everglades boat tour

create unforgettable Everglades memories at captain jack's!

Zip through Everglades City on airboat tours

Venture through a cypress forest on a swamp buggy

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Mangrove maze airboat tours.

Race through a maze of Everglades mangroves on an airboat, away from other traffic.

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Combos

• Total Everglades Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

Take a high-speed tour of Everglades City's signature mangrove tunnels!

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Grassland airboat Tours

Grassland & Buggy Combo

• Grassland Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

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If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

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• Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

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2 attractions, 90–120 min tour, 3 hour visit, 2 attractions included.

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Why Choose Everglades National Park Adventures?

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Comfortable & accessible boat, top questions.

• 45 minutes from Naples
• 75 minutes from Fort Myers
• 90 minutes from Miami
• 3 hours from Tampa
• 4 hours from Orlando

Don't use Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing services. They can't pick you up when you're done!

• Yes, all ages are welcome on all our tours.
• Any passengers aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by at least one passenger who is aged 18 or older.
• Consider bringing sunblock, bug spray, sunglasses, a hat, and water.
• If rain is forecasted, we recommend bringing a poncho.
• We are always on the lookout for manatees, sea turtles, osprey, shore birds, and dolphins.
• You might also spot alligators, raccoons, manatees and more at the Everglades City boardwalk, an attraction that is included with your tour.
• Our tours run rain or shine, except when there's a thunderstorm.
• We don't refund bookings if you cancel too close to a tour's departure time (check the policy when booking).
• Sometimes we need to delay due to thunderstorms or other unforeseen circumstances. We'll do our best to reschedule or issue a refund.
• Yes. The boat is accessible via a ramp from the dock. The boat's deck has space for wheelchairs next to its bench seats. Learn more about accessibility .
• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on the 10,000 Islands Boat Tour, but ADA service animals are permitted. Learn more about our ADA service animal policies .

Meet the Animals of Everglades National Park!

• 10K & Buggy Tour Combo
• Meet the Animals
• Nature & Culture
• About the Tour Boat
• Everglades National Park Passes
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A Guide to Everglades National Park: The Best Boat Tours, Alligator Lookouts, and Local-Loved Fruit Stands

By Matt Kirouac

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Despite the fact that South Beach is barely an hour’s drive away,  Everglades National Park is a vast, immersive wilderness that feels like a world of its own. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Miami, the mighty River of Grass—so named by conservationist and author Marjory Stoneman Douglas, describing its billowing sawgrass marshes and swampy waterways—protects 1.5 million acres of uniquely Floridian flora and fauna. While climate change and early developers have dwindled these once-mightier wetlands, fed at a trickle pace by Lake Okeechobee in central Florida, it’s still the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. National park status was given in 1947 to protect this delicate landscape from further drainage. 

Nowadays, Everglades, the third largest national park in the lower 48 states, is the only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist, and alongside rare Florida panthers, manatees, dolphins, sharks, and invasive pythons—in a sea of coastal mangrove forests, labyrinthine waterways, pine flatwoods, murky swamps, and sawgrass marshes so endless that early explorers coined the forever-sounding word “Everglades.”

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know for a visit to Everglades National Park. From the best time to visit to the boat tours that best showcase this wonder, consider this your definitive guide to the crown jewel of Florida's national parks . 

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Everglades National Park's Shark Valley observation tower 

Alligator in Everglades National Park

When to visit Everglades National Park

While most parts of the country see all four seasons, there are really only two in Everglades National Park: dry and wet. During the dry season, from December through March, humidity is at its lowest, rain is rarer, mosquitos wane, and temperatures are comfortably warm, with average highs of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows of 53 degrees. The most popular months for the park’s one million annual visitors, this is also the season when wildlife is most active; animals like alligators, deer, and wading birds congregate around lingering water holes. With increased visitation, though, comes increased demand for campsites, ranger-guided tour slots, rentals for equipment like kayaks and canoes, and parking, thus necessitating advanced reservations across the board. 

The wet season, conversely, transforms the Everglades into a watery wonderland. Aligning with hurricane season, from May through November, this is when thunderous weather is more likely (afternoon downpours are a common, albeit fleeting, occurrence), humidity is over 90 percent, mosquitos and flies are swarming, and temperatures soar to average highs of 90 degrees. Higher water levels also mean wildlife is more dispersed, and ranger-guided programs drop off as some facilities enter a seasonal hibernation. Despite the drastic weather changes, a visit in the summer has its pros too: lusher landscapes, decreased crowds, prime boat tour conditions, and opportunities to spot more alligators in the water, rather than on dry land. 

