sights by bus, the bay by boat, and an airboat ride in the Everglades.

Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Exhibit, & Roundtrip Bus from Miami Free Cancellation
4.3 (2 209) ⏱ 5h

Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Exhibit, & Roundtrip Bus from Miami

Ride an airboat through the Everglades and visit a reptile sanctuary with round-trip transport from Miami.

Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours & Rides Free Cancellation
4.1 (1 947) ⏱ 1h 30min

Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours & Rides

Join a 60-minute guided airboat tour through the Everglades to spot wild alligators and native Florida wildlife.

Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter Free Cancellation
4.3 (1 848) ⏱ 30min

Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter

Explore the Everglades on a high-speed airboat tour to spot alligators, turtles, and native birds in their habitat.

60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide
4.4 (1 338)

60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

Discover the Everglades’ unique ecosystem and conservation efforts on an intimate tour led by a 10-year local expert.

90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida Free Cancellation
4.8 (1 322) ⏱ 1h 30min

90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida

Explore the northern Everglades on a 90-minute small-group airboat safari through Kissimmee’s marshlands.

Everglades Airboat Safari Adventure with Transportation Free Cancellation
3.2 (976)

Everglades Airboat Safari Adventure with Transportation

Take a guided airboat tour through the Everglades from Miami Beach, including wildlife shows and alligator exhibits.

Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included Free Cancellation
4.6 (752) ⏱ 4h

Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included

Spend an hour skimming across the Everglades on an airboat guided by local experts.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Everglades — from practical tips to personal highlights.

C
Chloe R. Ireland, Apr 2026
4.3

"The airboat ride itself was absolutely brilliant, flying across the river of grass is something else. The pickup logistics from our Miami hotel were a bit confusing because of the city rules, but the guide emailed us a safe meeting point nearby so it worked out fine in the end."

S
Sarah J. Canada, Feb 2026
5.0

"We drove our rental to Sawgrass Recreation Park for the 40-minute airboat ride. Super easy to check in with our wristbands. Captain Mike was hilarious and knew exactly where to find the baby alligators hiding in the reeds. Highly recommend the morning slots before it gets too hot."

E
Emma W. Australia, Jan 2026
4.9

"Did the 90-minute smaller airboat tour out near Kissimmee. Honestly, being on a smaller 8-seater boat made such a difference! We got way deeper into the marsh than the big commercial boats. Saw massive gators right up close. Incredible experience."

D
Dave M. United Kingdom, Jan 2026
4.8

"Booked the small group tour from Miami Beach. The Sprinter van was super comfy and our driver had loads of fun facts on the way down. The airboat ride was class—saw about six gators and a bunch of cool birds. Just remember to bring your own earplugs!"

M
Marcus T. USA, Dec 2025
4.6

"Took the VIP tour from Fort Lauderdale. The pickup was right on time. The Gladesman guide was super knowledgeable about the ecosystem and conservation efforts, not just putting on a show. Got a free group photo too which was a nice touch."

L
Luis C. Mexico, Jun 2025
4.5

"The full day combo tour was a great way to see Miami and the Everglades without renting a car. The open-top bus was nice, but the airboat was definitely the highlight. It felt a bit rushed at the gator park, but for the price, you really can't complain."

What to Expect on Your Everglades Tour

Experience the vast, subtropical wilderness of Everglades National Park, a globally significant ecosystem spanning over 1.5 million acres. Guided tours take you deep into the 'River of Grass,' offering thrilling airboat rides, wildlife encounters, and expert insights into this unique habitat.

🚤

Airboat Adventures

Glide across the sawgrass prairies at thrilling speeds on a traditional airboat. These specialized vessels access shallow marshlands that larger boats simply cannot reach.

🐊

Wildlife Spotting

Look out for wild alligators, turtles, and diverse wading birds in their natural habitat. The Everglades is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist.

🤠

Expert Gladesmen Guides

Learn about the complex wetland ecology and rich local history from experienced captains who have navigated these intricate waterways for years.

🛶

Mangrove Exploration

Explore the park's estuarine environments by paddling through dense, shaded mangrove tunnels or taking a boat tour to spot manatees and playful dolphins.

🥾

Scenic Boardwalks

Stroll along accessible elevated paths like the Anhinga Trail or Mahogany Hammock, getting up close to wildlife and ancient tropical hardwood forests.

🔭

Shark Valley Views

Climb the 45-foot observation tower or take a relaxing 15-mile tram tour loop for panoramic, sweeping views of the vast wetland landscape.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your Everglades excursion is easy when you know what to look for. Here are the essential details to consider before reserving your tour.

Tour Types Available

You can choose from quick 30-to-60-minute airboat rides if you are driving yourself, half-day small-group excursions from Miami, or full-day combo tours that include Miami city sightseeing and a Biscayne Bay cruise.

Transportation Options

Many tours offer round-trip transportation from Miami or Fort Lauderdale hotels in air-conditioned vans or motorcoaches. This is incredibly helpful, as the park's remote location makes relying on ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft very risky due to poor cell service.

Entrance Fees & Tickets

Most airboat tours operated by concessionaires include the ride and access to their specific wildlife exhibits in the ticket price. If you plan to enter the main national park independently, standard vehicle passes cost $35.00 and are valid for 7 days.

When to Book

The dry season, running from December through April, is the peak time to visit due to lower humidity and concentrated wildlife. Tours, especially small-group options with transportation, frequently sell out during these months, so book well in advance.

Accessibility Information

Many airboat facilities and national park trails are highly wheelchair accessible. Look for tours explicitly stating wheelchair accessibility, and note that specialized infant seats are often available upon request for van transports.