The best things to do in Everglades National Park

Unlike some of the iconic national parks in the west, with their soaring peaks and deep canyons, Everglades is the type of national park where water is the star. Yes, there are hiking trails, but most are short and all are flat—Florida, after all, is the  flattest state in the country . A majority of the trails are aquatic ones, for paddle sports and boats. Canoeing and kayaking are popular excursions, and guests are able to bring their own , or rent from within the park, at the  Gulf Coast area or  Flamingo . The Gulf Coast teems with tree-lined paddle trails, including the five-mile Sandfly Island Loop and those along Turner River. From the Flamingo area, paddlers have the opportunity to see crocodiles as they wind their way up Buttonwood Canal to Coot Bay, or out into Florida Bay, where Bradley Key is the only island available for landing.

Boat tours and rentals are also available throughout the park, with excursions to the Ten Thousand Islands from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, or back country boat tours to Whitewater Bay from Flamingo Marina. Airboat tours, meanwhile, are operated by three permitted outfitters near Shark Valley:  Coopertown Airboats ,  Everglades Safari Park , and  Gator Park .  

For those who prefer dry land, there are still plenty of options throughout the park. Anhinga Trail, close to the east entrance nearest Miami, is a crowd-favorite 0.8-mile boardwalk loop through a sawgrass marsh, where visitors are practically guaranteed to see an alligator or two (including some those that typically sun-bathe right next to the trail in the dry season). While you won’t see any sharks in the Shark Valley section of the park, located smack dab in the inland midst of the park’s sprawling marshland, you’re highly likely to spot alligators basking along the 15-mile paved loop road that leads to a 70-foot observation tower. Said tower is accessible via narrated tram rides or bike rentals, both from the Shark Valley Visitor Center. In the Flamingo area, at the southern nexus of the Florida coastline, trails include the bay-hugging Guy Bradley Trail, where manatee sightings are common, and the Coastal Prairie Trail, one of the longer treks in the park at 7.5 miles one way along a defunct road to a quiet beach.  

Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Where to stay in Everglades National Park

Camping in the park is a great way to immerse yourself further in the solitude and serenity of this subtropical wilderness. The largest campground in the park, Flamingo Campground is a Wi-Fi-less escape with 274 tent sites and 65 RV sites, along with glamping Eco-Tents. There are no proper lodging facilities in the park, but  houseboat rentals are available from Flamingo Marina, allowing up to six guests to literally sleep on Whitewater Bay. For something more primitive, paddlers and boaters can pitch tents on elevated riverside camping platforms called chickees ( permits are required ). 

Sarah Enelow-Snyder

Juliana Shallcross

Boutayna Chokrane

Sarah James

Outside of the park, comfortable accommodations can be found near all of the entrances, including cottage suites at  Port of the Islands Resort near Everglades City, and all manner of chain properties between the main Ernest C. Coe Visitor Center and Miami . A bit more luxe,  Baker’s Cay Resort is a tropical paradise on nearby Key Largo. The Davidson Resorts property draws guests with its bay-front suites, two pools, dock-to-dish dining, a tiki bar, and one of the only sandy beaches on the Keys. 

What to do nearby

An apt pitstop outside the east entrance of the park,  Robert Is Here is the self-described “Disney World of fruit stands,” featuring an array of tropical fruits and a milkshake counter where guests can mix and match produce like guava, mamey, jackfruit, dragon fruit, banana, coconut, and canistel. 

Between Everglades and Miami is another smaller national park that flies a lot further under the radar. One of the most aquatic parks in the country,  Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water, awash with shipwrecks, more nautical wildlife than  Finding Nemo , and the largest coral reef in North America. Guided boat tours take guests to different keys for on-land outings, but most activities are wetter, like snorkel reef tours and stand-up paddle boarding through mangroves mazes at Jones Key. 

North of the park, the  Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge affords more opportunities for dry-land hiking in the Big Cypress Basin. Although panther sightings are rare and unlikely, the refuge allows visitors to trek through their native habitat, including along the 1.19-mile Panther Trail. 

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Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park

Plan your trip to the southern tip of Florida to visit the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Why you should go to Everglades National Park

Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park , the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. While the park’s main purpose is preserving wilderness, Everglades also provides plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Although technically a wetland , perhaps it’s best to think of the Everglades as the nation’s slowest, widest river—a constant stream of freshwater roughly 60 miles wide, moving at a speed of around 2.5 miles per day as it makes its way south to Florida Bay. The Seminole people called the region Okeechobee (“river of grass”). And while a large part of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses mangroves , tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), pine and cypress forests, freshwater prairie, and various marine and estuarine habitats.

(This ambitious new trail will someday connect South Florida’s two national parks.)

“A visitor with an untrained eye—especially one used to the dramatic vistas of some western national parks—might arrive at Everglades National Park and think ‘What's the big deal?’” says Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It's a park that requires you to really train your eye and be mindful and be present. When you do that, you can experience some really incredible and subtle nature.”

Where to find the best views in the park

With elevation ranging between sea level and eight feet, it’s not easy to snatch a lofty view of the park anywhere other than the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower . Opened in 1984, the futuristic spiral renders views of up to 20 miles across the Everglades.

Fourteen miles west of Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk and elevated shade shelter provides another wide view across the river of grass.

One of the best coastal views is from the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo.

Where to find the park’s best trails

Located near Coe Visitor Center, the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) meander through Royal Palm hammock, while the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails   penetrate the park’s largest stand of native pines.

Dead flat and paved, the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail varies between sawgrass marsh and tropical hardwood hammocks. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks, just snoozing gators to step around (at a safe distance, of course).

Where to spot wildlife

Flamingo village is surprisingly good for wildlife. Osprey hatch and raise their young on nesting towers beside the marina, while manatees and American crocodile are sometimes spotted in the bay and nearby mangrove channels.

Alligators   routinely emerge from the swamp and sun themselves on or beside the Shark Valley Trail . It’s also a primo bird habitat for creepy-looking wood storks, gorgeous roseate spoonbills, and anhinga “snakebirds.”

Other places to watch gators and birdlife are the Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk   in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park adjacent to the national park.

(Go on a wildlife odyssey through the Everglades and Key West.)

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

National Geographic Young Explorer and conservation biologist Gabriela Tejeda has guided visitors along the park’s Florida Bay coast in boats, kayaks, and on paddleboards.

Her favorite way to explore inland areas is "slough slogging." It entails hiking in knee-to-waist-high water through sawgrass to reach secluded hardwood hammocks   or cypress domes —flora and fauna rich arboreal islands in the sawgrass.

When viewed from above, the domes form a rough circle around a pond. “What I didn’t know the first time I explored a dome,” Tejeda recalls, “is that the water in the middle is an ‘alligator hole’—a place where they hang out in the winter when the rest of the Everglades is drying out.”

“[The cypress domes] are unlike anything I had ever seen,” Tejeda continues. “I like to equate them to a fairy tale—a little fairy dome where you just feel like there’s going to be something magical flying around.” No fairy sightings so far. “But I always see owls and alligators and snakes.”

She highly recommends joining a ranger-led slough slog to Double Dome or other cypress domes along the Main Park Road.

Notable activities and excursions

Driving:   The Main Park Road runs through a variety of Everglades ecosystems—freshwater prairie, cypress forest, mangrove, and coastal marsh — on a 38-mile journey between the Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo . Along the way are sideroads to the Royal Palm trails, Historic Nike Missile Site , the   Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and West Lake Boardwalk .

Tours:   Shark Valley offers two-hour narrated tram tours that stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. January through April, rangers lead Full Moon/New Moon Bike Rides and other activities.

Narrated boat tours depart from Flamingo and Everglades City . The latter is also homebase for private outfitters offering airboat tours, including Everglades City Airboat Tours. History buffs should visit the town’s small but interesting Museum of the Everglades .

Paddling:   Flamingo and Everglades City bookend the Everglades’ ultimate kayak/canoe experience —the Wilderness Waterway —a 99-mile meander through mangroves and marshes with raised platform “chickee hut” campsites along the way. Everglades City is also the starting point for self-guided paddles along the Turner River Canoe Trails .

Best things to do for families

Bikes & boats:   If keeping kids active is your mission, rent bikes and dodge snoozing alligators along the Shark Valley Tram Trail or explore Florida Bay and the mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures   offers canoe and kayak rentals in two-hour increments, as well as full-day pontoon boat rentals.

Tours:   Hop aboard a narrated boat tour of Florida Bay (from Flamingo Marina) or the Ten Thousand Islands (from Port Everglades); or feel the wind in your face during an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride from outfitters around the periphery of the park.

Junior Rangers:   Offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the park’s Junior Ranger Booklet features hands-on and self-guided activities including a scavenger hunt to spot wild animals that call the park home.

The park also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides vouchers for fourth graders and their families in the U.S. to visit the Everglades (and other national parks) free of charge for an entire year.

Where to stay

Hotels: Destroyed by a hurricane in 2005, Flaming Lodge is open again with new waterview rooms. Outside the park, the closest hotels are in Homestead and Doral (on the eastern edge of the park) and Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples (beyond the western edge).