Cancellation Policies

The vast majority of Everglades tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change.

Weather & Dress Code

Tours operate rain or shine. Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing, bring rain gear for sudden downpours, and don't forget strong insect repellent and sun protection. A hat with a leash is highly recommended for windy airboat rides.

Which Everglades Tour Is Best for You

Airboat Ride OnlyHalf-Day Tour with TransportFull-Day Miami Combo
Duration 30 - 60 minutes4 - 5 hours9 hours
Best for Travelers with rental cars on a tight scheduleVisitors staying in Miami without a carFirst-time visitors wanting to see everything
Includes Airboat ride, wildlife exhibit accessRound-trip transport, airboat ride, guideCity bus tour, bay cruise, Everglades airboat
Price from ~$33~$45 - $82~$78

Plan Your Visit to Everglades

Everglades National Park has varying hours depending on the entrance and facility you plan to visit:

  • Main Entrance (Homestead): Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You will not get locked in overnight.
  • Shark Valley Entrance: The gate on U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Visitor Centers: Hours vary by location. For example, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Airboat concessionaires outside the main gates typically operate tours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Always check your specific tour voucher for check-in times.

Because the park's entrances do not connect internally, planning your route is crucial.

  • By Car from Miami: To reach the main Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, take the Florida Turnpike south until it merges with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336). The drive is approximately 40 miles and takes about an hour.
  • Public Transit: The City of Homestead offers a free seasonal trolley (December through April) to the main visitor center, though you must still pay the park entrance fee.
  • Ride Shares: Using Uber or Lyft is highly discouraged unless you have pre-arranged a return ride. Cell service in the park is extremely limited, making it nearly impossible to hail a ride back to the city.

Dry Season (December through April): This is the most popular and comfortable time to visit. Lower temperatures and reduced humidity make outdoor activities pleasant. Wildlife, especially alligators and wading birds, concentrate around remaining water bodies, making them much easier to spot.

Wet Season (May through November): This period brings extreme heat, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes and biting insects become incredibly abundant. While it is less crowded, many ranger programs are reduced, and seasonal flooding can impact trail access.

The Everglades is highly accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.

  • Trails: The park features several flat, wheelchair-friendly options, including the paved 1-mile Guy Bradley Trail and the elevated boardwalks of the Anhinga and Mahogany Hammock Trails.
  • Facilities: Visitor centers are ramp or elevator accessible. Wheelchairs are available on loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Tours: The 15-mile Shark Valley tram tour offers a seated way to view wildlife and features ramp access. Many airboat operators also provide accessible boarding options, but it is best to notify them in advance.

While the Everglades is a vast wilderness, it offers essential facilities for visitors:

  • Lodging: There are no traditional indoor lodging facilities inside the park, aside from the Flamingo Lodge and houseboats. Camping is available at the Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds.
  • Food and Drink: Dining options are very limited. Visitors are strongly advised to pack plenty of their own drinking water and high-energy snacks, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at all major visitor centers and official marina areas.

To protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem, strict rules are enforced:

  • Wildlife Safety: Maintain a distance of at least 15 to 20 feet from alligators and crocodiles. Feeding, provoking, or harassing wildlife is a federal criminal offense.
  • Prohibited Items: Drones and all other unmanned aircraft are strictly banned throughout the park.
  • Water Safety: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving are banned in all canals, ponds, and lakes due to the presence of dangerous predators.
  • Pets: Pets are prohibited on most park trails to protect them from predators. They are allowed in parking lots but must remain on a leash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the national park and airboat tours?

Airboats are not allowed in the majority of the national park to protect the ecosystem. Instead, authorized airboat concessionaires operate along the Tamiami Trail or just outside park boundaries. The main park entrances offer hiking, kayaking, and tram tours.

Can I see both alligators and crocodiles in the Everglades?

Yes, the Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild. Alligators prefer the freshwater marshes, while American crocodiles are typically found in the saltwater and brackish coastal areas near Flamingo.

Do tours include hotel pickup in Miami?

Many half-day and full-day tour packages include round-trip transportation from specific Miami and Fort Lauderdale hotels. This is highly recommended, as it saves you the 40+ mile drive and avoids issues with ride-share apps losing cell service at the park.

Are airboats loud, and do I need earplugs?

Airboats are powered by large aircraft or automotive engines and are very loud. While some operators provide ear protection, it is a good idea to bring your own earplugs just in case, especially for young children.

What should I wear on an Everglades tour?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring a hat with a leash so it doesn't blow away on the fast-moving airboat. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and strong insect repellent are also essential.

Will I definitely see alligators on my tour?

While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed in the wild, alligators are highly abundant in the Everglades. During the dry season (December through April), it is extremely rare not to spot several alligators during an airboat ride or trail walk.

Are Everglades tours safe for young children?

Yes, tours are very safe and educational for families. Children can ride on airboats, though infants may need to sit on an adult's lap. However, parents must supervise children closely at all times, especially near shorelines.

Can I take an Uber or Lyft to the park?

While you can easily get a ride to the park, getting a ride back is nearly impossible. The park's remote areas have extremely limited cellular service, meaning you likely won't be able to hail a return ride. Booking a tour with transport is a much safer option.

Do I need to buy a national park pass if I book an airboat tour?

Most airboat tours operate at private recreation parks or designated concession areas where your tour ticket covers entry. However, if you plan to visit the main national park entrances independently, you will need to purchase a $35 standard vehicle pass.

What happens if it rains on the day of my tour?

Florida weather changes rapidly, and most airboat tours operate rain or shine. If an operator has to cancel a tour due to severe lightning or unsafe weather conditions, you will typically be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

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