Houseboats: Modern, six-person, 42-foot houseboats at Flamingo Marina are equipped with a bathroom (and with shower), an indoor galley, outside grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.

Camping: Long Pine Key Campground is open November 1 to April 30. Flamingo Campground is open year-round. Both feature bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reservations highly recommended. For camping with the comforts of home, Winter Glamping Tents are available November-April in Flamingo.

Wilderness camping is allowed on certain ground or beach sites or “chickees” (elevated camping platforms). Most sites are accessible only by water and all require wilderness permits. Reservations at Recreation.gov .

Here’s what else you need to know

Access: Although the entire coast is open to exploration via watercraft, land-bound visitors have three options for entering the park: Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, and Gulf Coast in the northwest.

When to visit:   The dry season (December to March) is when most ranger programs and park concessions are available. This is also the best time to see wading birds and other wildlife. The wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, buggy, and has fewer park services.

“Many people prefer the winter for the terrific weather,” says ranger Allyson Gantt. “But each season offers something special. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less busy and may offer more solitude. Summer is especially great for boating and other water activities.”

Closures: A multi-year construction project to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) often features delays. Shark Valley parking is often full by 10 a.m. Check out the latest road, trail, and parking lot conditions, plus weather and prescribed burning alerts at the park’s   conditions page.  

Fishing: Unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident 65 or older, a state fishing license is required. Anglers casting south of Nine Mile Pond need a saltwater fishing license; from Nine Mile Pond northwards, a freshwater fishing license is mandatory.

Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling are forbidden anywhere inside the park.

Remote control aircraft: Drones, model airplanes, and similar unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park.

Read before you go:   Originally published in 1947, the definitive Everglades book remains The Everglades: River of Grass ,   by Florida writer and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Are pets allowed?  

Because of the park’s wildlife-rich environment—and the potential threat that it poses to both pets and wild animals—pets and service animals are only allowed in parking lots, on boats, and in the campgrounds and picnic areas at Flamingo and Long Pine Key.

How accessible is Everglades?

Among the accessible sites and services are seven trails, all four visitors centers, two developed campgrounds and one backcountry campsite, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. Visitor information via TDD is available at (305) 242-7740.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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Thing to Do

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Everglades National Park Adventures

• Ticket office has a ramp leading from the parking lot to the interior.
• The 49-passenger pontoon is accessible via a ramp from the dock. The boat's deck has space for wheelchairs next to its bench seats.
• For a complete description of accessible features, please contact the tour office before booking.

Everglades National Park

• everglades national park

Last updated: January 29, 2024

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

The Ten Thousand Islands boat tour explores the coastal wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands, and Everglades National Park.

• This tour is aboard a large, comfortable catamaran motorboat, with partial shade.
• Tour duration: 3 Hours
• Departure: Port of Islands Marina, south of Marco Island, via the Faka Union Canal

A knowledgeable tour guide will share insights about the Ten Thousand Islands, including fascinating history, cultural and ecological significance.

This is one of the best boat tours in the Everglades for wildlife viewing and nature observation. Traditional motorboats are much quieter than airboats, which are more of a noisy “thrill ride” and tend to scare wildlife away.

Although wildlife is unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed, this tour offers a good chance to observe a wide variety of bird species, dolphins, manatees, alligators and more.

Tickets and Availability

Tickets can be purchased online, or in the Lookout Tower gift shop in Everglades City, depending on availability.

View Tour Availability and Details

After booking you will receive a detailed email with information for your tour.

Unfortunately pets are not allowed on this tour due to the length and other factors. Please see this page for dog-friendly tours .

Guests are advised to bring sun protection, polarized sunglasses, and to dress appropriately for the weather and an outdoor adventure. Coolers, food and drinks are allowed and are welcome on board.

There is a “Ship’s Store” convenience store at the marina where this tour departs, which sells snacks and drinks. There are souvenirs for sale, and a limited selection of supplies.

Note: This tour previously departed from the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Due to visitor center construction, this tour now departs from the Port of Islands Marina, south of Marco Island.

Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Photo Tours - 2 Hours

"the quiet alternative to airboats" a quiet, comfortable two-hour boating experience directly in everglades national park. dolphins. eagles. ospreys. pelicans. sea turtles. egrets. herons. manatees. rosette spoonbills. shore birds..

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Everglades safari t-shirt, everglades national park airboat rides, step 1: how many visitors, step 2: select your airboat tour.

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Ride

Buy your Tickets early! Use your online ticket on any day you decide to visit. » 30-40 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

Buy your Tickets early!Use your online ticket on any day you decide to visit. Buying your tickets in advance also saves you $3 per Adult Ticket. » 30-40 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

40 minute Private Eco-Adventure Airboat Ride

Venture deeper into Everglades National Park. Book your Private Eco-Adventure airboat tour online and secure the best date and time for you and your guests. » 40 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

60 minute Private Eco-Adventure Airboat Ride

Venture deeper into Everglades National Park. Book your Private Eco-Adventure airboat tour online and secure the best date and time for you and your guests. » 60 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

60 minute Private Sunset Airboat Tour

Book your Private Sunset airboat tour online and secure the best date and time for you and your guests. Only available at specific times of the year. » 30-40 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

The Original Eco-Adventure Airboat Tour

40 minute private eco-adventure airboat tour, 60 minute private eco-adventure airboat tour.

Buy your Tickets early! Use your online ticket on any day you decide to visit. Buying your tickets in advance also saves you $3 per Adult Ticket. » 30-40 minute Airboat Tour » Wildlife Nature Show » Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

Buy your Tickets Early! Use your online ticket on any day you decide to visit.

Prices include taxes and a $8 National Park Entrance Fee per Adult. Prices are subject to change.

Present your National Parks Pass at the Ticket Booth upon checking in.

All tickets and options are nontransferable and non-refundable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. Everglades Safari Park is subject to seasonal and weather closures.

If you have been looking for an official boat tour of the Everglades National Park, look no further. Everglades Safari Park is an authorized Everglades National Park concession. We are the safest choice for your family as we adhere to strict National Park guidelines. Safari Airboat Tours have educated millions of visitors about the Everglades since 1968. Stick with the professional Everglades Tour. Buy your tickets now for Everglades Safari Park now! This tour departs about every 20-30 minutes. There is no need to make a reservation; you may buy a ticket when you arrive and leave on the next available boat.

Private Eco-Adventure Tour

The 40 Minute Private Eco-Adventure Tour Starts at $313, each additional passenger is $8 for up to 4, $58 each additional passenger. The Wildlife Nature Show and Walking Jungle Trail is included in your tour. Wow!

Journey into nature's secretly preserved wilderness made up of 1.4 million acres of grasslands and hardwood hammocks aboard Everglades Safari Park private airboat rides. This thrilling airboat ride takes you to the legendary Everglades National Park, recognized as the most unique ecosystem. Our professional tour guides will guide you through this natural wonder where you will encounter lush vegetation and tranquility. You will be amidst alligators, native flora and fauna & other exotic wildlife in their habitat as you thrust through this River of Grass.

Private Jungle of Wilderness Tour

The 60 Minute Private Eco-Adventure Tour starts at $363 each additional passenger is $8 for up to 4, $78 each additional passenger. The Wildlife Nature Show and Walking Jungle Trail is included in your tour. Wow!

Journey deep into nature's mysterious wilderness through an intricate River of Grass system aboard your own Safari airboat. A professional tour guide will narrate your trip as you maneuver through this secretly preserved jungle of wilderness. Experience breathtaking panoramic views as you visit the Everglades National Park with stops on levees along the way. You may encounter alligators, turtles, deer, wild hogs, raccoons, native flora and fauna & other exotic wildlife as you glide through the Everglades' lush vegetation and tranquility. This trip is simply amazing!

The 60 Minute Private Eco-Adventure Tour starts at $363, each additional passenger is $8 for up to 4, $78 each additional passenger. The Wildlife Nature Show and Walking Jungle Trail is included in your tour. Wow!

Searching For The Perfect Deal? Look no further!

We offer various discounts to make your Everglades National Park experience more memorable and less stressful on your wallet.

On Vacation & Need A Ride? We Can Help!

We have partnered with the top transportation companies in Miami to provide you reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

Top 7 Things to do in the Everglades

If you ask anyone about the Everglades, they will most probably say that it is the greatest swamp in Florida. They are close but not exactly right! It is a slow-running river that entails around nine contrasting, elegant ecosystems.

History of Airboats

In 1930, airboats started becoming popular in the United States. Many Floridians made them famously known when they began to invent them independently, these Floridians mostly lived in or near the Florida Everglades.

Ultimate Guide: Animals of the Everglades

Did you know the Florida Everglades sustains a unique environment that provides safe refuge to the wildlife that inhabits the wetlands, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world? This guide tells you all about them!

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. In this article, we will shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike; the Florida Everglades.

Park Information

Tour information, things to do in miami, navigation & more, want safari deals.

Number of Children (10-15) travelling?

(Must present a valid National Park Pass to enter the park.)

💝 EXTRA SAVINGS WHEN YOU PURCHASE AN ADVENTURE PACKAGE! CLICK HERE!! 💝

Update on COVID-19 Procedures and Precautions . Reservations will be required for all tours and tickets can either be purchased in advance here on our website or guests can call us at 954-389-0202 to hold a reservation time as well. For a complete list of our COVID-19 protocols please click here. 

Masks are required for indoor areas at park and are recommended for all outdoor spaces where distancing cannot be achieved. Capacity is currently limited- reservations required for all tours.

Guided Everglades Tours & Airboat Rides in Weston, FL

Reservations are required for all tours as we can often sell out. Tickets can either be purchased in advance on our website or guests can call us at 954-389-0202 to hold a reservation time as well.

Enhance your General Admission Airboat Adventure Purchase one of our packages below!

Give the gift of adventure this season when you purchase a GIFT CARD from our park!

Ft. Lauderdale Everglades Airboat Tours

• Most Popular!

Everglades Airboat Adventure & Animal Sanctuary Admission

Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida’s most remarkable treasure–the Everglades on this incredible Florida Everglades airboat tour .

Private Sunrise Airboat Adventure

An adventure like no other. A private tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park for the early Florida sunrise hours when the Everglades are showcasing its raw beauty!

Red Eye Exclusive Nighttime Airboat Adventure

Looking for a private Everglades Airboat Tour through Florida’s incredible swamp at night? Look no further than our Red Eye Exclusive Adventure!

Choose Your Adventure!

Adventure packages, facility rental and events, private adventures, fishing and camping, public adventures, night tours, your everglades airboat adventure starts here.

Climb aboard for an Everglades airboat ride and go on an adventure in the Florida Everglades just outside of Ft. Lauderdale. Your airboat ride is guided by one of our highly-trained, experienced captains, who takes you on a thrilling ride. During your Everglades airboat tour, listen to fun facts about this impressive ecosystem while you take in the exciting sights.

You may even catch a glimpse of the wildlife as you skim across the glassy water on your adventure. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through the unbridled wild beauty of the Florida Everglades. Feel free to let your spirit soar as you view nature at its finest on our Fort Lauderdale everglades tour!

Update on COVID-19 Procedures and Precautions

To our clients and customers, firstly I want to thank you for your continued business. I know that there is a great deal of concern about COVID-19. We share in those concerns; I want to review with you about the operational adjustments and enhancements on existing procedures that we currently have in place for everyone’s safety.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Adult (13+): $26.95 Child (4-12): $16.95 Under 4: Free!

AIRBOATS RUN EVERY DAY

We are open 363 days each year and our boats run every 20-30 minutes until 3:30 p.m. with a final airboat adventure at 5 p.m. when our exhibit areas close. All tours operate pending inclement weather so please call prior to arriving if there is weather in the area.

GROUP ADVENTURES

We have the largest fleet of airboats in the United States! We can accommodate 150 guests per hour on our airboats!

We have a fleet of jon boats available for rent for fishing purposes. Reservations can be made online. Our store is well-stocked with beverages, snacks, and lunch items. Tent Camping is primitive and available for $20 per 4-person tent per night. Reservations are required and can be made online. Check-in is before 5 p.m. seven days a week. Special rates are available for Boy and Girl Scouts.

Last jon boat rental is 1 p.m. daily.

SHOP AND DINE

On your way to our exhibit areas, stop by  The Gator Grill , our gourmet food truck, to sample some delicious and made-to-order lunch. Using the freshest ingredients, our food truck offers angus burgers, pulled pork, and of course, tasty grilled gator bites. A favorite menu item is our handmade angus cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches! We also offer a variety of appetizers and kids’ meals sure to please any palate. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click the link below to find out more about The Gator Emporium and Sawgrass Gem Mining!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE STORE

If you love our physical store, the Gator Emporium now sells some of our favorite products 24/7 on our new web store! Since we are located in the heart of Florida, you can bet our shop will feature unique items from local artisans as often as we can source them! New items added weekly so stay tuned!

#1 FLORIDA EVERGLADES AIRBOAT RIDE

The airboat was fun and it was exciting to see the wildlife! We saw an alligator, snapping turtle, and snake out in the water and the alligator and turtle came right up to our boat. Our guide, Captain Disco, also took the time to educate us on the Everglades!

I always wanted a ride on an air boat and it was a great experience...the company put on a good show and it was an enjoyable day.. nice staff and we saw crocodiles so everyone was happy...they have a cafe for quick eats and drinks, also an animal sanctuary!

We enjoyed the 30 min Airboat ride but also a visit to the reptile and wildlife area at the park. Captain Disco was friendly and informative. We got to see 2 gators. A good short tour and worthwhile experience when you are in the area.

Exceeded my expectations. We were lucky enough to see some alligators but even if we didn’t I still would’ve enjoyed the tour. Learning about the history, present and future plans for the Everglades was so interesting.

The trip was the perfect amount of time (30mins). We were able to see one alligator on our trip. The captain was knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. We also enjoyed the reptile zoo after the boat tour and were able to pet a baby alligator. Something different and fun to do for the whole family.

What an amazing adventure. I have been on many airboats in the Everglades but the adventure at night is very different. Saw many many gators. Guide was wonderful!

It's true you may not see wildlife depending on the time of day or the time of year but the boar ride itself is not only entertaining and pleasant overall the guides are very knowledgeable and informative. Don't go on a rainy or extremely hot day and I highly recommend the Gator Nights tours. The photo souvenirs are reasonably priced, staff is friendly, good food at the food truck, and the homes they have provided for unreturnable to the wild animals is sweet the caretakers love the like pets. Good for kids, ask about the annual pass for residents.

We were absolutely happy about our time at Sawgrass Recreation! Check in was easy, and Captain Lauderdale was fabulous! We saw 4 alligators and got a great education on the birds and other animals in the area. Well worth the price of a private tour!

Recent Customer Footage

Fall Discount: 10% off ALL TOURS.

Discover The

Welcome to everglades airboat expeditions.

We would like to invite you to climb aboard one of our touring airboats and take off for the ride of your life on an Everglades Tour in Miami!

Our goal is to leave you in awe, with memories that will last a lifetime of this breathtaking wonderland we call the Florida Everglades, of the wildlife you encountered and the knowledge you walked away with while on one of our Miami Everglades airboat rides.

Adventure Awaits

Ready to embark across the largest continuous sawgrass prairIe in north america?

Semi-Private Tours

1 HOUR / 15 MILES OF EVERGLADES

Private Tours

1 - 2 Hours / 15+ MILES OF EVERGLADES

Sunrise + Sunset Tours

1 - 2 HOURs / SEASONAL

THE 10 BEST Everglades City Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in everglades city.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Speed Boats Tours
• Water Sports
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Smallwood Store
• Miccosukee Indian Village
• Everglades Area Tours
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour

2. 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour

3. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

4. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

5. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

6. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

7. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

8. 3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour

9. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

10. Everglades Guided Kayak Tour

11. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

12. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

13. 10,000 Islands Boat Excursion - 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour

14. Everglades Kayak & Canoe Rentals

15. Full Day Everglades Combo Motorboat Eco and Kayak Tour

16. Marco Island Mangrove Tunnel and Maze Adventure Small group size

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour up to 12 people

Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing and Shelling Tour

Eco Shelling Cruise to Keewaydin Island

Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion

Kayak Tour Adventure Marco Island and Naples Florida

Drive your Own 2 Seat Fun Go Cat Boat from Collier-Seminole Park

Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour

Gulf of Mexico Sunset Cruise from Naples

1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

Best of Marco Island Tour

Backwater Adventure's CraigCat Tours of the 10,000 Islands

What travelers are saying.

• Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour
• Everglades 3 Hour Kayak Eco Tour
• Full Day Everglades Combo Motorboat Eco and Kayak Tour
• Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels
• Everglades Guided Kayak Tour
• Down South Airboat Tours
• Native Tours & Fishing Charters
• Everglades Florida Adventures
• Tour The Glades - Private Wildlife Tours
• Shurr Adventures Everglades
• Jenny's Eco Everglades Wilderness Tours
• Everglades City Airboat Tours
• Speedy's Airboat Tours
• Everglades Backcountry Experience with Capt. Rodney Raffield

The Complete Guide to visiting Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Florida attracting 1 million visitors each year, according to the National Park Service . Tourists and local outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Everglades tours and explore the park from nine different entry points.

Also known as the “River of Grass,” the Everglades is a detailed network of subtropical wetlands, rivers, and lakes that once covered over 4,000 square miles from Lake Okeechobee to the southern tip of Florida.

Today the vast, natural ecosystem is less than half its original size but houses a variety of wildlife habitats, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History .

This guide is full of suggestions on where to stay, where to eat, and what to see and do if you’re planning to visit this extraordinary marshland. That includes popular airboat tours, top hiking and biking trails, and some must-see wildlife.

The exquisite natural beauty of the expansive marshes and diverse wildlife within Everglades National Park is awe-inspiring. The Everglades is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America , a World Heritage Site , an International Biosphere Reserve , and a Wetland of International Importance .

You will probably want to study the Everglades National Park map to determine which of all the adventures you most want to have.

Where to Stay in the Everglades

Everglades National Park boasts multiple accommodation options. If you prefer hotel amenities, you can book a suite or room complete with a kitchenette at the Flamingo Lodge in Flamingo, which is 38 miles south of the Homestead entrance.

Everglades City has lots of hotels that are close to numerous Everglades adventures including the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel , The Captain’s Table Hotel by Everglades Adventures , and the Everglades City Motel .

You can rent a houseboat for up to six guests if you are looking for a unique place to sleep, eat and explore the surrounding marshy paradise. Houseboats are located at the backcountry marina at Flamingo, which is also 38 miles from the park’s main entrance.

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a valid boater’s safety card or certificate to operate the boat. All operators must also possess a valid Everglades Boater Education card.

You can book a safari-style glamping tent , complete with beds, fans, and electricity for that outdoorsy stay packed with creature comforts. Avid campers can enjoy Everglades campground living at Long Pine Key Campground or Flamingo Campground. You can reserve a wilderness campsite up to 90 days in advance. Walk-up reservations are not allowed.

Where to Eat

Sampling local culinary specialties is essential on any trip. Acclaimed Everglades eateries include Joanie’s Blue Crab Café for local fare like soft-shelled crab and gator bite tacos. Camellia Street Grill features scenic outdoor waterfront seating. Menu favorites include crab tacos, blackened shrimp, and homemade Key lime pie.

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand sells local and exotic fruits, and veggies. They also offer homemade milkshakes and smoothies. You can enjoy a delicious array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes at the Flamingo Lodge Restaurant .

What to See and Do in Everglades National Park

Visitors have unparalleled opportunities to see hundreds of plant and animal species in the Everglades – including rare and endangered creatures like the manatee, American crocodile, and Florida panther.

From airboat excursions and boat tours to biologist-led hikes, biking, birding, slough slogging, or a starlight walk, many exciting Everglades adventures await. Here are some suggestions.

Take a Guided Airboat or Boat Tour

There’s no better way to experience Everglades wildlife than out on the water. Naturalists and wildlife experts guide guests through the scenic waterways on informative and entertaining airboat tours and boat tours.

Aircraft-style propellors and an aircraft or automobile engine power an airboat. They are much louder than pontoons, kayaks, small motorboats, or paddle boats. Popular water tours combine dolphin watching, birding, and wildlife viewing in one excursion. Others offer separate boating and hiking experiences.

Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours) , Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat , 1-Hour Airboat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park , and Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour are highly-rated TripAdvisor Everglades excursions.

Go Hiking and Biking

Many popular hiking trails and biking trails wind through Everglades National Park. Whether you’re exploring the paths on foot or cycling, you may encounter a variety of wild creatures like alligators, turtles, and herons, living throughout this unique ecosystem.

Hiking trails include the Anhinga Trail , Gumbo Limbo Trail , Mahogany Hammock Trail , and more. Biking trails are longer than hiking trails, with some covering 15 miles. Shark Valley Trails , Snake Bight Trail , and Long Pine Key Bike Trails are popular routes.

You can take a biologist or ranger-led tour to learn interesting facts about the wildlife and ecosystems you discover on your journey.

Go Bird Watching

Over 300 species of birds live in Everglades National Park for those who like looking for their feathered friends. Warblers, mangrove cuckoos, wading birds, flamingos, and Great Egrets are some of the birds you may find.

Try Slough Slogging

If you crave an up-close-and-personal marsh encounter and don’t mind getting your shoes, socks, and pants wet, try wading through the “River of Grass” to find a gator hole or cypress dome with a park ranger . You must make reservations for this experience – no more than one week in advance.

Visit the ‘Land of Giants’ at Corkscrew Swamp

The largest stand of old-growth cypress trees on Earth tower over the landscape in the heart of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary . Known as the “Land of Giants,” some trees there are 135 feet tall and 40 feet in circumference. You can see these beauties and all sorts of wildlife on a stroll along the 2.1-mile-long boardwalk.

See Alligators, Panthers, or Bears (Oh My!)

For the best chance to see lots of alligators visit the Big Cypress National Preserve or take the tram tour at Shark Valley Visitor Center . You might also spot a Florida panther or black bear at Fakahatchee Strand State Park . Don’t get too close to these dangerous creatures!

You can experience spectacular sights, sounds, and wildlife wonders inside Florida’s renowned Everglades National Park. Once you start exploring, you’ll soon discover why millions of people make the trip.

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